Last week’s Friday evening at Jali Club, Kigali, was tremendous! Of course it was not a regular one; the United Nations (UN) in Rwanda was celebrating its 63rd birthday. The celebration was flavoured with authentic Rwandan cultural rhythms. The songs and dances completed the native touch and style.

The band, led by Intore Masamba, played music that established the world-famous Rwandan traditional dance, (Amaraba), which has won several prizes during international cultural dance competitions.

Dressed in full traditional Rwandan costume, the dancers treated the congregation to a very unique entertainment, along with cultural dances as to each element’s origin, style and meaning.

The atmosphere was bliss, the ambience was unquestionably was peaking - the excitement was building up by the minute as free drinks and conversation flowed.

Though such big functions are normally associated with lots of speeches, the function was more informal, less speeches, more entertainment.

Minister of Finance and Economic Planning James Musoni was one of the few speakers.

Jali’s mammoth modern white tent was filled to capacity, as the crowd squealed with delight and shared lights moments. The band kept on the move with its delightful entertainment.

And for an all-inclusive entertainment event that was well below the going rate of others, the variety of food was impressive.

Starters and the buffet were of course available with the most delicious desserts; all patrons had their appetites sated.

The place, which was stocked with premium drinks, was certainly popular with those looking for the perfect beverage with which to wet their throats.

"Wonders will never cease to happen”, so goes a popular proverb. And this is exactly what happened, when two gentlemen, smartly dressed up in suits, were spotted punching John Walker with coffee. What a combination!

After the occasion had reached its climax, and people getting along well with music and drinks, the event was rudely interrupted by police who ordered the organisers to stop the music.

It was an anti-climax to a function that had gone very well. But no matter, the patrons were hardly disappointed as the booze continued to flow.

Jali Club is one of the latest additions to the changing entertainment face of Kigali. It is located in Kiyovu, another luxury residential area, a one-step walk away to the Serena.

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