None of the performers participating in the Trace Festival and Trace Awards, set to take place in Kigali from October 20 to 22, received any payment.
This was confirmed by Nelson Tavares, Trace's Artist Liaison, during a press conference held in Kigali on Tuesday, 26 September on the upcoming festival and awards.
Tavares mentioned that none of the numerous renowned stars such as Asake, Davido, Olamide, and others, who will be performing in Rwanda, were given monetary compensation. Instead, the artistes are expressing their gratitude to Trace for its support over the past two decades.
"We have not paid any artiste to be in Kigali next month for the festival and awards. They are doing it for the culture and to give back to Trace for what it has done in the last 20 years to promote African music on a global scale,” he said.
Asked if the non-payment of artistes is the reason for Burna Boy’s absence from the line-up, Tavares said Burna Boy’s sister and the whole team will be in Kigali for the Trace Awards, and that the artiste may also attend if discussions with his management go well.
"His sister and the whole team have been confirmed to come for the event. So we don't want to speculate whether Burna Boy will come or not, but it's on the air somewhere,” Tavares added.
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He also noted that Trace would have spent over $10 million if they paid all the artistes expected to perform at the event, which is considered one of the best to be held on the African continent.
Presented by Visit Rwanda and Martel, the Trace Festival will highlight Rwandan talent in a three-day celebration of creativity in music, entertainment, fashion, food, design, photography, arts and crafts, and much more.
Hosted by Dbanj and Maria Borges, the festival will feature Rwandan star Bruce Melodie alongside Sema Sole, Kivumbi King, Angell Mutoni, Boy Chopper, Mike Kayihura, and Tsonpa. Rwanda’s ALU gospel choir will also get a chance to impress as part of Trace Gospel Sunday - an uplifting gospel concert starring the world-famous Soweto Gospel Choir, Kenya’s Janet Otieno, Uganda’s Levixone, and South Africa’s Benjamin Dube and "Jerusalema” singer Nomcebo.
Tickets for the Trace Festival will be availed by TiCQet from September 29, priced at Rwf12,000 per day or Rwf20,000 for a three-day ticket.