NAMES OF ARTISTES who will grace the inaugural international music festival, dubbed  ATHF, have been revealed, with Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel and Ugandan dancehall/afrobeat queen Sheebah Karungi, among those expected to perform.

Music lovers are set to add a new festival to their calendars as events fully come back to life. The two-day festival will take place on August 12 and 13, at Canal Olympia.

Among the local artistes to grace the show include Bruce Melodie, Niyo Bosco, Ish Kevin and Ariel Wayz, among others.

According to Simon Iyarwema, the ATHF event manager, the festival is expected to put back revellers in the party mood and also give Rwandan artistes an opportunity to get back on stage with their African peers.

"This ATHF Festival will focus on promoting Rwandan Cultural and Creative Industry by bringing young artistes to engage and create with brilliant performers from both international countries and the entire nation to the same stage,”

"The main objective is to develop it into a renowned music and art festival bringing together the very best from the African continent together with upcoming and promising talents on the same stage, to show them that their efforts to create are not in vain,” Iyarwema says.

Sheebah, through her Instagram, says she is looking forward to performing in Rwanda again.

"I will be performing live at the "ATHF 2022" with @kizzdaniel. It is a music and art festival in Kigali, Rwanda on 12th of August 2022,”

"This is an international music and Festival that you don’t want to miss. Please join us to visit Rwanda as we experience the beautiful landscape and its culture,” the ‘Boyfire’ singer posted.

Other artistes who will get a shot to appear on the stage include Kenny K Shot, Logan Joe, Soldier Kid, Kolade Bless, France and Momolava.

The festival will be hosted by radio personalities and renowned MCs Anita Pendo and MC Tino while Nigerian DJ Hotega, Rwanda’s very own DJ Toxxyk and DJ Ira will be on the decks to entertain revellers.

According to Iyarwema, the first edition of the ATHF will focus on bringing back the spirit of festivals, where families and fun-loving friends can come and enjoy during the day, till late.

"We made it two days so that people can choose to come either on Saturday or Sunday, depending on when they find time, or both days. In other countries you find festivals that go on for a week or two,” he said.

He added that Rwanda is becoming known for hosting events and attracting tourists and such entertainment and fun events are needed to give people more alternatives.