Thais Diarra and her band put up a spirited performance during the KigaliUp SoundCheck show on Saturday night at Hôtel des Mille Collines.

Exclusive interview with Thais Diarra in Kigali.

The Swiss diva with roots in Mali treated music lovers to her sweet vocals in French, English and Bambara from Mali.

Her stunning vocals cut through the souls of the people who turned up for the show. Diarra’s diverse background comes with a mix of music from different countries where she has lived to blend a palpable afro-soul experience.

"I am proud of being an African and I must show that to the world. That is why I am dressed in kitenge, which is a unique outfit for Africans,” Diarra told The New Times.

She performed her hit tracks- Africa dieye, who I am, Afro soul, Thais ne na, and Mali, among others, before leaving the stage for Senegalese Kora maestro, Cissoko Noumoucounda, who wrapped up the show with traditional kora instrumentals that moved the charged crowd and left them begging for more.

"Thais and Cissoko are extremely talented. I wish we can dance till morning,” said Leah Staples, one of the concert goers.

The stars said that they were surprised by Rwanda’s love for their music.

"We were not expecting to have such reaction from attendees because it is our first time to perform in Rwanda. It was really a surprise to see them singing along, as well as dancing, with us,” said Cissoko.

"We will definitely come back to Rwanda and have more fun with these amazing music lovers,” he added.

Mico band opened the concert at 6:30 pm. The talented local musicians sang a medley of songs by Bruno Mars, Angelique Kidjo, and P. Square.

Diarra and her band are expected to perform in Zanzibar, where she will feature as part of the main programme of the Sauti za Busara festival in Zanzibar starting today until February 12.

The KigaliUp SoundCheck was organised as part of preparations for the 5th edition of KigaliUp festival scheduled to take place from July 17 to 19, at Amahoro stadium’s main parking lot.