Burundi bans nonreligious music to mourn late president

The government of Burundi has announced a suspension of all irreligious music in public places during the period of mourning for the former president.

This comes days after president Pierre Nkurunziza died of a heart attack on the 8th of June at the age of 55.

Following his death, the government declared seven days of national mourning on June 9.

A statement signed by Prosper Ntahorwamiye, government spokesperson, said that music in bars, nightclubs and karaoke sessions were suspended. Mayor of the commercial capital, Bujumbura, Freddy Mbonimpa in a separate statement confirmed the ban but clarified that gospel music was allowed.

A position that governor of the capital, Gitega, Venant Manirambona also echoed. In Bujumbura, leisure activities were suspended during the mourning period. Only wedding parties, funerals and mourning wakes are allowed, he said.