Where to kick back during ICASA 2019
Thursday, December 05, 2019

Over 8,000 delegates from different parts of the globe are meeting in Kigali for the 20th International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA).

The event is the largest gathering on HIV/AIDS on the African continent, which brings together stakeholders in response efforts including policymakers, community leaders, activists, scientists and researchers, people living with the virus, pharmaceuticals, and the media, among others.

They say ‘all work without play makes Jack (or Jane in some cases) a dull boy or girl’. The New Times has compiled a number of activities in town that participants of ICASA can check out if they want to spend a night out and experience Kigali’s nightlife.

The City of Kigali is littered with a number of entertainment places you can visit and enjoy your night out if you want a memorable and fun experience.

For Thursday night, feel free to venture out at Inema Art Centre and check out the art pieces on display, and perhaps take one as a souvenir while enjoying the best music selection by DJ Marnaud, one of Rwanda’s top DJs.

From there you can relocate to Kigali Marriott Hotel and enjoy the Ladies’ Night Cocktails and live music by Neptunez Band while enjoying yummy cuisine as you wind down the day.

You can also check out a number of bars and entertainment joints along Gisiment and Remera, such as Fuchsia Bar & Lounge, which has a live band, as well as 2Shots opposite Kigali Arena.

However, for those who want to party and really experience Kigali, Friday is the best day to venture out. You can start your weekend with Kigali Oldies Night 80’s 90’s Hip Hop/ Rap, R&B, Pop music mix brought to you by JJ Club at Park Inn Hotel by Radisson.

DJ Marnaud. / Net photo

Particularly for participants from across the globe, Kigali Serena Hotel is going to host the Passport eXPerience festival on Friday.

Passport eXPerience (PXP) is a multi-cultural event where you get to travel the world without a visa, where your imagination is; your only limitation. Join us as you discover what we have in common and celebrate what makes people unique.

Hillsong London’s live concert is on this evening. 

‘The Friday’ party at Chillax Lounge will be a place to go if you want a special treat by DJ Marnaud, while for salsa and kizomba lovers, Radisson Blu is the place to be.

For the devout and faithful, the Hillsong London concert is slated for Friday evening at Kigali Arena. Get your ticket online via www.events.rw and feel the powerful moment of gospel music with one of the greatest worship choirs on the globe alongside Rwanda’s very own Aime Uwimana.

Tom Close will perform at Camp Kigali. / Net photo

Tom Close, a renowned R&B artiste, is also hosting the official launch of Rwanda Showbiz Journalists Forum (RSJF) at KCEV (former Camp Kigali) and a long list of Rwanda’s top local artistes like Bruce Melodie, Fireman, Yvery, Riderman, P Fla, Uncle Austin, Andy Bumuntu, Alyn Sano, and Ruti Joel are expected to hit the stage with great live performances. Anita Pendo will be behind the decks as the event’s exclusive DJ.

In case you need some more entertainment after the ICASA Conference, Saturday gives you an ideal evening for clubbing. Check out Envy Club and New Cadillac Night Club as well as People Night Club which is closer to the venue.

Choma’d Bar & Grill. / Net photo

For meat and cocktail lovers, Choma’d Bar & Grill is the place to be if you want to enjoy a great ‘Happy Hour and Barbecue’ between 4pm to 8pm.