Kigali city came alive on Sunday night with fireworks, music and dancing setting the stage for the Pan-African Dance Festival.

The long awaited cultural festival, also known as FESPAD rocked the city as thousands turned up for the event.

People patiently lined up in front of the gates for their entry. Given that the tickets were being sold at a nominal price of 100frw, anyone who was willing to be part of this thrilling event would have made it, without ending up with a hole in their pockets.

In action were artists from different countries including the world’s popular musicians like the duo Brick and Lace.

Young and old all found their way to the advertised event.
Among the audience was our very own first lady Mrs Janet Kagame, and the spectators acknowledged her presence.

Top government officials to grace the event were the Culture and Sports minister, Joseph Habineza who was later joined by the Prime Minister Barnard Makuza.

Makombe Nikoshwa, a musican broke the silence that had fallen on the audience over the long waiting for the big performers.

In his usual sense of humor that makes him likeable to youth especially, Minister Habineza welcomed international guests appealing to all Rwandans to take part in FESPAD.

The minister asked the audience to remember musicians he called friends of Rwanda but who had passed away. Among them was Lucky Dube, whose sprit the Rasta men present attested to still be with them. The late Dube was a guest artist at the previous FESPAD here in Kigali.

Officially opening the event was Prime Minister Makuza, with the welcoming message on behalf of his excellence the President of the Republic of Rwanda. His remarks on the President’s message set the tone for the whole audience to enjoy the festivities.

This is when the he quoted the president "…if you can talk then you can sing and if you can walk then you can dance…” Precisely what the audience had in mind.

The fireworks sent the crowd into a frenzy when they exploded into the air in all colours and shapes.

However the favourites of the night were Brick and Lace- Jamaica’s super stars from Kingston city, commonly known for their "Love is wicked” song.

Proudly in Rwanda, the two sisters on stage entertained the audience. Dressed in silver clothes, Brick and Lace made every one ecstatic as they screamed in anticipation for the performance that was just seconds away.

With their songs and some of other super stars, such as Alicia Keys’ "No One”, 2face’s "African Queen” and Beyonce’s "Irreplaceable”, the crowd either danced or sang.

Later the song was played in full swing with every stroke and style, some of the people shouted "we love you, we love you” and some moved up the stage to show their style of dance too. The show ended with a smile on the face of everyone who attended.

Ends