The first edition of KigaliUp! Music Festival will kick off today, September 10, at Primature - Roundabout in Kimihurura, as it hosts varied ensembles and musicians.

Diverse array of artistes will showcase their talents, as they rock revellers at one of Kigali’s green, leafy parks, starting from 11am.

The entrance fee is Rwf1000 and Rwf3000, but children below age 10 who would be accompanied by adults will enjoy the festival for free.

From local established artistes such as Makanyaga Irangira, Sophie Nzayisenga and Holy Jah Droves, to internationally-renowned artistes Lokua Kanza, Mighty Popo, Shakura S’Aida and Juno-award winning Hip-hop artist Shad, this unique event will unite the Diaspora and beautifully combine traditions with new forms of music.

KigaliUp! brings the first outdoor music festival to Rwanda in a unique style. The participating artistes will present folklore and modern beautiful music pieces: Traditional, Hip-hop, Afrobeat, Blues, Rumba, Funk and Reggae.

Poets and comedians will also deliver on the sidelines of the festival. There will be a marketplace with African food and crafts, beer garden and family zone.

In bringing together urban upstarts, tradition bearers, and established international artistes-and getting them to improvise together on one stage, KigaliUp! was inspired by Canadian approach to outdoor festivals; their musical spontaneity, sense of community, and positive impact on their host areas.

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