Kivu Fest, one of the biggest music festivals in Rwanda, which takes place every year at Kivu Public Beach at the shores of Lake Kivu in Rubavu District, will take place in Karongi District in its next editions, Bruce Intore, the brains behind the event has confirmed.
The decision to shift the event, according to Intore, is in line with Intore Ent’s focus to explore other locations in the next editions of the event, especially Karongi district which is also within the Kivu belt.
"The recent Kivu Fest was the third and last edition held in Rubavu. We are looking into exploring other locations in different districts within the Kivu belt and Karongi District is our next pick,” Intore noted.
Another thing, he said, the event has gained significant recognition for its rich cultural heritage, attracting a large number of attendees, which is also another factor pushing organisers to expand it to other locations in the country.
The New Times has also learnt that most people who travel to Rubavu for the music festival, never make it to the venue of the event because different activities take place in the same weekend, which is also another reason pushing organisers to shift the event to another location.
"Kivu Fest is the reason thousands of music lovers travel to Rubavu in the first week of July but a small number of people make it to the event because of how vibrant the city is. Organisers are considering another city with less activities so that the event can be the only thing that makes people travel to the beach,” a trusted source told The New Times.
Need to work with local authorities
During the recent edition of Kivu Fest which took place from July 1 - 3, the police stopped the event while Kenny Sol was still performing, a move that did not sit well with organisers.
The decision to close the event earlier, according to some of the organisers, shows how partnering with local authorities is much needed, seeing how the festival is growing and attracting a large number of tourists who benefit the region, but still lack support from local authorities.
"It is time that we expand this festival by also looking at ways of partnering with local authorities who benefit from this big music event that showcases home grown talents. This can turn it into one of the biggest beach parties in the region,” said one of the organisers.
Kivu Fest remains the biggest beach party that takes place in Rwanda which
has attracted big artistes and Deejays around the world including the late Costa Titch from South Africa, US-based Kenyan DJ, Fully Focus, Walshy Fire from Major Lazer among others.