After his concert in Stockholm, Sweden, on July 30, Kigali will be the next stop for US-based Rwandan musician The Ben, where he will entertain Rwandans at the much-anticipated Rwanda Rebirth Celebration Concert on August 6, at Canal Olympia. The concert was initially scheduled on July 3 but eventually postponed due to ‘unexpected circumstances’. “He’s finally coming to Kigali for the concert. It’s confirmed!” one of the concert organisers told The New Times in an interview. Organised by East Gold Company Ltd, the concert is one of the activities, both sports and entertainment that will be held as part of the ongoing celebration of Rwanda’s liberation, rebirth and rebuild process. “We chose to bring sports and music together to make the celebration worthwhile,” he explained. Some sports activities like football and basketball for veterans are ongoing in different parts of Kigali while more games like swimming, cycling and walking will be played on August 6, and the winners from each discipline will be announced and awarded during the concert. The Ben has cemented a big name in the East African music industry through massive hits like ‘Why’ which features Tanzanian music super star Diamond Platnumz, ‘This is Love’ featuring Ugandan music diva Rema Namakula, ‘Vazi’ and ‘Fine Girl’ with Kenya’s Otile Brown, among other hits. Organisers told The New Times that The Ben fits in their concert given his profile and what he can offer to the music enthusiasts. “The Ben is a big artiste. He’s actually a legend and he is the right person not because he has a big fan base but also as a musician who can help you spread the message you want to share with the audience.” According to organisers, the singer was picked as the main act for the concert an artiste who represents Rwandan music of the post-genocide music generation and a music figure who knows what celebrating liberation means for the country and its people. “The Ben is part of the success story that Rwanda is celebrating after achieving liberation. He is one of the artistes who has witnessed a lot of what Rwanda achieved during the past 28 years. That is why we think he is the right artist that fits the context of the concert.” This the first concert that The Ben is going to headline in Rwanda since covid-19 outbreak in Rwanda. He last performed in Kigali during the 2020 New Year celebration part.
