Rwandan music superstar The Ben couldn’t control his emotions as tears of joy rolled on his face during his unforgettable concert at the BK Arena on Wednesday, January 1. Dubbed ‘The New Year Groove’, the event also served as the official launch of his highly anticipated album, ‘Plenty Love’. With thousands of fans in attendance, the concert marked a historic milestone in Rwanda's entertainment industry. From surprise performances and supporting celebrities to exceptional music fan experience, a lot unfolded on Wednesday night, leaving everyone, from The Ben himself to thousands of his supporters who turned up to show him some love, filled with joy. The Ben dazzled the crowd with his electrifying stage presence, performing hit after hit alongside over seven artists he has collaborated with throughout his career. Among the highlights was a surprise appearance by Kenyan R&B star Otile Brown, who joined the singer to perform their then chart-topping track Can’t Get Enough. Otile couldn’t leave the stage without performing Dusuma, another collaboration with The Ben’s countryman Meddy. This marked the Kenyan’s first-ever performance in Rwanda, a moment fans described as legendary. The surprises did not end there. Rwandan rapper K8 Kavuyo took the stage for an impromptu performance of ‘Ndi Uwi Kigali’, a fan favorite featuring with The Ben and Meddy. Later, The Ben was joined by the iconic Tuff Gang, Element, Kivumbi King and Kevin Kade who delivered a great performance that made the crowd move from their feet to support him adding even more energy to an already electrifying night. A powerful performance by the Sheri Silver Foundation poured more energy on the concert, which had the audience singing along in unison. The Ben also delivered a cultural moment with Naremeye, accompanied by the traditional Rwandan troupe of Inyamibwa, blending his modern sound with the country’s rich heritage. “The way The Ben incorporated our culture into his performance was so special, and different artistes who joined him on the stage made sure that we do not have one artiste on the stage. It was hit after hit,” said Jean Claude Mugisha, one of the attendees of the concert. “As someone who has followed The Ben's career from the beginning, tonight felt like history in the making. Seeing him bring Otile Brown to Rwanda and performing with legends that we last saw on stage in the long period, indicates something good. All the performances were absolutely unforgettable. The energy, the surprises, it was a night we will cherish for years in the Rwandan Music scene,” added Clarisse Uwase, another excited music supporter of The Ben. In a heartfelt moment, The Ben paused mid-performance to reflect on his journey and thank his fans for their unwavering support. “You are the reason I am here today,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. He followed this with a moving rendition of Ndaje Mana, reminding the audience of the importance of faith and gratitude. As the night drew to a close, it was clear that The New Year Groove was more than just a concert but a celebration of music, culture, and unity. The Ben’s emotional journey, paired with surprise performances and his album launch, left fans in awe and cemented his place as a trailblazer in Rwanda’s entertainment industry. His performance of ‘Thank You’ with Tom Close left revelers in awe, dancing along with a feel good mood. It was that special moment that made the likes of Bruce Melodie, his music advisor Coach Gael, Afro Nation boss Smade and Tuma Basa all fling high in ecstatic mood. The show closed minutes past midnight (00:00).
