After two years of Covid-19, the Kigali Jazz Junction returned, with many excited about the first show since the pandemic halted all entertainment.  

Renowned Nigerian artiste Timaya was the show’s main act, alongside local curtain-raisers. The event was scheduled to start at 7pm, but only a few people were inside the venue at starting time. At the gates, however, as many people entered, others were sent away for not being tested for Covid-19 prior to the event.

The Nep DJs were called to play some mixes at 8pm, followed by Kinga Blues Band. MC Tino then called Bwiza on stage, who sang her song ‘Yiwe’ and was later joined by her backup dancers to perform ‘Available’. She also performed her ‘Wibeshya’ song, among others. As the dancers left the stage, Bwiza said, "As you see, I shared the stage with girls. This is a huge indicator that we as girls can make it too.”

Okkama sang Ku Cyaro which the audience loved.

Speaking to The New Times, Bwiza said that sharing the stage with Timaya was such a dream come true since she looks up to him.

"It was such an honour to be on the same stage with Timaya. I was the surprise artiste in this show, and I really liked how the audience welcomed me.”

Upcoming artiste Bwiza put on a great show.

When asked about what her management team, Kikac Music, has been doing so far, Bwiza revealed that they are approaching Timaya for a collabo project and so far so good.

"There is some high hope that we can definitely do a song,” said Bwiza.

View from the regular spot

The Neptunez Band entertained the audience before the ‘Pucuri’ and ‘IyAllah’ hit-maker, Okkama, made his way to the stage. Singing along with the revellers, Okkama was later joined by an up-and-coming surprise artist, Mistaek, on the stage before winding up.

Talking to The New Times after he left the stage, Mistaek said, "Okkama is my brother. We grew up and studied together. It means a lot to be given this opportunity and I believe that he will never stop giving them to me. Together we performed my song ‘Ku Cyaro’ and I enjoyed how the audience was showing me some love.”

After about an hour of the DJs mixes that followed Okkama and Mistaek’s exit, MC Tino welcomed the ‘Gra Gra’ hit-maker, Timaya.

view from the VIPs

Clad in all-white clothes and pink slippers, with a backup artist and band, Timaya appeared on stage at 11:47pm and immediately stirred up the show’s vibes.

Singing along with fans, ‘Bang Bang’ and ‘Gra Gra’ were performed. During this time, the Nigerian singer called for a good girl who can dance to join him on stage, and he chose one from two who showed up. The girl danced to ‘Bum Bum’ and the artiste seemed impressed and even put some money in her pocket. He then said, "You are so good. Maybe you will be in my next video.”

After entertaining people for a full hour, Timaya left the stage. The show ended at 01:00am.

RG Consult’s Remmygious Lubega told The New Times that the major setback was the Covid test issue which made some people ‘bounce’ since they claim they were not aware they needed one; and also the traffic jam due to some road closures.

Timaya performing photo by Willy Mucyo.

"We mentioned that the standard operating procedures for Covid were to be followed. It is a government order, not mine,” Lubega said.

"Other than that, the Kigali Jazz Junction was such a success after the pandemic. Timaya’s performance was extraordinary. I am so happy the show happened and people are so happy too,” he added.