The highly anticipated Friends of Amstel Fest finally took place on Saturday, June 24, offering an exhilarating experience to all attendees. From start to finish, the event was filled with electrifying performances and memorable moments.
Although the show was initially scheduled to begin at 2:10 pm, the opening acts didn't grace the stage until 4 pm, causing the excitement to build even further.
From 4 pm to 7:20 pm, the audience was treated to an array of captivating performances by the talented opening acts. The line-up included Shauku Band, Albert Rudatsimburwa, Dj Pyfo, Nubian Gypsies, Nep Djs, and Dj Brianne.
Each artiste delivered a remarkable performance, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.
At precisely 7:30 pm, Ariel Wayz, one of the main acts, made her way to the stage. Dressed in black shorts and a white shirt, she exuded youthful energy and immediately captivated the crowd with her live performance. Kicking off with her viral hit 'You Should Know,' she effortlessly transitioned into her other popular tracks, including 'Why' and 'Away.' A moment that stood out was her mesmerizing acapella rendition of 'Shayo,' which left the audience in awe. Although her set lasted a brief 15 minutes, it was filled with pure musical brilliance.
Shortly after, at 7:45 pm, the stage was taken over by Bwiza, donning a striking all-red ensemble. She began her set with the dynamic single 'Ready,' accompanied by her bouncer, who added an extra layer of excitement to her performance. As she shed her red coat, she flawlessly delivered her song 'Exchange.'
Bwiza paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Yvan Buravan by performing an acapella version of his viral single 'Malaika,' prompting the crowd to join in and sing along passionately.
During her time on stage, Bwiza unveiled the title of her upcoming album, 'My Dream,' which she revealed would feature tracks that embody her aspirations in the music industry. To conclude her set, she treated the audience to a captivating performance of her recent track 'Do Me,' leaving everyone craving for more.
At the stroke of 8:00 pm, MC Buryohe and celebrity journalist Bianca took center stage, engaging the audience and showcasing their impeccable choreography to viral songs like Ayra Starr's "Sability." Their infectious energy heightened the atmosphere, setting the perfect stage for Kenya's renowned DJ, George Njuguna, popularly known as DJ Crème de la Crème, to make his entrance.
DJ Crème de la Crème's set began with electronic tracks, gradually transitioning to the irresistible beats of Amapiano, a genre adored by many. The crowd went wild, fully immersing themselves in the pulsating rhythms. The talented DJ also seamlessly mixed in bongo flava tracks and rumba, ensuring a diverse and enthralling musical experience for all.
Next up was Ugandan DJ Roja, who made an unforgettable entrance alongside a captivating lady dressed in a jaw-dropping outfit that left many in awe. Beginning his set with Avicii's 'The Nights,' he continued to mesmerize the audience with tracks like 'Coconut Tree,' 'Psycho,' and a range of upbeat electronic pop music.
It's worth noting that among all the DJs who performed, DJ Roja garnered the most adoration. His ability to effortlessly blend electronic dance music, pop, Afro beats, and even his own impressive mashups earned him resounding applause. In a mere 15 minutes, he managed to play over 80 tracks, leaving the audience in awe of his skillful mixing.
According to the schedule, Ish Kevin was slated to take the stage at 8:35 pm. However, to the disappointment of many, he was nowhere to be seen. The disappointment was however, quickly overshadowed by the excitement and anticipation for Nigerian superstar Johnny Drille, who was eagerly awaited by the crowd. The moment he stepped onto the stage at 8:45 pm, the atmosphere exploded with enthusiasm, particularly from the front row where a group of enthusiastic ladies chanted his name in unison.
Johnny Drille kicked off his set with his most viral song, 'Wait for Me,' causing the crowd to erupt into a chorus of heartfelt singing. The energy only intensified as he transitioned into 'Believe Me,' captivating the audience even further. Closing his performance with his hit single 'My Friend,' he left the stage at exactly 8:58 pm, promising Rwandans a future show with a more accommodating schedule, ensuring that they would be able to revel in his music all night long.
While the overall show was a thrilling experience for all, some attendees expressed disappointment over the early closing time. As true party lovers, 9 pm was hardly considered bedtime, leaving them longing for more. Additionally, the absence of Ish Kevin's performance left fans wanting, as they had been eagerly anticipating his set.
Nevertheless, the Friends of Amstel Fest delivered an unforgettable night filled with electrifying performances, talented artistes, and an enthusiastic crowd. It served as a testament to the thriving music scene in Rwanda, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next spectacular event that will surely surpass all expectations.