LOCAL tourism will hopefully get a boost with the first ever ‘Fans Hangout Party’ where some celebrities will visit places in Rwanda and mingle with fans. Organisers tell The New Times that it will be a recurring event. Emmanuel Mugisha, Managing Director of Karisimbi Events, says, “The main objective of this annual event is to promote local tourism by bringing different entertainment celebrities closer to their fans in different locations across the country.” The ‘Fans Hangout Party’ will include several activities like performances from different artistes, comedians and DJs, and also red carpet photoshoots as well as a silent disco. Mugisha reveals that they thought of this after years of planning some successful events. For instance; the Consumers Choice Awards, Service Excellence Awards, KIMFEST, Worship Leaders Gala Night, Rwanda Tour Promotion, among others. Consumer Choice Awards winner Emerance Bwiza will participate, and so will artistes like Kenny Sol (right). Net photos “By organising the ‘Fans Hangout Party’, we want to support the government’s effort in promoting local tourism since our motivation is love for the domestic tourism industry and we want to see it grow further,” says Mugisha. Celebrities who will participate include Consumer Choice Awards winners like Junior Giti, Bwiza, Dashim, Ndahiro Valens Pappy, and Papa Cyangwe, to mention a few. However, it’s not limited to them as they have others like Willy Ndahiro, Bahati Makaca, and more. The event is scheduled for April 1 and 2 at Kivu Park Hotel in Rubavu District, the commonplace for leisure activities in Gisenyi. Prior to the party, the celebrities will visit other places and tourist sites in the area as they meet fans. The ‘Fans Hangout Party’ also wants to promote upcoming talent and give them a chance to shine. Mugisha says, “The invited artistes are Kenny Sol, Okkama, Afrique, Chris Easy, and Papa Cyangwe. We chose these artistes because they are the ones who have hits that have been loved most across the country and we also believe in promoting young talent.” Organisers say that the event will happen every three months in different parts of the country. This means that there will be at least four ‘Fans Hangout Party’ events in a year. By taking the celebrities out of Kigali, they will get the chance to visit various tourist sites. Paying for transportation, food and beverages, accommodation as well as other facilitations will be an added value to the local community development, and hopefully attract other tourists via social media posts that will be shared on various platforms. Mugisha says, “This trip to Gisenyi is going to be one of the best local trips ever because we have made sure that apart from people visiting different tourist sites, they will also be entertained and have fun.” Entrance is Rwf5, 000 and Rwf10, 000 for regular and VIP respectively, and a table of six is Rwf50, 000. Covid-19 vaccination and test is a must.
