Ntare I of Burundi

Ntare I Kivimira Savuyimba Semunganzashamba Rushatsi Cambarantama was the Mwami of Burundi from 1675 to 1709.^[1] He was a legendary descendant of the Ntwero family, and the first king of Burundi. His mother's name was Inanjonaki.^[2]

Ntare established the Sentare, a tribunal of judges to handle property disputes between chiefs.^[3]

There are two main founding legends for Burundi. Both suggest that the nation was founded by a man named Cambarantama. A legend says it originated in Rwanda. The other version, more common in precolonial Burundi, says it originates from the southern state of Buha.

To celebrate this great king, "NTARE RUSHATSI, The Lion and the Sheep" A critically acclaimed 2D animated short film about the life of King Ntare Rushatsi was created by Burundian director Nifasha Florian in 2019.