It was an evening of class and bliss as the monthly "Nyama Choma” event returned at the Kigali Marriott Hotel.
It has become a culture that every last Saturday of the month, food lovers are treated to an exquisite evening of meat roasting, commonly known as "Nyama Choma”, where meat lovers are treated to a mouthwatering barbecue experience.
The event started at around 5pm, as people started flocking the hotel’s Iriba Bar and Terrace, which hosts the themed evening since its introduction in November last year.
People queue at Kigali Marriott Hotel’s Iriba Bar and Terrace for nyama choma. / James Peter Nkurunziza
Revellers pay Rwf20,000 per person and have unlimited access to all kinds of meat and food. Children above six were admitted for Rwf10,000 while kids below 6 enter for free.
To spice up the evening, meat lovers were treated to a variety of music mixes from DJ Ira, one of the leading female DJs in Rwanda.
"I have been to Marriott’s Nyama Choma evening four times now and I must say it’s has been an amazing experience for me,” says Diana, a mother of two.
"I really love going to a place with my children and meet up with my friends to catch up without worrying about the children. The kids can have fun running around as I also chat with my friends and get to enjoy the different delicacies, drinks and soothing music,” she added.
Victoria Obiakor, the Director of Sales and marketing at Kigali Marriott Hotel noted that the monthly Nyama Choma event is steadily becoming popular among patrons. She noted that there’s always something new and fancy people should look out for very last Saturday of the month besides the usual amazing treats of the evening.
In an interview with The New Times, she said that since Nyama Choma is popular within the region, Kigali Marriott Hotel had to come up with something that can bring together all the people especially on "Umuganda” day.
Among other surprises, there was a live performance from one of Rwanda’s popular artistes King James who thrilled revellers.
King James (in a long striped shirt), and his backup singers perform, as revellers dance and sing along. / James Peter Kalisa
Obiakor stressed that the event is meant to bring people and cultures together, whether you are Rwanda, African or a Foreigner.
"We want to remove the perception that Marriott is expensive. Given the unlimited access to what to eat, discounts on drinks and the general ambiance itself, I believe the prices are fair and everyone should try to come and enjoy the Nyama Choma,” she noted.
Historically, Africans used to roast meat and hold feasts to celebrate life. The Nyama Choma evening is meant to recollect this culture and bring people together in harmony.
To wrap up the evening, singer King James and his band entertained the guests who fully enjoyed the music, with some hoping onto the stage to dance with the musician while others simply danced and ate the evening away.
editor@newtimesrwanda.com