KigaliUp Music Festival draws crowds

Lots of food, drinks, arts and crafts to pick from and most of all great music that summed up the 2013 KigaliUp Music Festival which took place over the weekend.The festival which was held outside Amahoro National Stadium was characterised by great live performances by a line-up of local and international musicians to the extent that on the first day, by the time the last artiste HabibKoite from Mali left the stage, people still wanted more.In its 3rd edition, the annual music festival proved how it is quickly becoming one of the most popular music festivals in the region.With two different stages with strictly live music, the musicians proved their skills when it comes to performing live and the festival itself gives hope that live music at concerts will eventually replace play back and lip-synching.It was a mix of cultures as locals and tourists alike mingled to celebrate true music and you could tell people’s appreciation from their reactions to the variety of performances as they danced, sung and waved fluorescent sticks handed out by one of the sponsors Tigo throughout the evening.On day one (Saturday), Rwandan artistes, including upcoming ones such as Ricky Password, got their opportunity to showcase their talent alongside their regional and international colleagues. Different genres of music mixed with the likes of Alarm Ministries starting and Gaby Kamanzi representing gospel music while reggae lovers were entertained by RasKayagaof the Holy Jah Doves fame.RasKayaga entertained the crowd with his energetic performance of ‘Maguru’ while Jay Polly too ensured that Hip Hop had its fair share of the KigaliUp music festival.Day one performances featured Tolerance Musica, Lion Story from Burundi and one of America’s finest voices Joey Blake.Poetry also had its place with the likes of Angel and Eric One Key of Spoken Word, who was supported by David Nyasha and Shanel, representing well. Christian Rwirangira who once represented Rwanda in Tusker Project Fame, showcased his guitar skills while Dr Claude too impressed.However, Gaby Kamanzi stole the show performing her favourite hit ‘Amahoro’ along with ‘Neemaya Golgotha’. The elegant gospel belle shimmered in a single strap flawless ‘kitenge’ dress.After Gaby, Kenya’s Maia Von Lekow took over the stage belting out her political song ‘move over’ in which she urges aging leaders to step down and let the youth take over.The brown beauty also sang ‘Jikomboe’ before paving way for the arrival of HabibKoite and Bamada from Mali. The West Africans mesmerised the audience with wonderful skills of the guitar, keyboard and traditional instruments.The festival ended on Sunday.

Leisure

KigaliUp Music Festival draws crowds