Depending on how you see it, KigaliUp! is pretty much the only music festival in Rwanda’s capital. But that’s not where the acclaim ends; it’s the beginning, for public approval shows the festival, in its third year, has the desired appeal the organisers set out to achieve. 

But even roses come with thorns, so it is only natural that however peach the organisers strived to be, there would always be some hiccups. This page assessed both tales of the behind-the-scenes at the festival ... the good, the bad and the ugly scenes that were captured at the two-day KigaliUp! music festival held outside Amahoro National Stadium in Remera, last weekend. 

Great acts

You can’t help but applaud the KigaliUp! team for their efforts to bring down some of the music icons such as Mali’s HabibKoite and Bamada, Kenyan diva MA IA, Joey Blake from USA, Tony Osanah from Argentina and Nicole Musoni to grace the festival.  Of course, even our own musicians got the opportunity to showcase their talent and indeed they didn’t disappoint. Nice work.

Sound, stage and lighting

The sound and lighting have always failed most event organisers in Kigali. However, during the KigaliUp! festival, every instrument and word released by the entertainers was out and clear. There were few cases of sound blurs but we got to forgive the technicians.

Two stages

Having two stages at a festival might get sound revellers confused as they can’t be at two stages at the same time especially when two of their favourite artistes are performing. On the other hand, the two stages at KigaliUp! managed to reduce numbers at both stages, giving room for some of revellers to dance as much as they could. 

Food and beverages

It’s always hard to serve food and drinking to thousands of people, especially if you’re going to serve them alcohol. Bringing together restaurants and bars from across the country was a good idea and it made service smooth and easy. Apart from Sunday when the beer tent was emptied (they re-stalked later), festival-goers will forgive that brief interruption in their ‘swallow ship’, for they got what to drink and eat when we wanted to.

Security

Rwanda is very proud of its security particularly on such events that bring together thousands of people. KigaliUp! Music Festival was no exception. If some crooks were lurking around, they probably left the venue lacking and cursing their luck. 

Introducing new musicians

Fact is, there are many talented artistes out there that we hardly know or haven’t seen perform. It’s during events such as these that we get to watch them and all we can say is that they surely entertained us. Performers like; Eric 1Key, David Nyasha, El Fazo, Don Nova, Tru D, Benny Black were a great surprise.

Live performances

Back in the day, most musicians we watched on stage only performed with the help of a CD (Play back). It was very hard to go to a concert and find the stage set up with music instruments. But time flies. All performances during the KigaliUp! Festival were live, including those of Jay Polly, Babou and all the new names we already introduced. You see, everything at KigaliUp! was well organised apart from a few things that we shall be at pains to remember.

Trash everywhere

Using paper cups and paper plates was a very good idea but, sincerely, next time provide trash bins where people can throw all this litter. Partying in a clean environment is fun especially when kids are involved, playing and running about.

Toilets

It’s not easy to provide clean toilets to such a crowd that has been drinking and eating all day but, really, try your best next time and get more toilets (movable). The ones in the stadium were in a sorry state and, to make it worse, men and women lined up to use the same toilets.

Unruly music group

During concerts like these where there are many performers supposed to go on stage, it’s always prudent for musicians to keep time. We are not in the mood to name and shame the groups that refused to leave the stage until the organisers kicked them off, but they should respect fellow performers next time. Remember, Police are always waiting to close down the concert when the clock ticks. 

Press/interviews

Interviews are not just handed to journalists on a silver platter. Typically the more well known a person is, the harder it is to book them. Actually, some journalists were denied access to the festival by the bouncers even after showing them their work IDs.