2009: Entertainment in review

The year 2009 has significant seen improvement in Rwanda’s entertainment scene. The Pre-Kwita Izina music explosion Rwanda celebrated its 5th annual Kwita Izina–or Gorilla Naming ceremony–in June. The high point of the celebration was the christening of 18 new mountain gorilla babies born in Volcanoes National Park over the previous 12 months. However, Kwita Izina also included multiple other events in the preceding days including a cross-country cycling tour, a conservation conference in Kigali, and an “Igitaramo” party for the community. The official ceremony took place last year [2009] on June 20, featuring Guest of Honour Rwandan Prime Minister Bernard Makuza and several other notable guests including famed American zoo keeper Jack Hanna and South African musician Chris Chameleon. Also in attendance were members of the Rwandan government and private sector, UN representatives, conservationists from around the world, and thousands of local and international supporters. Miss Rwanda beauty pageant The first ever Miss Kigali beauty pageant, saw 18-year-old Grace Bahati emerge winner of Miss Rwanda beauty pageant on December 18, 2009. Bahati knocked off her 13 rivals in a ceremony which was crowned by the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Dr. Mujawamariya Jeanne d’ Arc, at the Expo Ground-Gikondo. Bahati walked home with several prizes which included: Vitara brand new car and a one-year contract with Keza salon. Miss East Africa 2009 Cynthia Akazuba The newly crowned Miss East Africa 2009-2010 is Rwanda’s Cynthia Akazuba, who is currently Miss Kigali. Alpha winner of TFP3 Alpha Rwirangira made history when he was declared the winner of the third season of East Africa’s premier music competition, Tusker Project Fame in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. The highly-rated young artiste beat a field of 12 contestants from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda to emerge winner after a gruelling 8-week stint in the musical academy on top, instantly bagging Rwf35m and a one year recording contract with one of Africa’s most famous record labels, South Africa’s Gallo Records. Gallo Records incidentally has done recording work for Alpha’s late idol, South Africa’s Lucky Dube. Alpha became the first Rwandan and the first male contestant to win the competition since its inception in 2007. Rafiki on the hook Known as “East Africa’s Akon” veteran local Afro-reggae star Rafiki Mazimpaka has for the third time been conducted by regional stars to feature in their songs. The 25-year-old singer and twice Pam Awards winner has teamed up with regional stars, the likes of Uganda’s Afrobeat singer Jose Chameleon and Tanzania’s self-claimed Professor Jay. Rafiki was this year painted Rwanda’s best Afro/ reggae vocalist by both his local and regional counterparts. Rafiki who won the title “Best Male Artiste Rwanda” during the 2008’s Pam Awards, was delighted that Jamaican born music star Shaggy recognized his talent and accepted to feature in his new song sent to be released next year. BRALIRWA Unveils ‘Turbo King’ Beer & celebrates 50 years August 22, Rwanda’s breweries and soft drink manufacturers; BRALIRWA celebrated its 50th Primus anniversary, at Amahoro Stadium in Remera. And in the same, the company also unveiled its new beer called ‘Turbo King’. Ends

Leisure

2009: Entertainment in review