The past few days were proof that Rwanda’s creative industry is on the rise.

Last week, Nigeria’s Afrobeats star Davido spent three days in Rwanda where he headlined the closing concert of Giants of Africa festival alongside Tiwa Savage, and interacted with his fans at a local nightclub known as Shooters Lounge.

Same week, Rwandan musician Bruce Melodie met president Kagame after performing at the closing concert of Giants of Africa that also attracted big musicians on the continent including Tyla of South Africa

Here is more that you might have missed last week in Rwanda’s entertainment industry.

The Ben’s father dies at 65

Not everything was exciting last week in local showbiz. Rwandan singer The Ben lost his father Joseph Mbonimana aged 65.

The New Times learnt that Mbonimana had been ill for a few weeks and passed away on Friday, August 18.

Davido, Tiwa Savage headline the closing concert of Giants of Africa festival

Nigeria’s Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage and Davido headlining the Giants of Africa Festival closing concert which was among the most anticipated events to ever be staged in Kigali, Rwanda.

The sold out concert with a turnout of over 10,000 people convened at the BK Arena also saw other performances from Bruce Melodie and Tyla of South Africa.

Sponsored by Spotify Africa and Drakes OVO, the concert will go down in history as one of the most attended events to take place at the BK Arena.

Bruce Melodie meets President Kagame

Bruce Itahiwacu, popularly known as Bruce Melodie, met President Kagame last week at the BK arena after performing for thousands of revelers who had attended the closing concert of Giants of Africa festival at the Arena.

Through his social media pages, Bruce Melodie said that meeting with Kagame was a dream come true, and that it's a big achievement for the Rwandan music industry in general.

"Today was one show to remember. One for the books,” the Rwandan musician captioned a video posted on his Instagram page after performing and meeting Kagame at the BK arena.

Davido to collabo with Bruce Melodie on a new song

Last week, Bruce Melodie confirmed that he is in talks with Davido to feature him on a song that will be out in the near future.

It is after the two musicians were spotted having a chat at a local night club known as La Noche in Kigali.

The New Times understands that Coach Gael, Bruce Melodie’s manager and owner of 1:55AM label, will sponsor the production cost of the song and everything that it will cost him to bring the project to life.

It will not be Coach Gael’s first time sponsoring a big collabo in Rwanda’s music industry. He paid over $76, 000 so that The Ben and Diamond Platnumz can produce ‘Why’, which is still among the trending songs in the region.

Davido interacts with Kigali-based fans

On Friday, August 18, Nigerian star Davido interacted with his fans based in Kigali at the new Shooters Lounge in Kimihurura, Kigali.

The ‘Unavailable’ hit maker was supposed to be at another local night club for the pre concert party, but decided to spent much of his time at Shooters Lounge, which is among the most trending new spots of Kigali, where he interacted and took pictures with his fans based in the city.

The event was hosted by MC Tina and socialite Joxy Parker, with the best DJs in town including Pius and Marnaud on the decks.

Tyler Icu thrills revelers at the Intore Sundays fourth edition

South African singer, DJ, and music producer Tyler Icu, who is among the best Amapiano DJs on the globe, put up a big show in Kigali on Sunday, August 20, during the fourth edition of Intore Sundays that took Place at ‘Atelier du Vin’.

The renowned Amapiano deejay, backed by Rwanda’s top DJs including the likes of Toxxyk, Marnaud, Kevin Klein among others, delivered a historical performance that many say would be the best since the inauguration of Intore Sundays.

Tyler Icu performed some of his Amapiano hit songs including Mnike, Suka, NGIMOJA, Buya Nini Among others.

He is among a long line up of amapiano DJs that have performed during Intore Sundays events which was opened by Uncle Waffles in May 2022. South Africa’s Soul Native’s, Pcee and Justin99 have also played at the event organized by Intore Entertainment.