Rwandan disc jockey Innocent Izabayo, known as DJ Inno, has left for Kampala, Uganda, where he will perform at multiple venues in his first international music tour, titled Inno in Kampala.
The 25-year-old DJ told The New Times that the tour marks a new chapter in his career and reflects a larger goal of taking Rwandan talent to the global stage.
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"The past two years were fundamental for me. I headlined several major shows in Rwanda, but this is just the start,” he said before his departure. "It’s time to grow beyond borders and show what I can do.”
The tour begins Friday, July 18, at Mezo Noir, where he will perform alongside top Ugandan DJs such as Edwizzy Selecta, Spinny, and Fem DJ. He is also scheduled to appear at Silo on July 19 and Catwalk on July 30, with more stops to follow.
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"We want to give Ugandan audiences a feel of the kind of party experience we bring back home,” Inno said. "We’re counting on support from the Rwandan community there, and we hope they’ll bring more music lovers with them.”
Beyond spinning sets, Inno said the tour is also an opportunity to connect with fellow creatives, collaborate with Ugandan artists, and exchange ideas that push locally produced music toward international recognition.
"This is about more than just the shows. I want to build relationships and create the kind of ties that allow this to happen again and again.”
Inno emerged in 2024 as part of Rwanda’s new generation of DJs reshaping the local soundscape. He has performed alongside notable African acts including Dope Caesar, Poco Lee, Obi, and DJ Mr. West. In November 2024, he was part of the lineup at the inaugural OBI House show in Kigali, held at Atelier du Vin.