It was an evening of fun as Nigerian superstar, Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, known by the stage name Patoranking, U.S.-based Rwandan artiste Meddy, born Médard Jobert Ngabo, and a number of local artistes, thrilled youth at the YouthConnekt Africa 2019 concert at Kigali Arena on Wednesday night.
The Nigerian Afro-dancehall star stepped on the stage clad in only white outfits, with three back singers, plus his DJ and band.
The award-winning singer kicked off his performance with his weekend song "Suh Different”, which got the crowd singing.
The concert followed the opening session of the summit at the same venue. Earlier, he had said that he hadn’t been part of a gathering like that, talking about the future and promise for the continent, something he said was the highlight of his career.
The performance was semi-live with the DJ supporting the band, but he did some songs live, like "I Love you Die”, his collaboration with Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz.
Songs like "This Kind Luv” and "No Kissing Baby” aroused excitement in the audience, prompting the largely youthful crowd to dance along. The ‘Alubarika’ singer then gave out his hoodie to a lucky member of the crowd before he continued his performance.
Being the headliner, his performance was largely appreciated, and compared to his previous performances in Rwanda, a lot of effort was put in this time.
Prior to his performance, Rwandan artistes had taken the stage to entertain the crowd. U.S-based R&B singer Meddy had enough time on stage unlike his previous performance during the Kwita Izina concert.
However, other artists, including Bruce Melodie and Queen Cha, did not have enough time as the concert was hurried because it delayed to start.
On his part, Meddy sang songs like "Slowly”, "All night”, "Inkoramutima” and "Ntawamusimbura” among others. Bruce Melodie sang a few songs including his new one "Katerina” and "Kungola”, among others, while Queen Cha quickly performed three songs including "Winner” before exiting the stage.
The show ended past midnight.
Local female singer Queen Cha also performed at the concert. / Craish Bahizi
Thousands of music lovers turned up for Youth Connekt Africa 2019 concert. / Craish Bahizi
Dancers of the Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer Patoranking delivered an electrifying performance. / Craish Bahizi
R&B and Pop singer Meddy poured his heart and soul into every lyric. / Craish Bahizi
editor@newtimesrwanda.com