It’s been a long week full of buzzing celebrity news, gossips and big concerts.
The talk of the week in town was all about the new Intellectual Property law that which raised concerns among Rwandan creatives. And, while, Israel Mbonyi cemented his status as one of East Africa’s best gospel musicians, Rwanda’s finest rappers Riderman and Bulldogg reminded the rap community that Hip Hop is alive with a great show at Icyumba cy’Amategeko concert.
The New Times picked some of the stories that made headlines in local showbiz over the week.
Israel Mbonyi’s historic Uganda tour
Rwandan gospel music sensation Israel Mbonyi is living arguably his best moments of his career as his current music tour continues to make rounds of headlines in the reagion.
Mbonyi put up two historical shows in Uganda during his maiden trip in the country. He first wowed over 15,000 worshipers at Lugogo Cricket Oval, Kampala on Friday night, August 23 before shutting down Mbarara with another electric performance on Sunday.
It is fair to say that the musician's decision to sing in other languages including English and Swahili has expanded his ministry’s reach.
His musical trip to Uganda comes days after another tour in Kenya where he also staged a concert that attracted thousands of revelers including top government officials and celebrities. The success of the concerts has had the internet buzzing.
Unforgettable weekend of Hip Hop
The eagerly awaited rap concert headlined by industry favorites Riderman and Bulldogg finally took center stage on Saturday at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village and fans turned out to fill the venue in full capacity.
One of the biggest highlights of the night was the moment Rwandans saw Tuff Gang reunited on again as they shared their old good days in a performance during which they paid tribute to their late crew member Jay Polly.
In Icyumba cy’Amategeko concert, Hip Hop regained its place in the hearts of Rwandan music enthusiasts.
New IP law sparks divided opinions, government weighs in
After numerous claims raised by players in Rwanda’s creative industry, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Youth and Arts Sandrine Umutoni said that the new Intellectual Property law, which sparked endless debates on social media, will not take away intellectual property rights over works they lawfully created.
Umutoni said that institutions which draft, approve and enforce these laws will soon provide more insights into the specific contexts, origins, and interpretations for the articles, including those required by international treaties, to which Rwanda is subject.
The debate attracted attention of big Rwandan musicians including the likes of Massamba Intore, Tom Close and Rwanda Music Federation president Intore Tuyisenge among many others who shared the same sentiments that the new IP law might halt the progress of Rwanda’s music industry.