FOLLOWING A SEPTEMBER cabinet decision to allow events, including concerts, to gradually return after a suspension of more than one year and a half due to the Covid-19 outbreak, Rwandans are slowly warming up to the idea that if all goes well, they will soon be able to party and dance together.
Going by the very first events that happened in the past few days, starting with the 2021 Kiss Summer Awards that took place over the weekend, one would say that the mood is still 50-50.
One of the key challenges emerging so far related to the issue of time keeping, where testing and showing proof of vaccination, a compulsory requirement as per Covid-19 guidelines, consumes more time and eats into the event time.
A good example was the Kiss FM Summer awards which failed to kick off on time, with people arriving late, hence delaying the start of the event.
As Arthur Nkusi, the co-host and presenter on Kiss FM mentioned after the show, delayed arrivals directly led to the delay for the show to start, hence in a way frustrating the organisers.
"I would say we achieved what we wanted to achieve by 60 percent, even though those who attended didn’t notice. Things didn’t go 100 percent as planned but we believe this will be corrected in future,” Nkusi said of the first general public event.
One thing for sure that manifested itself is that Rwandans have figured out ways to have more fun and be expressive as it was seen on the red carpet, with many of the attendees looking to outdo each other in terms of outfits.
"It was nice to see Rwandans coming out fully dressed and ready to walk the red carpet. You could see that this is a moment they savoured. For me I think the mood is back,” said Clement Ngangare, one of the revellers at the Kiss Summer Awards.
Arthur Nkusi and Makeda Mahadeo were the hosts of the Maisha concert.
Similar scenes unfolded at Hotel Onomo where ‘Bianca Fashion Hub’ fashion event was held. The show was organised by TV presenter Bianca of Isibo TV.
It was refreshing to see Rwandans taking seriously a red-carpet event and going the extra mile to make a fashion statement.
"I came here out of curiosity. I just wanted to feel like I was out but I didn’t expect to see very enthusiastic people ready to display their fashion sense,” Marie Louise Teta, an upcoming fashion designer said.
Teta said that this is unlike Rwandans, who in the past never used to attempt to impress on the red-carpet, opting to wear normal clothes and keeping a low profile.
"I don’t know whether it is Covid-19, but I think there has been a change in terms of how Rwandans respond to events. One can see the excitement and creativity coming out,” she added.
Kigali Arena mood returns
In the same spirit, Monday saw the return of the musical crowd in the magnificent Kigali Arena, with the biggest crowd so far since the return of events, registered by the Maisha Concert, a sideline cultural event of the 2nd African Union European Union Ministerial Meeting.
If the event is anything to go by, then surely things could get back on track soon. To start with, the attendance was unexpected, it being a free show with no big name artistes.
Seeing Rwandans turn up to see a band previously unknown to them and staying throughout the performance was something impressive.
Rwandans outdid themselves on the red carpet at the Kiss Fm Summer.
At least 300 people could not make it inside the arena as the facility management feared the numbers could be overwhelming for what was literally the first concert since March 2020.
The vibe, as millennials would say, was real as they danced to anything music and tried to stay upbeat even if the ‘world music’ played by the band leaned more towards jazz and blues, rather than pop or urban music, which one would expect to cheer up the crowd.
"Attending the show alone is surreal enough for me,” said Alexis Mwananawe, a 23-year-old university student.
It was an evening of fun and excitement as DJ Marnaud and DJ Toxxyk took up the decks to ensure that the crowd enjoyed dancing to the latest music in a public place with many people.
Gospel Music not left out
It wasn’t a bad start for gospel music either as Rwanda Gospel Stars Live, a new competition seeking to recognise gospel artistes was launched, attracting a good number of attendees in what was a well-organised show.
The contest was launched on Sunday, October 24 and seeks to recognise the best gospel artistes and their contribution to the industry. 15 artistes are competing and the overall winner will walk away with Rwf7m, the first runner-up Rwf2 million while the second runner-up will be given Rwf1m.
Some of the artistes who attended the Rwanda Gospel Stars Live.
The show itself was an impressive one with gospel artistes turning up in their favourite costumes. Mike Karangwa, the coordinator of the awards, said that the success of the launch event presented hope that soon enough things will go back to normal.
A whiff of fresh air
Luckman Nzeyimana, a popular show host and TV presenter says that the return of events is a whiff of fresh air which should not be taken for granted.
As an MC, Nzeyimana says that he has learned to be humble and more focused on what the people want and ensure that they get it but overall, he is excited to see events return.
"I am more than excited and ready for the challenge. It is a relief for all of us, which is why once the opportunity comes, take it with both hands and keep humble. Take the chance and deliver your very best for the people,” Nzeyimana, commonly known as Lucky says.
Several events are lined up in the coming months, including the return of Kigali Jazz Junction and Bruce Melodie’s 10th anniversary concert.
With Covid-19 cases continuing to relent, we can only wait and see what the coming weeks have to offer in the lead up to the festive season, which if nothing changes will be littered with many cheerful events.
‘Bianca Fashion Hub’ fashion event.
Attendees at the ‘Bianca Fashion Hub’ fashion event.