October has been a thrilling month for Rwandan showbiz which is currently abuzz with a bunch of celebrity news, gossip and big events that are keeping the Rwandan entertainment community on its toes. A lot happened last week, but ‘Twaje Fest,’ a festival dedicated to honour late Yvan Buravan, stands out as the main highlight of the week. The New Times picks other stories that made headlines in local showbiz during the just ended week. Bruce Melodie kicks off Canada music tour in Ottawa Rwandan musician Bruce Melodie on October 26 started his highly anticipated Canada tour with a sold out concert that attracted thousands of his fans in the country’s capital city Ottawa. The 1:55AM label star finally started his tour which had delayed for close to a month. He was supposed to stage his first concert of the tour in Montreal on September 28 but he was made to postpone to honor his contract with East African Promoters with whom he agreed to tour the country performing at Iwacu Muzika Festival. Bruce Melodie’s first show was attended by various people, mainly Rwandans residing in Ottawa and other partygoers who support Rwandan music. Ottawa is the first among four other stops that Bruce Melodie has on his Canada performance agenda. He will stage more concerts in Montreal on November 1, Toronto on November 2, and Vancouver on November 9. Buravan’s legacy celebrated at inaugural Twaje Fest The fans, family and friends of late Rwandan artiste Yvan Buravan gathered at BK Arena on Saturday, October 26, to pay tributes and celebrate his life. Dubbed Twaje Fest, the event also honoured Buravan’s vision of blending traditional Rwandan culture with modern artistry, a concept he adopted dearly when he launched his album ‘Twaje’ after which the festival was named. ALSO READ: What Buravan’s foundation means for Rwanda’s music industry The late R&B singer, one of Rwanda’s greatest vocalists of his generation, succumbed to pancreatic cancer in India on August 17, 2022, leaving the whole Rwandan music industry devastated. The likes of Jules Sentore, Alyn Sano, Ruti Joel, Impakanizi, Ish Kevin, Andy Bumuntu, Juno Kizigenza, Ariel Wayz, Nel Ngabo, Mani Martin, Mike Kayihura, and poet Malaika Uwamahoro were among artistes who performed at the concert. Gospel singer Manzi Music joins Moriah Entertainment Moriah Entertainment, a record label known for supporting various gospel artistes, has signed Manzi Music, real name Olivier Manzi who rose to fame eight year back when his debut single 'Icyo Yavuze' went viral. Under the new deal, Moriah Entertainment will produce, distribute and manage all music projects by the artist. ALSO READ: Meet first-rising gospel artiste Oliver The Legend Manzi joins an established gospel music management which has a track record of supporting big gospel musicians including Patient Bizimana, Aline Gahongayire, Richard Ngendahayo, Alexis Dusabe, Gaby Kamanzi and Guy Badbanga among many others. Papa Sava, Killaman top 2024 MAFF’s Iziwacu awards nominations Rwandan actor Gratien Niyitegeka, a renowned producer behind the viral YouTube comedy series “Papa Sava,” and Yannick Nshimirimana, alias Killaman are leading the way with the most nominations at the 2024 Mashariki African Film Festival (MAFF)’s Iziwacu awards. The nominations released on Monday, October 21, left each of the two top actors nominated in three categories. The awards are part of the 2024 Mashariki African Film Festival slated for November 2-9. The festival will take place at various venues including Century Cinema, Camp Kigali and Norrsken House Kigali. Platini P takes Baba Experience to the US After a successful Kigali concert, Rwandan artiste Platini P has announced that he is planning to stage the Baba Experience concerts in the United States. According to Platini, the tour will reach various major cities including Phoenix - Arizona, Kentucky and Michigan. More cities could be added to his tour roster if talks with promoters go as planned. ALSO READ: Platini P to celebrate music journey in one man show The upcoming concert follows Platini's one-man concert that took place on March 30 at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village tent. The concert attracted approximately over 3500 people.
