PHOTOS: Kidum gave it all: What you missed at the Soirée Dansante concert

Kigalians were Friday night, August 23, braced with an unforgettable night of zouk music, dance, and celebration as renowned Burundian musician Kidum and Rwanda’s popular Shauku Band hit the stage during the “Soirée Dansante” held at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV). The concert, loosely translated as Evening of Dance, was a vibrant moment of talent, passion showcase and cultural unity. It was organised by MA Africa, a Kigali-based event management company while SKOL Brewery, was the event’s platinum sponsor, particularly through their premium product, SKOL Malt. Concert goers were seated in an intimate table setting, both at the front and back of the venue looking forward to witnessing another live performance from the Burundian music icon who has so far staged more than 100 performances in the Rwandan capital. The concert kicked off with energetic beats of DJ Bisoso. Known for his ability to connect audiences with the past, DJ Bisoso set the tone for the evening of zouk by spinning a mix of classic hits, including some of Kidum's own songs, hinting at the excitement that was to come. As the audience settled in, Shauku Band took over the stage at around 9 p.m., drawing closer the crowd with their renditions of popular local and international hits. Their performance included mixed jams, from Sauti Sol’s “Kuliko Jana” to Bob Marley’s timeless “Three Little Birds”, as well as Diamond Platnumz’s “Waaah” among others. The band’s versatility and talent were on full display, as they would transition from Rwandan classics like “Nyirabisabo” by Ben Kipeti to worldies like “La La Long” by Inner Circle and more. Throughout the night, the audience enjoyed the refreshing taste of SKOL Malt, which was exclusively served during the concert. With its premium 100% beer crafted from the finest natural ingredients and no added sugar, SKOL Malt has earned a reputation for quality, winning three gold medals at the prestigious Monde Selection. The beverage added to the vibrant atmosphere, keeping spirits high as the night unfolded. ALSO READ: Kidum on his love affair with Rwanda The moment everyone had been waiting for arrived at 10:30pm when Kidum, accompanied by his backup singers from the 'Boda Boda' crew, stormed the stage, opening with his crowd-pleasing hit “Vimba Vimba, a collaboration with Kenya’s celebrated boy band Sauti Sol. The song, beloved by both young and old, immediately had the audience on their feet. Kidum is no stranger to live music, cementing his status as a great performer and crowd-capturer. His next song, “Kumushaha, was not only a musical highlight but also a moment of reflection. The Kenya-based singer addressed the ongoing standoff between Rwanda and Burundi, urging the audience to embrace harmony and unity, reminding everyone that the two nations are like brother and sister with so many things in common. For over two hours on stage, he delivered an energetic performance, running through his extensive catalogue of hits, including “Amosozi y’Urukundo”, “Intimba, “Birakaze, “Amabwire, “Nitafanya, “Amafaranga, and “Haturudi Nyuma, his collaboration with Ugandan star Juliana Kanyomozi, among the hits which saw crowd in a constant state of excitement, with no one remaining seated as he poured his heart into each song. Kidum was later joined on stage by Gakondo singers Ange and Pamela, and Jules Sentore just to add some vibe casually while dancing Amaraba, Igishakamba and more of Kinyarwanda dances. Sentore, who has enjoyed success in his own right, revealed that Kidum had been a major inspiration in his musical journey. The “Agafoto” singer revealed that he had mastered all of Kidum’s songs and performed them casually before deciding to pursue a career in music. Together, they performed “Kumushaha” as a tribute to Kidum, who was visibly moved by the gesture. The concert was not just about entertainment but also a celebration of culture, unity, and the enduring bond between Rwanda and Burundi. Kidum, real name Jean Pierre Nimbona, expressed his deep appreciation for the unwavering support that he received from his Rwandan supporters over the years, noting that their love never ceases to amaze him as the “Soirée Dansante” concert became part of his ongoing “100 Stages in 1000 Hills” series. The show concluded around 11:30 p.m., leaving the audience with memories of an evening filled with soulful music, powerful messages, and the unbreakable spirit of East African unity.

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PHOTOS: Kidum gave it all: What you missed at the Soirée Dansante concert