Silverbacks Coffee
Our Culture
Rwandan culture is rich and diverse, rooted in the traditions of its people. For centuries, Rwandans lived in harmony and were united by their shared values and way of life. However, the arrival of colonial powers in the late 19th century brought with it a period of division and rule that lasted for decades, causing tensions to rise and ultimately leading to the devastating Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
After the Genocide, Rwandans came together to rebuild their country and their culture played a significant role in the process of healing and reconciliation. The values of unity, respect, and compassion that are central to Rwandan culture were harnessed to create a justice system that has dealt with hundreds of thousands of crimes related to the Genocide, bringing communities together for truth, justice, and reconciliation.
As Silverbacks Coffee, we are proud to be a part of this culture and we value it greatly. We go to the farmers, share whatever is in place, exchange talks and life experiences. We dance, love, and celebrate the Rwandan culture every day
Music & Dance
Music and Dance know no language barriers, bringing together individuals from all walks of life. It is readily apparent if you have ever been to a traditional Rwandan performance following a safari or gorilla trek. They are truly magical!
The Rwandan people have several musical traditions including Ikinimba, Umushayayo, Ibihozo and the most common, Intore. Performed in three parts, women typically perform the ballet, followed by the mens' heroes dance and lastly the drums, the intense beating filling your soul with joy.
Agriculture
One look at the lush hills in this beautiful country reveal a land that could grow just about anything. About 61% of the rich, dark soil is suitable for agriculture. While coffee is the crop we at Silverbacks are most interested in for obvious reasons, the country also grows tea, potatoes, bananas, sugar cane, corn, dry beans, wheat, maize, rice, flowers and a local favourite, cassava, just to name a few. They also grow Pyrethrum, one of the oldest organic pesticides used in the world today which has the best safety record of all insecticides.
AntiPoaching
People typically visit Africa for one thing... animals. Here in Rwanda, the gorillas are the star of the show. And we almost lost them. Were it not for ongoing conservation efforts, there might not be any animals left for all of us to visit. One of those efforts is the painstakingly endless work of the anti-poachers. Our founder, Tami, has been on several anti-poaching trips to see first hand what these selfless individuals do for the wildlife not only in Rwanda, but all of Africa.
