German band performs in Kigali

It was an exciting weekend for jazz lovers as the Hamburg-based jazz band CNIRBS staged an electrifying jazz concert at Kigali Serena Hotel last Sunday. The band is composed of keyboardist and composer Matthäus Winnitzki, drummer Konrad Ullrich and trumpet and euphonium player Stephan Meinberg.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014
German jazz band CNIRBS takes to the stage. (Stephen Kalimba)

It was an exciting weekend for jazz lovers as the Hamburg-based jazz band CNIRBS staged an electrifying jazz concert at Kigali Serena Hotel last Sunday. 

The band is composed of keyboardist and composer Matthäus Winnitzki, drummer Konrad Ullrich and trumpet and euphonium player Stephan Meinberg.

Once on the stage, the band got the evening off to a graceful start, ending on a soothing note. Matthäus’ keyboardist skills were highly appreciated. The band did a swinging version with powerful routines.

The entertainers took a group photo after the performance. (Stephen Kalimba)

Meinberg, the trumpeter said: "It’s a pleasure playing for the wonderful audience and with local artistes. Jazz has African roots so anybody should be able to enjoy it.”

They performed their popular tracks Palinka Polkapops, Disco Girl, Sigou and Indy. CNIRBS later joined forces with Ben Ngabo, Mor Bass and Ibrahim Tam Fum and they brought the house down with energetic performances.

The group performed for two hours and the show ended at 9:45pm. Guests at the concert had the chance to buy the group’s latest album- Hey Kollege.

The band is on a tour of seven different African countries including Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa and Mozambique to promote its new record Hey Kollege.

The band delivered excellent jazz performances and left the crowd wanting more. (Stephen Kalimba)

The tour was organised by Goethe-institute.

Marcus Litz, the Goethe-institute director, said that the institute is planning another tour in February, next year.

Isaac Twahirwa, a student, said: "This is my first time to attend a jazz show. I like hip hop but I like jazz too. I notice a few similarities.”

The group arrived in the country last Friday and conducted a workshop with local artistes on Saturday, at the Goethe Institute in Kiyovu.

entertainment@newtimers.co.rw