THE last edition of Kigali Jazz Junction for 2017 last Friday proved that the monthly show has come of age.

It attracted a record attendance and featured legendary musician Masamba Intore and Canada-based Rwandan fast rising star Neza.

The duo, helped by Neptunez Band brought down the house at the colourfully decorated final edition of Kigali Jazz Junction at Kigali Serena Hotel.

The Jazz night attracted hundreds of party goers to end the year on a high. Remy Lubega, the RG Consult CEO, who is the brain behind the seasonal Jazz concept in Kigali, appreciated the support from all partners without which the event wouldn’t be a success.

"We are now connected to the right audience that we intended to have, we had all the corporate personalities, like government officials, bankers members from the private sector- thanks to quality music produced through the year,” Lubega said.

Tracing the humble beginning of the journey, which saw the maiden show attract just 20 people, Lubega promised that going forward the event will get much bigger and better.

On the record attendance on Friday, Lubega attributed it to the consistency of the monthly music show, which has become a favourite for music lovers.

Masamba, who performed at the final edition of the Jazz Junction on Friday paid tribute to the organizers’ excellent concept which has brought music closer to the people and at the same time bringing together traditional and modern music.

However, as the event wraps up a year of success, one of Neptunez Band members known as Lilian has decided to take a solo career and the Friday show was her last with Neptunez. Lubega sees it as a fair decision as long as she is ready for the challenge.

"Every year and a half or two years we have a band member who goes for a solo career, we get time to promote them until one can feel confident to go solo,” Lubega explained adding that it is always good to have someone grow and it also shows that Neptunez churns out great talent.

"People ask to join the band every year. Promoting talent is part of our agenda, we shall be unveiling new talent in the near future,” he said.

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