“Hip hop is for thugs and gangsters. It is a dangerous genre associated with heavy drug use, violence, and crime.” These are some of the common negative stereotypes about rap and hip hop that have been killing the genre’s progress for the last 50 years. However, today, it’s hard to convince most Rwandan music lovers that hip hop isn’t as big as RNB, Pop or Afrobeats, after witnessing a massive performance by one of the greatest rappers alive Kendrick Lamar or KDOT, who headlined Move Africa: A Global Citizen Experience' Africa's first music tour, staged on Wednesday, December 7, at BK Arena in the capital of Rwanda. The show, which is still dominating talks in town and trending on various social media platforms, is regarded by many as the best rap performance in history to take place in Rwanda to date. ALSO READ: Move Afrika throws Kigali into mid-week frenzy From the compelling lyrics to the magnetic stage presence, Kendrick's show was an experience that resonated far beyond the realms of music, and The New Times highlights some of the reasons why the performance is the best to take place in Rwanda so far. Only international hip-hop icon to perform in Rwanda Despite the beauty of his rhymes, bars and stage set, Kendrick Lamar is the first rapper among the greatest of all times to hold a mic and perform in the country of a thousand hills, and so far, the biggest musician alive to headline a concert in Rwanda. The rapper, ranked number two on this year’s list of top 50 greatest rappers by Billboard, has performed in over 150 big festivals and Rwanda is the second country on the African continent to witness his performance after South Africa, where he performed nine years ago. This doesn’t only make his performance the best to take place in the country, but leaves a record that will go unbeaten for years. Engaging stage presence A truly remarkable rap performance is not just about the lyrics or dance moves, it's about the connection forged between the artiste and the audience. ALSO READ: POV: What you missed at Kendrick Lamar headlined Move Afrika Rwanda show Kendrick's stage presence was nothing short of magnetic. His energy radiated throughout the venue, creating an electric atmosphere that had the audience on their feet from start to finish, especially when he performed his all-time classics like Alright, DNA, Money Trees to mention a few. The whole interaction between Kendrick and the crowd turned the show into a joint experience, where there are no boundaries between the performer and the audience, and everyone became a part of the show. Top notch sound Kendrick brought his over 200 people creative team that included dancers, creative designers, fashion designers, band and sound engineers, all who belong to PGLang, his American independent multidisciplinary creative services company specializing in music and visual media production. The team worked with Rwanda Events to set up Kendrick’s stage which many say was the best setting with the best lighting since the inauguration of BK Arena. “This is the best sound and setting of a concert I have ever seen in my life!” local producer Pro Zed told The New Times after the show. Cultural connection One of the standout features of Kendrick's show was its seamless integration of cultures into the fabric of the performance. From the beats that resonated with his rhythms to the incorporation of local dance moves, the show became a celebration of Rwanda's cultural identity when some of his female dancers trained by celebrated Rwandan female choreographer Sherrie Silver danced traditional dance moves known as ‘Amaraba’. ALSO READ: Kendrick Lamar meets Rwandan rappers ahead of grand concert This ability to bridge the gap between contemporary rap and traditional elements not only paid homage to the nation's roots but also fostered a sense of pride among the audience, something rarely done by big musicians that perform in Rwanda A performance full of life and social change Kendrick's show was not just about entertainment, it was a platform for social commentary. The artiste used his lyrics to address pressing issues facing the society, from economic challenges to political dynamics. The fusion of entertainment and advocacy showcased the power of rap as a tool for change and awareness which is in line with the core aim of Global Citizen of changing lives positively. Some of the songs he performed like DNA, are symbols of strength and resilience, where he challenges the social structures that perpetuate racial discrimination. In one verse on DNA, he confidently proclaims, I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA, asserting that his worth is not determined by external factors but lies within the fabric of his being. Also, Kendrick’s album good kid, m.A.A.d city stands as a testament to his commitment to social justice. In the song 'Swimming Pools (Drank),' he delves into the culture of substance abuse and the societal pressures that lead to self-destructive behavior. Attracting fans from neighboring countries Rwandans were not the only ones blessed to witness what a Kendrick Lamar live performance is, but also his fans based in different countries of the Great Lakes’ region traveled in big numbers to dance to some of his songs like 'King Kunta' at BK Arena. At least over 200 revelers including big musicians like Navio of Uganda traveled from their home land to attend Move Africa and experience a performance from a hip hop giant. Global recognition Kendrick Lamar's international acclaim and recognition added an extra layer of significance to Visit Rwanda. The fact that a Grammy-winning artiste of his caliber and among the best on the globe with millions of followers chose to perform in the country brought global attention to Rwanda's growing cultural scene, further establishing it as a destination for world-class entertainment. Will any other big artiste beat Kendrick’s performance in Rwanda, only time will tell.
