I have gone to many parties around Rwanda, but the Rusizi party remains my most memorable.

We left Kigali, at around 10:00 a.m and reached Rusizi in the evening. I had gone with two friends, to attend a wedding at my landlord’s native home.

Too bad the wedding was almost done. But we were in time for the after party.  It was to happen at the bridegroom’s new home, just like the reception.

I am used to being entertained by cultural percussion and folk dances on weddings. The Rusizi party was different though, with a mega music system hired all the way from Kigali, to entertain the guests. The food was equally great.
Old men started gathering around us with several questions, eager to hear news from Kigali. The talk seemed very interesting for them.

The awaited dance was opened by the Master of Ceremony (MC) with a ‘special dedication song’ for all the organizers and people who had participated in activities at the wedding.

Most of them danced barefooted, in gum boots or plastic sandals. The sound was classic though, with a mediocre deejay who mainly played local hits.

After taking several rounds of the local brew, I joined the already friendly locals on the dance floor. I remember grubbing the microphone to rap and jumping into the crowds, just like a superstar.

The local teens however got envious when many girls gathered around my Kigali colleagues. Later, we disappeared to our beds after the girls informed us about the teens’ plot of beating us.

I woke up late the following morning. Some of the girls from the dance were waiting in the living room to bid us farewell. I wished I could stay a little longer, but sorry it was time to catch our return bus.

Ends