After hours of anticipation and a delayed start, Nigerian street-pop sensation Shallipopi delivered an energetic performance at the SKOL-sponsored Africast Fest: A Shallipopi Xperience, held at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) on Friday, May 29.
The concert, Shallipopi’s first-ever performance in Rwanda, attracted hundreds of music lovers, particularly young fans eager to see one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising stars perform live.
Organized by Groove Kigali in partnership with Intore Entertainment and sponsored by SKOL Rwanda through its SKOL Malt brand, the event followed weeks of promotional activities and entertainment sessions under the theme "Shallipopin’ Ahanad.”
Long before the performances began, fans streamed into the venue, many dressed in stylish outfits and capturing photos to mark the occasion. Excitement continued to build throughout the evening as revelers waited for the highly anticipated show.
Although the concert was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., proceedings were delayed as more attendees continued arriving late into the night. Some fans spent hours outside before eventually making their way into the main tent.
At around 11:30 p.m., MC Policy took to the stage to warm up the crowd, repeatedly assuring fans that the wait would be worthwhile. His appearance was accompanied by a series of dance performances, many inspired by the popular Amapiano movement, which helped keep the atmosphere lively.
Shortly before midnight, Rwandan rapper Kid From Kigali energized the audience with a spirited set. He opened with Rich, his collaboration with Arnaud Gray and Ish Kevin, before performing fan favorites including Muraho, Yububu, and Inyota. Rising artiste Mwiza joined him on stage, drawing loud cheers as fans sang along throughout the performance.
The moment many had been waiting for finally arrived at around 1 a.m. when Shallipopi stepped onto the stage to a thunderous reception. The Nigerian star opened with his hit track Sharpiru before performing a string of fan favorites, including High Tension, Ex Convict, Things on Things, Cast, and Benin Boys.
Backed by energetic Amapiano-inspired transitions and an engaging stage presence, Shallipopi kept the audience entertained throughout his approximately 25-minute set.
The highlight of the night came when he performed Laho, arguably his biggest hit and the song many fans had waited hours to hear. Before launching into the track, the singer invited the crowd to sing along, and the audience responded enthusiastically, turning the performance into one of the evening’s most memorable moments.
Throughout the night, concertgoers enjoyed a range of beverages from SKOL Rwanda, including SKOL Malt, SKOL Lager, SKOL Gatanu, Virunga Beer, SKOL Panache, and Maltona. The refreshments added to the festive atmosphere and helped maintain the energy levels despite the late start.
Music and sports remain powerful platforms — SKOL
Speaking about the sponsorship, SKOL Rwanda said supporting the Shallipopi Experience aligned with the company’s vision of celebrating activities that naturally bring people together.
"At SKOL, we believe in celebrating African passions, especially music and sports, because these are the things that naturally bring people together. That is why sponsoring the Shallipopi Experience through our brand SKOL Malt, alongside Bank of Kigali, felt natural. They understand the culture, the audience and how to create unforgettable experiences for Rwanda’s youth,” the company said in a statement.
The brewer added that it remains committed to supporting spaces where young people can connect, find inspiration and enjoy memorable experiences.
"As a brand, we want to be present in spaces where culture is evolving and where young people feel seen, inspired and entertained.”
The company noted that, following successful concerts featuring Davido and Shenseea, the Shallipopi Experience further reinforced SKOL Malt’s commitment to delivering world-class entertainment while celebrating Rwanda’s vibrant and growing youth culture.