Last week, local showbiz was filled with a lot of exciting and bad news.
Bruce Melodie released his joint music project with American dancehall and reggae legend Shaggy, while Alain Nzeyimana, President of Inganzo Ngari Cultural Troupe, passed away at the age of 44 after battling illness.
The New Times highlights more stories that made headlines last week in local showbiz.
Bruce Melodie features dancehall and reggae icon Shaggy on new song
After performing together virtually during the Trace Awards that took place on October 21, Rwandan singer Bruce Melodie and celebrated dancehall and reggae icon Shaggy, last week released their groundbreaking collaboration "When She’s Around (Funga Macho).”
The genre-defying song – produced in a fusion of the best of African rhythms and reggae vibes, premiered on Friday, October 27, and is now available on all digital platforms via S-Curve Records - showcasing the rich diversity of contemporary music and accompanied by a playful music video captured at Miami Beach, and directed by Jay Will who produces for mega stars like M.I.A, Lee Scratch Perry, Kanye West, Shaggy and Major Lazer among others.
Also read: Bruce Melodie's joint project with Shaggy finally here
Inganzo Ngari president dies at 44
Alain Nzeyimana, President of Inganzo Ngari Cultural Troupe, passed away on October 26, at the age of 44 after battling illness.
Nzeyimana had been hospitalized at King Faisal Hospital for the past three weeks.
ALSO READ: Inganzo Ngari president dies at 44
Nzeyimana, who was also the co-founder of the cultural troupe, played a pivotal role in the growth and success of this renowned traditional dance troupe, which began its operations in 2006. The troupe comprises more than 100 members and has been instrumental in showcasing Rwandan culture both locally and internationally.
Local artistes, socialites nominated for Zambia's Zikomo Awards
A cross section of Rwandan stars including Bruce Melodie, Jolly Mutesi, comedian Patrick Rusine, and singer Kenny Sol, are among Africans that were nominated for Zikomo Africa Awards 2023, which will be held for the third time, on November 18, in Lusaka, Zambia.
The annual awards recognise exceptional achievements across 69 categories in various fields.
ALSO READ: Producer Element, DJ Pius nominated for HiPipo Awards 2023
Notable contenders include music star Bruce Melodie in the 'Best Zikomo Afrocharts' category, alongside with Yo Maps from Zambia, Tyler ICU (South Africa), Gyakie (Ghana), Marioo (Tanzania), Kimani (Kenya), Innos’b (DR Congo), Ziza Bafana (Uganda) and others.
Singer Confy opens up about living with vitiligo
Fast rising singer Confy on October 24, opened up about his experience living with vitiligo. The 24-year-old took to his social media handles to share his story, and the responses from fellow artistes and diehard fans has been overwhelming.
ALSO READ: Singer Confy opens up about living with vitiligo
"I've learned to look in the mirror and see a work of art, not marred but enhanced by the presence of vitiligo’s beauty. Living with vitiligo has been a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and acceptance that has spanned nearly a year,” the artistes captioned pictures posted on all his social media platforms.