Quad City Arts Programs & Performances

Vincent Nsengiyumva The Vanginanga Troupe captivates audiences of all ages! They have come through the suffering of the Rwanda Genocide to become grassroots ambassadors for progress and hope for the Rwandan nation. They are dedicated to raise international awareness of Rwanda's unique traditional dance, song and instruments (Inanga, Umuduli, Ingoma, Icyembe and Amakondera).

Vincent Nsengiyumva (pronounced sin-JOOM-va) is a talented artist who was born and raised in Rwanda, Central Africa. He began playing traditional instruments and dancing at age seven. At age eighteen, Vincent began performing with the Rwandan National Ballet. He has traveled the world as a cultural ambassador for Rwanda. A frequent collaborator with Rwandan artist Samputu and the Ingeli Group, Vincent and Vanginaga performed in the World Culture opening at Lincoln Center, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, at many colleges, universities, festivals, church groups and communities around the world. In addition to performing on stage, Vincent is an experienced teacher of African drumming and dance.

Performances by Vanginanga include unique Rwandan traditional dance, songs and instruments: Inanga (traditional guitar), Amakondera (traditional trumpets), Umuduli (single string instrument), Ingoma (unique Rwandan drums) and Icyembe (traditional piano).

The residency is funded in part by the Scott County Regional Authority. Without in-kind donations by the Quality Inn and Suites, Eldridge, Augustana College and Lindquist Ford, the artists would not be able to reach the 7,000 Quad City residents they will visit during their residency.

Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to the growth and vitality of the Quad City region through the presentation, development and celebration of the arts and humanities. All Quad City Arts programs are partially supported by Festival of Trees, Quad City Arts Partners Annual Giving Program and operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council (a state agency) and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Quad City Arts also receives significant support for the Visiting Artist Series from the following: National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest/Performing Arts Fund, Iowa Arts Council, HNI Industries Charitable Foundation, Geneseo Foundation, Oscar Mayer Division/Kraft Foods, Scott County Regional Authority, Rock Island Community Foundation and the Rauch Family Foundation I.

Local car dealerships donate rental vehicles and hotels provide rooms coordinated through the Quad City Lodging Association. Performance space is provided by Augustana College, Redeemer Lutheran Church, and St. Ambrose University. Additional support comes from service fees paid by school districts, Parent Teacher Associations, service clubs and businesses as well as paid subscriptions to VAnguard. GENESIS sponsors tickets for the public concerts.

The Vanginanga Troupe, Rwandan music and dance

Friday, May 2

7 p.m.

Augustana College, Centennial Hall

Rock Island, IL

tickets: $12 adults, $8 students

available at the door or through the Augustana College Ticket Office, (309) 794-7306

Click here for a music sample.

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