Hundreds of revelers turned up at the Kigali Arena for the Maisha Afro-European Music Experiment Concert where international stars and local musicians performed amid excitement, one after the other. By 4pm, the entrance to the venue was packed to the brim, which proved excitement among the youth for the return of concerts. Those who showed up late were denied entrance despite the available seats in the Arena. Organisers explained that this was due to the number of technical factors, “especially the free testing that was provided for a certain number, probably the reason they could all not get in without having done the rapid test,” according to Remmy Lubega. The event kicked off earlier than 7pm, as DJs Toxxyk and Marnaud entertained the crowd with their mixes. At 8pm, the event officially began with hosts; Makeda Mahadeo who was clad in full black attire and Arthur Nkusi welcomed Maisha Band on the stage. Maisha Band, which is a composition of 12 artists from both Africa and Europe, started with instrumental music playing with some amazing vocals, a part that entertained the audience as it began. Rwandan artiste, Deo Munyakazi joined the stage, playing the traditional ‘Inanga’ and ‘Ikinyuguri’ as he sang Peace in Rwanda, Peace in Africa, Peace in the entire world, lets all sing and live in full Amani. The hosts also welcomed the Ambassador of the European Union to Rwanda, Nicola Bellomo who welcomed his counterpart; Ambassador of the European Union to the African Union, Brigitte Markussen. Together they explained how amazing it is to see African and European artists sharing the same stage, and announced that many more events like that would be coming. We really missed going to concerts and having some party vibes. The best DJs in town and artists made us experience what we have been missing. However, the party finished early yet we were expecting to see some artists singing songs that we are familiar with. Said Pascal Karinijabo, one of the revellers. Speaking to The New Times, Lubega, one of the organisers, explained why they staged the concert free of charge. The show is meant for people to explore, experience and learn, it wasnt meant for commercial purposes. The project Maisha is not a commercial project, its an educational and cultural exchange.” “This is music that is formed out of diversity, where artistes from 12 different countries create rhythm with different percussion. The only language they were speaking was music which unites people, with all kinds of genres mixed together, he added. Nancy Mutize, a Zimbabwean traditional instrument player, vocalist and dancer of Maisha Band, expressed her gratitude to the Rwandan audience and noted that even though they had a very limited time for rehearsals, they managed to put up a good show. To my fellow women, I know that our industry is so tricky, it really needs a person who pushes. I ask women not to set boundaries for themselves. We are sometimes afraid because of financial issues, our surroundings, there is a lot of harassment, GBVs and all. So, you need to push, and push and push until you make it as a woman, she advised women in the music industry. Soumano who plays Kora, when asked how he found Rwanda and the way forward in relation to his music towards Rwanda, he replied, The country is very clean. Without forgetting how the reception is so nice. I didnt know any other Rwandan artist, but now the doors are wide open to work with any artiste who may be interested and willing to do any music project with me. Fatime Songoro, a Hungarian-Tanzanian Saxophonist, who started playing at the age of 15 added: Its not easy to do such a big event, but we really made it. Some women are afraid to try these kinds of instruments, but the only secret in it is to just get out of their comfort zone and try it. Like, listen to their talents and what they like then go for it like the way I did. Maisha Band wowed the audience with their performances. Cherif Soumano. Fatime Songoro. Rwandas Deo Munyakazi performed alongside Nancy from Zimbabwe. The audience was lit up by the DJs music.
