Rwanda's entertainment scene again created a buzz over the week with a host of local artistes rocking the ongoing presidential and parliamentary campaigns with electric performances rooting for their favorite candidates ahead of July elections.
Consequently, it wasn’t the weekend Kenyan model and musician Tanasha Donna expected to spend on her first time in Kigali while Kevin Kade is having a good time in Tanzania, the country of Donna’s ex-boyfriend Diamond Platnumz.
The New Times highlights some stories that made headlines in Rwanda’s entertainment world over the week.
A ‘sorry’ weekend for Tanasha
The Kenyan singer and model never minded hosting her first party before an average audience at B Lounge, Nyamirambo on Friday night.
Tanasha thought the second show, which was a pool party organised at The B Hotel, Nyarutarama, would attract hundreds of revelers. She had popular Rwandan socialites and friends Sacha Kate and Ibrahim Cyusa’s ex-girlfriend Jeanine Noach around her, with whom she was eager to put up a good show the following day.
ALSO READ: Tanasha to Kigali: What’s Diamond Platnumz ex up to?
But the turnup was even worse when the venue’s seats were almost empty by Saturday midnight. It remains unclear whether the singer showed up at the venue.
People in the events planning sector blamed the low to no turn up at the show on organisers who have not advertised the show to the maximum besides the fact that people were focused on election campaigns.
Bruce Melodie, Bwiza lead stage at RPF&039;s election campaigns
The ongoing presidential and parliamentary election campaigns are more than just a political rally as a host of top artistes hit the stages, creating electrifying mood among thousands of residents thronging different venues to back their favorite candidates and political parties.
ALSO READ: Local artistes light up Musanze as Kagame begins presidential campaign
RPF-led coalition and presidential candidate Paul Kagame continued to attract big turn ups where they were campaigning.
Musanze was the first to welcome the incumbent candidate on the opening day of the campaign on Saturday, June 21, before he and his RPF-Inkotanyi and allies shifted to Rubavu on Sunday.
And they are not going alone as a contingent of local top artisets is accompanying them to entertain residents.
The likes of Bruce Melodie, Riderman, Bwiza, Ariel Wayz, Alyn Sano, Eric Senderi and Dr Claude gave Musanze residents a spectacular show with their election-themed tracks while King James, Knowless Butera, Bushali and Francois Nsengiyumva joined the lineup of performers in Rubavu on Sunday.
After just two days of campaigning, Bwiza and Bruce Melodie’s ‘Ogera’ is arguably becoming an RPF-Inkotanyi campaign anthem.
Rwanda wins big at continental awards
Rwandan music industry witnessed a big win for local musicians who were celebrated at continental level.
Three Rwandan artistes were among six regional creatives chosen from a pool of 72 candidates selected on March 31, to participate in the inaugural edition of Africa Music Academy Awards.
Local music investor and artiste Jean Paul Nduwimana, commonly known as Noopja, Gakondo musician Sophie Nzayisenga, and rapper Angell Mutoni emerged winners at the awards given out on Thursday, June 20.
Mutoni won Best Song Composer, Noopja won Best Music Producer, while Nzayisenga was named Best Musician.
Kade in Tanzania, more than just a video shoot?
Musician Kevin Kade never disappoints in the showbiz space especially when he has a music project approaching release.
The singer was spotted hanging out with Tanzanian top model and internet influencer Jasinta Makwabe who was previously linked with a secret relationship with Diamond Platnumz.
Reports indicate that the model will feature in the video of Kade’s new collaboration with The Ben which he is shooting in Tanzania.
Director Gad is directing the video.
Ragga Dee, Peter Miles in Kigali
Ragga Dee and Peter Miles, two of Uganda’s top musicians, made their stop in Kigali where they spent the weekend since their arrival in town on Friday, June 21.
The New Times has learnt that the duo is in Kigali for a private visit where they attended a birthday bash of their friend.
ALSO READ: Ugandan musician Ragga Dee in Kigali
Besides, they are also exploring areas of investments for their music and filmmaking projects some of which they will be working with Rwandan artists.
Ragga Dee, 56, last performed in Kigali in 2018 during the Season 4 of Seka Live comedy series. He is well known for hits like ‘Oyagala Cash’, ‘Ragga’, ‘Mbawe’, ‘Monomonimove’ and ‘Mundongo,’ among many others.
Women celebrated during World Music Day
Rwanda makred the World Music Day on Friday, June 21, during which Volcano Fest and Indugu Studios held a Kigali edition dedicated to celebrating resilient Rwandan women in the music industry.
Various creatives gathered at Tugende Café, Kimihurura, for the event which was primarily aimed at promoting, inspiring, and connecting established and emerging female musicians.
Ingoma Nshya and Ikirezi cultural troupes as well as DJs Binghi and Itsdmnyt showcased wonderful performances to make the occasion worthwhile for the audience.