On January 20, the rhythmic beats of Amapiano sound were heard at Antonov as ‘Crescendo Music Xperience’ unveiled its second edition, captivating music enthusiasts and establishing itself as a new movement which celebrates afro grooves in Rwanda’s music scene. Designed as a daytime show, the event is a bi-monthly extravaganza that promises to redefine musical celebrations in Rwanda and beyond. With its commitment to embracing diverse genres and fostering cultural appreciation, the event transforms into a vibrant spectacle where attendees, adorned in cultural attire, contribute to the lively atmosphere. Led by the dynamic trio of Platy Wanyama, Dallas, and Selecta Danny, the movement gained momentum with an exclusive Amapiano showcase, a genre known for its infectious rhythm that compels even the most reluctant dancers. It is a ‘You have to get up and move – it’s contagious!’ ALSO READ: How Amapiano won hearts of Rwandan music lovers At the venue, the DJs seamlessly transitioned from warm-up sets to the electrifying performance by the skilled Amapiano maestro, DJ Olis from Rubavu. His expertise in the genre added another layer of excitement, setting the stage for Tasha the DJ real name Natasha Umutoni, currently holding ‘Best Upcoming Female DJ’ from Kalisimbi event. The musical baton passed through capable hands, and Tasha skillfully steered the Amapiano fans through a thrilling journey, ready to handover to the mastery of DJ Platy Wanyama (Kabuhariwe). For nearly an hour, he engaged the audience in a fusion of Rwandan Amapiano, showcasing the local flavor that defined the evening of Crescendo Music Xperience. Since 2019, Amapiano has risen as a prominent African export, gaining global recognition. This South African music genre has witnessed a remarkable surge, with over 563% growth in Spotify streams outside Sub-Saharan Africa in the last two years, accumulating over one billion global streams to date. Much as Rwanda lacks professional Amapiano DJs or artists, the genre has permeated the streets and playlists, becoming a mark at parties. Notably, Amapiano’s influence extends beyond music, shaping style and dance, making a significant impact on Rwanda’s music scene. Major Amapiano DJs, such as Uncle Waffles and Major League DJs, have performed in Rwanda in recent years. The Amapiano sound, once absent from the nightlife, now dominates, creating an immersive experience at events. This shift is evident as Rwandan artists and DJs increasingly produce Amapiano, showcasing their ability to craft beats in this style and produce hits like ‘Kamwe’, ‘Tugende’, ‘Bana’, ‘Sawa sawa’, and many more. ALSO READ: Rwandan musicians jump on Amapiano, a music genre taking the world by storm DJ Platy Wanyama whose real name is Allan Tuyishime acknowledges that Amapiano has emerged as a unifying Afro genre, sweeping across Africa, and allowing everyone to revel in its vibe, be it in small gatherings or large celebrations. He explains, “We opted for Amapiano because we believed it would be more enjoyable, and indeed, it was.” Tuyishime suggests that Rwandan artistes should embrace this trend, as it aligns with Afro capabilities to create a global wave, potentially placing them on the world map. It holds a big opportunity to extend their reach and be heard globally. Encouraging a shift in nightlife habits, he urges partygoers to explore daytime festivities, highlighting the unique experiences it offers. The call is a response to recent nightlife guidelines aimed at diversifying entertainment options. Addressing fellow DJs, he emphasized the need to promote Rwanda’s music globally, recognising the substantial opportunity to elevate Rwandan music. Tuyishime also encouraged artistes to tour and witness the celebration of their songs in various entertainment venues, which will provide them valuable insights into their market performance and stage presence.
