The 6th edition of KigaliUp festival was worth its hype. The festival ended on a high as music lovers were treated to mesmerising performances from star musicians at Amahoro National Stadium on Sunday evening.
The 6th edition of KigaliUp festival was worth its hype. The festival ended on a high as music lovers were treated to mesmerising performances from star musicians at Amahoro National Stadium on Sunday evening.
With each artiste wielding a musical instrument, the American rock band, Quantum split, waxed a great performance - and set the tone of the show with high-energy performance and helped fire up the crowd.
The band comprises four artistes; Soleil Laurent-lead singer/songwriter, Adrian- guitarist, Ivan Hardy- bass player and Anthony Anderson- the drummer.
Laurent, 21, along with her band had an eclectic performance which lasted over 30 minutes. With her good voice and ability to play different guitars, the singer proved to be a versatile performer as she got everyone on their feet.
The talented singer was performing for the second time in Kigali. Laurent is also a student at Berklee College of Music in Boston, and is actively involved with the Life for the World School and Orphanage in Haiti- home to 220 children, and her music resonates with lives of people.
Grammy Award winner Skyler Jett, popular for his humanitarian and environmental causes, was the last performer on stage and was supported by students of Nyundo music school throughout his performance. The singer, who uses his music to advocate for peace, put up an energetic performance.
It was his first performance in Africa in the 50 years he has spent doing music. He performed songs which spread a message of peace, love, unity and tolerance, among others.
Throughout his performance, the former Commodores lead singer would take time and address the crowd on why they should heal the world, vouch for peace and love one another.
Jett performed songs like He’s a Better Way, Glory, Peace is the Answer, This is A Calling, Let’s Heal the world, to name a few.
The singer also surprised the crowd with a song that he composed for Rwanda, a moment that got everyone sing along and dance.
"This is my very first time performing in Africa, but I am so much excited. My kind of music is way different from today’s most music; the uniqueness I am talking about is the message that lies within. I want to influence peoples’ lives, we need peace, we need to heal the world, and this is what characterised my performance,” said Skyler Jett after his performance.
Among the artistes who crowned the music festival, was Cameroonian songbird and guitarist, KareyceFotso, who wowed the crowd with her powerful voice.
Sunday’s show started at 1pm with local artistes, including Danny Vumbi and Christopher, also performing.Vumbi performed his famous tracks Ni Danger, Baragowe and Ni uwacu, before paving way for the R&B singer Christopher in Habona, Abasitari, Ndabyemeye and Agatima.
Apart from the music, the 6th edition of KigaliUp featured fun spots for kids and families, food and beverages stands and beautiful art displays, which gave the festival goers an array of options to choose from.
The two-day festival started on Saturday with American vocalist and a music professor at Berklee College of Music Joey Blake and South Africa’s One People band, among the main acts.
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