IF there is one night you must hang out and have lots of fun, it is New Year’s Eve. In Rwanda, there are various ways to celebrate the New Year – never mind your tastes and preferences. There is plenty in store to make sure you bid farewell to 2011 in style, and usher into the New Year stress-free.

Kigali is always happening on New Year’s Eve and do not expect this year to be any different. Jubilant crowds party as they shake off the old year and welcome the new one with lots of fanfare – nonstop music, dances, and spectacular fireworks.

You can celebrate all night long – the New Year’s Eve parties in Rwanda last until the wee hours of the next morning.

Here is a lineup of the New Year’s Eve Parties in Kigali and what to expect:

East African Party

The East African Promoters presents the East African Party at the Expo Ground in Gikondo.

The party kicks off at 7p.m. Needless to say, with very many people warming up for the party, it is expected to get very crowded; if you want to have a good spot – close to the main stage – be sure to be there as early as 6p.m. Tickets will be sold at Rwf2000 (ordinary section) and Rwf5000 (VIP section).

The party will feature several top local artistes, such as Jay Polly, Kitoko, Tom Close, King James, Riderman, Uncle Austin, Knowles and Dream Boyz. Canada-based Rwandan artistes Frankie Joe and Dady Cassanova, alias Dady Cassa, are also expected.

Equally expected are stars Kidum (Kenya-based Burundian artiste) and Flavor (Nigeria); both of whom have vowed to rock ‘n’ roll concertgoers into the New Year.

DJs Bego, Karim ready for Happy People Party

The grand annual end-of-year party, Happy People Party, is set for Saturday, Dec.31, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (Minaffet) Gardens in Kimihurura, Kigali.

This time, the party, famous for its fireworks displays will bring South Africa’s DJ Bego, who will play alongside our very own DJ Karim, at Quelque Part Bar & Restaurant and Sundowner in Kigali.

DJ Bego, a resident DJ at Club Hush (Ex-Moloko) in Johannesburg, South Africa, replaces Kenyan DJ Styles, who graced the previous three editions of the New Year’s Eve main bash.

Apart from being a resident DJ at Club Hush, DJ Bego has also played at the popular Big Brother Africa Party at Club Uhuru. He was also the man behind the wheels during the World Cup Trophy Tour at the Dome in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the Kora Awards opening ceremony in 2005.

The 7th edition of Happy People Party is expected to start from 10p.m till dawn. Entrance fee is Rwf10, 000; however, once you purchase a ticket through Tigo Cash, there is a 20% discount.

José Chameleon at The Manor

Ugandan artiste Dr Jose Chameleon will stage his end-of-year performances in Kigali at The Manor Hotel in Nyarutarama.

His first concert is set for today, from 6p.m, followed by another one tomorrow – all at the same venue. In both shows, Kitoko and Dream Boyz will be the curtain raisers.

New Year’s Eve Dining: Party at The Indian Chef

By now you don’t need to be reminded that The New Year is just hours away; that you need to make plans now if you want to celebrate into 2012.

For those who do not have plans for the New Year’s Eve, or would like to change your dinner plans, there is still time to reserve your table at The Indian Chef for a world of tastes and flavors.

The party is scheduled to kick off this Saturday at 7p.m and tickets will be available for purchase at the venue on the same day; at Rwf10,000 (single), Rwf20,000 (couple) and Rwf30,000 (family).

The menu includes drinks, cocktails, dinner (starters, main course and deserts), with great surprises. The DJ will be spinning the wheels to help you enjoy your evening time.

Ends