As curtains fell on Tour du Rwanda 2019 yesterday, one thing stood out:–music and cycling is a match made in heaven. From different artistes performing for partners on road shows to "Tuzamukane” Tour du Rwanda concert, music was partof the tour from start to finish.

No wonder at the final stage on Sunday, Tour du Rwanda winner Merhawi Kudus and his team mates of Astana Cycling Team could not help it but dance away to their victory after the 25-year-old Eritrean won the first edition of the 2.1 upgraded Tour du Rwanda.

One of the key highlights of the tour was the Tour du Rwanda concerts in Kigali on Saturday, March 2 and Musanze on February 28. Local and international artistes entertained thousands of people during the tour, adding some entertainment flavor to the highly competitive race which saw Rwandan riders struggle to repeat last year’s winning heroics.

Artistes including Knowless Butera, Riderman, Dream Boys, Davis D, Igor Mabano, Ama G the Black, Sintex, Marina, Social Mula among others participated in the concerts which were free of charge, giving a dose of entertainment to the thousands who turned up.

This year’s concerts which were a partnership between local and international organization also served as a platform for free HIV testing and other non-communicable diseases for free.

The Global Livingston Institute (GLI), Skol, the U.S Embassy, the Cycling Federation of Rwanda (FERWACY) and other partners came up with the idea of the concert not only to introduce entertainment during the annual race but also use it as a platform to promote public health initiatives.

The artistes took turns on the stage in Musanze’s Ubworoherane Stadium and the Car Free Zone in town to entertain thousands of people in what crowned the ‘festival mood’ during the tour.

Dignitaries from the supporting organizations and government attended the concerts which will be happening annually.

Beyond the concert, several artistes including Bruce Melodie and Platini Nemeye got gigs with sponsors to entertain crowds wherever the tour stopped.

From Rubavu to Rwamagana, Huye to Musanze, the mood was merry as musicspiced up the competition.

Guest artistes performing.

Knowless in Musanze.

Marina excited the crowds.

Guests artistes from US performed.

Many people attended.

Marina performing.

The crowds were big.

People enjoyed.

The Governor Northern Province and US Ambassador to Rwanda pause with FERWACY officials.

U.S Ambassador addressing the crowd.

Up and coming sing Igor Mabano.

editorial@newtimesrwanda.com