Saturday was not an easy day for any show to receive Television viewership on a night when big European teams like Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea were in action but it was not the case for singer Yvan Buravan who headlined Iwacu Muzika Festival this weekend.

Since the second edition of Iwacu Muzika Festival started in June, Buravan was arguably the first to receive more social plaudits than all the artistes who have performed so far, with many confessing that they had to put football aside to enjoy the performance by the ‘Low key’ singer.

The Prix Decouverte RFI 2018 winner knew the performance was going to be his biggest stage of the year going forward and probably, his only opportunity to perform for his fans on a big stage in 2020 as long as the country keeps in place measures against new coronavirus.

Before the singer showed up on stage, homegrown talents including rising rapper Dope Zilha, Poet Rubebe Bahati, and fashion designer Nadine Kanyana were given a chance to showcase their talent as part of festival organisers (East African Promoters)’ mission to give exposure to aspiring artists so they can show the best out of their talents to a bigger audience.

Clad in a black jacket, white T-Shirt and jeans, black boots and red and white head-band, an energetic Buravan introduced himself on the stage accompanied by his YB Band and his dancers some few minutes past 9pm.

He already knew he was performing before empty seats at the venue but the audience was following on Rwanda Television.

Coming on stage, however, Buravan performed as though he was before a crowd of thousands as he put in an electric and engaging show, often taking time in between songs to say a few words.

"Let us continue to enjoy the show as we always do, even under this new normal. I am sure you can still enjoy this performance while at home,” the singer said.

His energy on the stage proved to be a testament that Saturday’s festival performance was his biggest chance to reunite with his fans, who last saw him performing live in Rwanda during last year’s Liberation Day concert.

Unlike previous performers at the festival, the singer put in some creativity, putting up a culture-inspired performance as he attempted to impress young and old, from wherever they were watching from.

He was backed up by traditional artiste Joel Ruti and a traditional dancer who made things happen as the duo ensured that the singer was not alone on the stage as he fused a modern and traditional performance of his songs, right from ‘Just a Dance’ to ‘Si Belle’ and ‘Garagaza’ to ‘Oya’.

Buravan’s performance proved that he had prepared well. The singer took full control of the stage from the beginning and his band gave him a motivational backup he needed to put up an energetic performance.

Iwacu Muzika was trending on Twitter and other social media platforms as Buravan proved why he is one of Rwanda’s talents to reckon with. As he would up his performance with his latest hit ‘Low key’, he had all the reason to thank his team that made it happen.

For an artiste who used to do more than one hour on stage, it was a short performance given that TV time is limited but it was worth it. Even at the end of the show, people continued to talk about it.

Songstress Butera Knowless will be next to headline the festival on Saturday -the second female singer to grace the show after Queen Cha.

Fashion designer Nadine Kanyana showcased her collection. / Courtesy