‘I am Kigali’ festival impresses despite downpour

Despite the Saturday afternoon downpour, ‘I am Kigali’ Festival was impressive. Although the rain affected the turn up, musicians who performed did not disappoint those who turned up. The event was initially supposed to take place outside Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) headquarters in Kimihurura but the organisers moved it into the auditorium when the downpour intensified. The event kicked off with performances by Moutcho Band and Burundian refugee drummers from Mahama Camp, who were the first to entertain revellers at the festival. Urban Boys performing. / Courtesy The event was later moved back to the outdoor setting after the rain stopped, although the turn up still remained low. Despite time restrictions, the performers still managed to impress the audience with their thrilling performances. Veteran guitarist Makanyaga captivated the audience with his acoustic renditions of his classic songs including Rubanda, Gikundiro, and Garuka Suzanna. Makumbi Sound and Chile’s Tito Al’s trio gave fantastic jazz performances while spoken word artiste Eric One Key together with Inanga player Deo Munyakazi gave an outstanding performance of poetry. Burundian drummers. / Courtesy Musician Andy Bumuntu and rapper J-Dub did not also disappoint as they gave the audience a performance to remember. Organised by the International Organisation of Migrants (IOM) and Impact Hub Kigali, the ‘I am Kigali’ festival was aimed at celebrating the cultural diversity of the growing city as well as commemorate the lost lives of migrants, and those who struggle for a better life. An art piece of I am Kigali. / Courtesy The festival was crowned by music group Urban Boys which got the audience to dance to their songs including My Rwanda, WampoyeIki, yawe and SoromaNsorome. The festival ended at 10PM. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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‘I am Kigali’ festival impresses despite downpour