ORGANISERS were left disappointed when Christmas festival ‘Wave Music Fest’ was cancelled due to circumstances associated with persisting covid-19 crisis that forced the government to impose temporary ban on festivals, among other entertainment events in December to avoid the spread of the Omicron variant.
The audience thought they had found, in the festival, a perfect occasion to celebrate Christmas with their friends and families but the variant left organisers with no choice but to postpone the event.
Organised by Showmakers, the festival now returns next week, from February 12-13, with a different concept to help Kigali music lovers, especially couples, to celebrate Valentine's Day in style.
"Covid-19 messed up and shows were cancelled. And since it is the very first show that is going to happen post the restrictions, we are glad to have the artistes back on board and we hope to see their audience coming to support them in a massive turn up,” said Isaac Kagara, one of the festival organisers.
The Valentine's Eve show will see a long lineup of artistes gracing the stage including Yvan Buravan, Alyn Sano, Ish Kevin, Ririmba, Logan Jo, Davis D, Soldier Kid, Kenny K Shot, and Bushali.
DJ Waxi, DJ Phil Peter, DJ Ira and DJ Arnold were announced as exclusive DJs of the two-day festival while MCs Ange and Tino will be entertaining the audience and ensuring the festival happens in a smooth manner.
While R&B and Pop are among genres leading the Valentine’s music package for couples to celebrate the lovers’ day, organisers said they chose to diversify the genres before announcing the lineup because ‘romance has no limits’ when it comes to music.
"Romance is not defined just by RnB. Artistes have the power to spread their messages about love through their favorite genre, "explained Maximillien Kwizera, the operations manager at Showmakers.
The lineup comprises a number of new faces in music but whose music can spread love to the festival goers given that their music normally preaches love and romance among couples.
"We have put faith in new talents because they have music that can serve the purpose for the lover’s day while entertaining festival goers,” Kwizera said.
According to the performance lineup, Alyn Sano, Bushali and Davis D will grace the opening day of the festival while the rest including Buravan, Ish Kevin and Logan Joe will perform the following day.
"This event is mostly about celebrating ‘love’ and is specifically for lovers. That’s why the best couple in terms of fashion, expressing happiness and romance will be awarded,” said Kwizera.
Tickets are already available on sale online via rgtickets.com with one-day ticket for singles in regular zone now at Rwf10, 000 for regulars and Rwf15, 000 for couples while the VIP zone will be accessed at Rwf 20, 000 for singles and Rwf35, 000 for couples.
Two-day tickets are also available at Rwf15, 000 for singles and Rwf25, 000 for couples in the regular zone while the VIP zone will be open for singles with Rwf35, 000 tickets and couples who purchased Rwf55, 000 tickets.
To comply with Covid-19 prevention measures put in place, festival goers will, besides the tickets, be required to present that they have got at least two shots of covid-19 vaccines and a negative test result
People who bought their tickets for the canceled Christmas festival will be allowed to attend the show.