(MENAFN) Army bands from Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia performed for the first time at Russia’s ongoing Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival. Now in its 17th edition, the festival runs from August 22 to 31 on Moscow’s Red Square, featuring military bands from Russia and abroad performing national songs and dances.

The Zimbabwean Defense Forces Orchestra, led by Rutendo Mutonono, made its festival debut. Established in the 1980s after Zimbabwe gained independence, the band is described by organizers as a “shining example of national unity and cultural identity.” The Presidential Orchestra of Burkina Faso and the Ethiopian National Defense Force Marching Band also participated for the first time.

On Sunday, the African bands joined ensembles from Italy, Republika Srpska, the UAE, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Belarus in the concert program. The Presidential Orchestra of Burkina Faso performed an hour-long program in Gorky Park, playing both local folk songs and international melodies while dressed in national costumes.

“One of the most exotic participants of the Spasskaya Tower…we are giving you this wonderful music. Thank you very much for your hospitality,” said a band member during the performance, according to organizers.

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