The vibrant Ikaze Night Party set the perfect stage for the 10-day Ubumuntu Arts Festival, which kicks off today, July 19, at the Kigali Genocide Memorial’s amphitheatre.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the annual event, organised by Ubumuntu Arts Organization, has been a beacon of artistic expression and cultural exchange since 2015. The festival has also grown to become a significant cultural event in Kigali, known for its diverse array of performances.
Held on July 18 at Hôtel des Milles Collines, the Ikaze Night Party was a lively celebration of cross-cultural music, dance, and networking. This year’s theme: "Integrity: Resilience in the Face of Adversity”, honoured artists who have shown unwavering commitment and innovative spirit.
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Inyamibwa AERG ‘steals the show’
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the performance by Inyamibwa AERG, a renowned cultural troupe. Their captivating performance dominated the night, setting a high standard for Gakondo dance. Their commitment to preserving and highlighting cultural heritage was evident, making their performance a perfect reflection of the festival&039;s theme.
The Ubumuntu Arts Festival is more than just an event; it’s a powerful platform for expressing opinions, addressing important issues, and sharing universal values that impact humanity.
Hope Azeda, founder and curator of the festival, emphasised that Ikaze Night is not just an evening of entertainment but a moment for reconnecting and networking.
She noted: "We were overjoyed, experiencing what young people call positive vibes. Ikaze, for me, is more than just a meet-and-drink space. It’s for reconnecting, and reuniting, and a place where you find a collective of beauty, joy, and high positive energy. In Rwandan culture, it is our tradition to welcome all kinds of people.
"This is just the beginning of a 10-day journey that will be an amazing experience for people from different walks of life. This year is unique because we are celebrating our 10th anniversary. Our festival is a platform that embraces gaps and seeks to create solutions.”
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Performers’ perspectives
Annstella Wanjiru, an artist from Kenya who has been part of the festival since 2019, said, "The platform is more of an experience I feel every human being should take part in. I have seen a lot of growth, and a lot of healing. It is definitely for mankind because it aligns very much with my purpose for why I’m an artist. I am looking forward to many more years of experience with them.”
She noted, "I choose to be one of the performers because I feel Rwanda is a home for me, and I feel the festival is even more of a close-knit home for the artists. As an artist, I believe we are messengers and must deliver a message. Whatever I bring here is not about me; it’s about the people I’m giving the message to, and Ubumuntu has given that space for people to hear the message. It’s an exhilarating experience.”
Juma Kayondo, a performer from Uganda, shared similar sentiments, that it is significant for the artists to come to Rwanda to "share their feelings.”
"We’re here to perform so they can feel what we feel, maybe we share the same feelings.”
The festival runs from July 19 to 28, from 6 PM to 10 PM. Entrance is free.