Top 10 weekend picks: Art, music, family fun in Kigali
Friday, July 26, 2024
A christian sings for God during a praise and worship session in a past gospel concert in Kigali. File

With summer in full swing, Kigali is buzzing with a variety of events this weekend. To help you navigate the options, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 places to check out.

Whether you’re interested in prayer, art, activities for kids, or sports, we’ve got you covered. Explore our picks and make the most of the hot weekend ahead.

Worship Convergence 1.0

This Friday, July 26, worshippers will gather at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for an evening of worship titled "Worship Convergence," centred around the theme "Jesus at the Centre."

Youth pastor Dr Barnabas Alayande will lead the event, joined by worshippers Laweda George and Joie Claire Ntumba, and spoken word artist Vivian Ofre.

The evening will feature music from Fortress City Music and begin at 5:30 p.m. at the RCCG Auditorium (KG 231 ST 4), opposite Petit Stade Remera.

Urban Friday Summer Party

La Cachette is adding a twist to the summer with their Urban Friday after-work party at Mundi Center on July 26. The evening promises a unique blend of activities, including a live cooking session with Chef B Zhou and Camille, a wine and cocktail bar, and an exciting axe-throwing challenge to unleash your inner lumberjack.

The party kicks off at 7 p.m. with music by DJ Lyynduh.

Les Elles des Jeux

"Les Elles des Jeux" is an exhibition that traces the history and role of women in sports and the Olympics, highlighting their journey from exclusion to equality. Initially barred from the Olympic movement&039;s late 19th-century revival, female athletes have fought for decades to secure their rightful place.

The exhibition honours trailblazers like Alice Milliat, founder of the Women's World Games in 1922, and celebrates stars such as Christine Caron, Marie-José Pérec, Laure Manaudou, Clarisse Agbegnenou, and Simone Biles.

Following the exhibition opening, there will be a live broadcast of the Paris Olympic Games 2024 opening ceremony. The event is scheduled for Friday, July 26, at 7:30 p.m. at the Centre Culturel Francophone, and entry is free.

'CHOSEN' Concert by Christian Life Assembly and Watoto Church Children's Choir

This Saturday, July 27, CLA Nyarutarama will host a major children's concert dubbed "Chosen by Him," headlined by Uganda’s Watoto Children's Choir.

Based in Kampala, the Watoto choirs are renowned for their ‘Concerts of Hope,’ which blend African rhythms, contemporary gospel music, creative dance, and storytelling.

These talented Ugandan youngsters, who have toured internationally, will join their Rwandan counterparts for music and dance performances at CLA’s main auditorium. The event begins at 5 p.m. and promises an evening filled with inspiring dance, music, and more as the choir shares new songs and spreads God's love.

Instinzi Party with Mike Kayihura and Kivumbi King

Blackout is bringing the Intsinzi celebrations of president-elect Paul Kagame to Kayonza with an exciting getaway to Falcon, Lake Muhazi. Tickets, including transport to the east side, are available for Rwf 15,000.

You can also get an exclusive Intsinzi jersey and a free event ticket for Rwf 40,000.

Revellers will also be entertained by the Target Band, DJ June, DJ Joe the Drummer, and DJ Higa & Rusam.

Izubaa Pop-Up Event

The 4th Edition of the Izubaa Pop-Up Event celebrates fashion and culture at Kigali Marriott on July 27, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Hosted by Izubaa, a luxury fashion brand that blends 90s French classic tailoring with traditional Rwandan motifs, attendees can enjoy an all-you-can-eat Brazilian BBQ for Rwf 25,000 per person and performances by DJ Pyfo and guest artist Angell Mutoni.

Entry is free, offering exclusive access to shop the brand&039;s merchandise, draft beer, and a complimentary drink.

Oldies Music Festival

After three successful editions, the Oldies Music Festival is back, ready to transport revellers to the iconic vibes of the 70s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. This nostalgic musical event is set for July 27 at Juru Park, Rebero.

This year, the festival also commemorates 30 years of liberation and the revival of entertainment in Rwanda following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed over a million lives.

Tickets are priced at Rwf 10,000 for general admission, Rwf 20,000 for VIP, and Rwf 250,000 for a table of eight.

One Community Gathering

This Saturday, July 27, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., head to Fazenda Sengha on Mount Kigali for the One Community Gathering. This bi-monthly event is perfect for meeting new friends and catching up with old ones.

Enjoy activities like hiking, zip lining, archery, trampoline, paintball, and horseback riding. BBQ and drinks will be available (no outside food or drink), and there will be music to set the mood. Bring a blanket and relaxed vibes. Entry is Rwf 4,000, with the event held at Bambou Terrace.

Attendees also have a chance to win a glamping staycation for two at Frama Eco Lodge on Twin Lakes, Lake Burera.

Urban Kids Sunday Water Splash Party

La Cachette hosts the Urban Kids Sunday Water Splash Party on July 28, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event includes dance lessons, games, water slides, and a sweet corner. Entry is Rwf 5,000 for kids aged 2-16 years.

Art Exhibits

- "In the Land Where People Bloom" by Ismael Kwizera will be on display at UR School of Architecture (KN 67 ST), next to Camp Kigali, from July 26 to August 16. The exhibit is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

- The Renaissance Group Exhibition opens on Friday, July 26, at Indiba Arts Space (KG 597 ST House 1) starting at 6 p.m. This showcase features artists including Moses Izabiriza, Willy Karekezi, Antonshi, Romeo Niyigena, Teta Chel, Mutesa, Eustache U, Art Mugisha, Fabrice G, Jemima Kakizi, Mucyo Mu, and Doreen Mueni. The venue is accessible via the cobblestone road from Kisimenti heading to Sonatube.

- "Blue Cycle", an art exhibition by Ethiopian artist Luladey Takele Teshome, explores how culture, history, and personal experiences shape our identities. It will be at Mundi Center on Friday and Saturday, July 27, from 11 a.m. daily.