The year 2021 presented multiple challenges but also recorded big wins for Rwanda’s showbiz.
Despite having to deal with the pandemic, Rwanda’s creative sector continued to expand with a couple of sagas, beefs, deals, scandals and many other actions that made headlines in the showbiz industry of Rwanda.
Here are some stories that dominated the news in 2020:
The Koffi Olomide saga
When the flier of Koffi Olomide’s concert in Kigali circulated on social media, many people, especially women activists were up in arms calling for the ban of his concert, accusing him of abusing or mistreating women in the past, arguing that performing in Rwanda will set a bad precedent.
Since then, war arose between Intore Entertainment, the organisers of the event, and his opposers on social media.
The organisers responded with a statement that clarified that the show will go on, something that was not welcomed by many.
As the organisers said, the event happened during the night of December 4, and it became one of the most successful concerts of 2021.
Vestine and Dorcas vs Murindahabi
Since they started music, the duo kept on making it to high charts and headlines in the music industry, under the management of Irene Murindahabi, a local showbiz journalist.
The two girls, real names Ishimwe Vestine and Kamikazi Dorcas, are adored by many for their powerful gospel songs.
In early June, the saga between the parents of upcoming gospel singers Dorcas & Vestine kicked off with the parents of the talented duo accusing their promoter, Irene Murindahabi of exploiting them.
Responding to the noise that the saga caused on the internet, the parents of the duo linked a letter that explained how Murindahabi hijacked the YouTube channel of the singers and all the benefits of their work.
Some prominent figures in the showbiz sector, including U.S based journalist Ally Soudy, defended Murindahabi, pointing out that he had good intentions but his goodwill was not recognised.
The saga didn’t take long. The family reunited with the management team after several press conferences that were held to discuss the issue.
The singing group is still managed by Murindahabi at the moment.
Death of Rwandan Hip-Hop pioneer, Jay Polly
Many are still in shock following the loss of Hip-Hop star Jay Polly real name Joshua Tuyishime who passed on in September after consuming poisonous drink in jail.
Jay Polly was one of a few singers that pioneered the rap scene in the streets of Kigali, and a former member of Tuff-Gang, one of the best hip-hop groups that Rwanda had.
He will be remembered for his rhymes and flows in songs like ‘Deux fois deux’, ‘Ndacyariho Ndahumeka’ and ‘Akanyairajisho’.
His death shocked not only members of the music industry but also the whole community of Rwandans around the world.
Bruce Melodie’s 1 billion deal
When Food Bundles, a local online fresh food distribution company, announced a partnership deal with musician Bruce Melodie worth Rwf1 billion on August 25, everyone questioned the act, causing a big debate in the music industry.
Despite the artiste’s previous commercial deal, such as the 150 million with Kigali Arena, and 50 million deal to be the brand ambassador of brook, a Poland beverage, this deal was not clear due to how small the company was.
This deal is still discussed by many, saying that it’s fake, since no one saw the cheque.
Miss Rwanda’s dress at Miss World
Many will never forgive the designer of Miss Rwanda’s dress at Miss World after dressing her in a dress that many believe to have caused her failure in the contest.
Moshions, one of the best fashion houses in the country, has been praised by many, but this time it disappointed a big number of fashion lovers after dressing Grace Ingabire, the current Miss Rwanda, in an oversized dress.
This brought the fashion house to the centre of criticism from the public.
Experts in fashion said that the fashion house confused a beauty contest with a modeling competition, hence causing the entire saga on the internet.
The quick rise of new genre ‘Drill’
2021 came in style with young fast-rising musicians taking over, a move that was new to the creative sector of Rwanda.
Normally, the big, top and old artistes were the ones taking the lead in the industry but since the young generations introduced new genres such as drill, a style that originated in the streets of London and Chicago, in early 2010, the game changed and all eyes are on the young boys and girls in the industry.
The genre is slowly taking over on the African continent with Rwandan grown rappers leading other countries in rating charts.
Artistes such as Kenny Kshot, Ish Kevin and producers like Kina Beat, Pro Zed are the heads behind the new genre taking Kigali by storm.
Wedding-packed year for celebs
2021 saw many top Rwandan celebs marrying their loved ones.
From Meddy and his Ethiopian wife Mehfira, to singer Emmy and Joyce,who recently tied the knot in Tanzania, one can easily notice how 2021 was a love year in the showbiz industry.
The same year saw a top gospel singer, Patient Bizimana marrying his fiancée Gentille Uwera Karamira, and former beauty queen and ex-girlfriend of K8 Kavuyo, Grace Bahati tie the knot with Pacifique Murekezi, among many others.