After the government announced that entertainment, events, exhibitions and cultural shows will resume in line with Covid-19 preventive measures, Onomo hotel has opened a new restaurant and lounge that will see clients enjoying live performances.

Dubbed "iJURU”, the new chic terrace bar and lounge that was launched on Thursday is located next to ONOMO’s signature rooftop pool.

The opening was characterized by songs by Universal Music Africa artist Andy Bumuntu, DJ Bisoso and a fashion show featuring designs by Touch of Rwanda.

The lounge offers a panoramic view of the adjacent hills and is the perfect location for small intimate gatherings and private events.

Emile Nizey, General Manager of ONOMO Hotel Kigali said the terrace was revamped.

"This terrace has been existing since the hotel was built in Kigali but this is a revamped, rebranded terrace. It is a new restaurant lounge given a makeover, redesigned and given a facelift. It looks brand new,” he explained.

He said that the hotel wants to have a new atmosphere, new vibes going forward.

"The rationale behind redesigning is that we saw a potential in the existing structure. We saw that it could offer much more than what we used to offer and that is why we decided to invest more into making it into a very nice destination for entertainment to have a good time. It is a very nice location with a very beautiful view,” he noted.

The lounge sitting space has been given more extended area, he said.

He said this also targets the merrymaking festive market. 

"Obviously, it is going to be an entertainment destination. Some music as entertainment and live music is back in our lives. We are going to have a few things every weekend,” he added.

He explained that in conjunction with another programme by Onomo Hotel Group called "Africa’ Finest”- an initiative to promote and support African arts, African music and African cuisine- there will always be artists to entertain clients.

"We have local painters, local musicians and others,” he said.

He said that in a bid to comply with COVID-19 prevention guidelines, they are monitoring to ensure a safe environment.

"We watch the numbers of people to ensure spacing, enforcing really the measures that we could have and still have good time as it was recently lifted by the government. We have to improve how we are going to do it and make sure that we adhere to the regulations set so that we prevent the spread of Covid-19,” he said.

The Ministry of Youths and Culture in collaboration with Rwanda Development Board have issued guidelines to prevent the pandemic spread.

They say that entertainment, events, exhibitions and cultural shows shall take place in designated outdoor spaces, conference rooms, or multi-purpose facilities.

All venues must undergo all necessary hygienic facilities, appropriate handwashing stations with soap and hand sanitizers.

They say all participants must undergo temperature screening, wash hands or sanitize and wear face masks properly and also observe one-meter physical distance on the queue and seats must be placed at 1.5 metres apart from each other and tables at 2 metres apart from each other.

Participants must not exceed 50 per cent of the venue’s full capacity.

Singers and dancers should maintain a minimum of two metres physical distance between them while performing on the stage without wearing a mask and three metres between them and participants.

The duration of cultural shows should not exceed three hours.

It is recommended the e-ticketing method to issue tickets.

The venues must be disinfected prior to use and display notices indicating Covid-19 preventive measures.