Renowned Swiss-based musician, Thaïs Diarra, is set to headline at the KigaliUp SoundCheck series show at Hotel des Mille Collines, this Saturday.

Diarra’s concert in Kigali is made possible through the support of Foundation Suisa and Pro Helvetia for The AFROSoundz On Tour project (ASOT). The ASOT is a multi-city live music tour project with the aim of maximizing the impact and visibility of artistes of dual African and Western heritage on the African continent.

Eric "Soul" Karengera, the coordinator for KigaliUp SoundCheck series, confirmed to The New Times that the show is already lined up and artistes are ready to entertain music lovers.

Video: THAÏS DIARRA - Afrosoul sessions - Kanou. Source: maniOu'k K/YouTube

"Our aim is to elevate the quality of   entertainment to make Rwanda a destination for leisure, top quality entertainment and thus contributing to economic development and the tourism industry,” Karengera said.

Concert-goers will also be able to enjoy delicious dishes from a varied menu fusing African and European cuisine with the finest selection of wine, or enjoy perfectly grilled BBQ washed down with your favourite drink.

Diarra is a nu-soul singer born in Bienne, Switzerland. She was introduced to fame by her debut album titled, Metisse. Diarra is known for blending Neo-soul, Reggae and folk music from West Africa as well as delivering lyrics of love, unity and peace with her sweet vocals. After her Saturday performance in Kigali, Diarra and her band will head to Zanzibar, where she will feature as part of the main programme of the Sauti za Busara festival in Zanzibar from February 10-12.

The show is organised by Hotel Des Milles Collines in collaboration with KigaliUp. The performance will start at 6:30pm and the entrance fee is Rwf10,000.

Other musicians expected to perform at the event include Moyize and Kesho band (both Rwanda) and Senegalese renowned singer Cissoko Noumoucounda, among others.

The event was created as a platform to bring together musicians from different genres, traditions, and regions to create a modern and authentic sound through a fusion of original material drawn from funk, soul, afro, jazz, blues, world and traditional music.

Hotel des Mille Collines by Kempinski and KigaliUp are joining forces to create the ultimate destination for a world-class entertainment experience where music lovers can gather together to experience the KigaliUp SoundCheck Series which is quickly establishing itself as Kigali’s top gastronomic and live music experience.

This year’ event is the third edition. Previous editions featured Mighty Popo, Iyadede and Nigerian star BEZ.

Video: Thaïs Diarra - AFRICA DIEYE - feat. Noumoucounda Cissoko. Source: maniOu'k K/YouTube

KigaliUp SoundCheck Series preludes KigaliUp Festival, which is an annual international music festival, held in Kigali.

The 5th edition of KigaliUp Festival is scheduled to take place from July 17 to 19, at Amahoro stadium’s main parking lot.