Hobe Rwanda cultural festival impresses

On Saturday evening, traditional music lovers were treated to mesmerising performances by the country’s leading traditional musicians and poets during the second edition of Hobe Rwanda cultural festival at the Kigali Serena Hotel banquet hall. Mighty Popo performs during Hobe Rwanda concert. (Timothy Kisambira) It was an evening when Rwandan culture and traditional music came alive. The main event was preceded by an exhibition of Rwandan culture, fashion and artefacts which brought together several Rwandan fashion designers, artistes and photographers. Mani Martin sings My Destiny at the Hobe Rwanda concert. (Timothy Kisambira) The performances were delightful and nostalgic as the acts of the evening took Rwandans back to their cultural roots and music. (Hobe Rwanda Concert. Source: Igihe TV/YouTube) The performers included Mariya Yohana, Mighty Popo, Mani Martin, Inganzo Ngari dance troupe, Kalisa Rugano, Kipeti, Masamba Intore and his Gakondo Group which included Diana Teta, Jules Sentore and Daniel Ngarukiye. The event was hosted by comedian Atome. Former Miss Rwanda Aurore Mutesi Kayibanda attended the event. (Timothy Kisambira) The attendance was impressive compared to recent events which have been poorly attended. The audience was clearly thrilled by the performance as they occasionally clapped and danced along. It was a night when the traditional Rwandan musical instruments came alive as ‘Inanga’ and ‘Umwirongi’ took centre stage. Many people turned up for the concert. (Timothy Kisambira) Kalisa Rugano, a historian and culture advocate recited a number of poems, recapturing Rwanda’s illustrious history dating back to the reign of King Kigeri IV Rwabugiri. Atome, the MC, shares a light moment with a kid at the concert. (Timothy Kisambira) Some of the thrilling performances came from Mighty Popo and Mani Martin who along with his Kesho Band led a spectacular performance which got the audience on its feet. Similarly Gakondo Group and Maria Yohana drew applause from the excited crowd. Kids enjoyed the concert on their parents shoulders. (Timothy Kisambira) Several high ranking officials including the Minister of State for Agriculture Tony Nsanganira and the former Minister of Sports and Culture, now Ambassador designate to Ethiopia Protais Mitali among others attended. (Inganzo Ngari performance during Hobe Rwanda. Source: Igihe TV/ YouTube) Evode Rummenigge, one of the revellers said the festival provided a good mix of the old and young which left many people captivated by the richness of Rwandan culture, music and poetry. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Hobe Rwanda cultural festival impresses