Overall, the year 2023 has been a success for Rwanda and its development journey, and the music industry was not left out as A-list global music stars rocked back-to-back shows in the country. It was a move that not only added an extra layer of significance to Visit Rwanda but it also saw Rwanda's growing cultural scene make a global appeal, establishing the country as a destination for world-class entertainment. The year saw major events take place in Kigali, some of which coming to the African continent for the first time, bringing global celebrities to what is now considered one of Africa's top entertainment hubs. In no particular order, The New Times highlights some of the biggest music events that took place in Rwanda during the past 12 months. Move Afrika with Kendrick Lamar History was made when Compton-born hip-hop legend Kendrick Lamar performed in Rwanda for the first time as part of 'Move Afrika: A Global Citizen Experience', Africa's first ever music tour, which kicked off in Kigali on December 6 and attracted thousands of music lovers from across the continent. The show, considered by many as the best concert to ever stage in Rwanda, also featured performances by regional and Rwandan musicians including Zuchu from Tanzania, Ariel Wayz and Bruce Melodie among others. ALSO READ: Confirmed: Kendrick Lamar to headline ‘Move Afrika’ in Kigali During what was his second appearance on the African continent and the hip-hop icon didn't miss out, Lamar delivered a high-energy performance full of his most classic songs from his debut album “Section 80’, “Good Kid M.A.A.D. City” and “To Pimp A ButterFly” to “Damn” and his most recent Mr Morale” and The Big Steppers to name a few. President Paul Kagame was among thousands who attended the sold-out show held at the BK Arena. Trace Awards and Festival Rwanda achieved another milestone by hosting for the first time the Trace Awards, the biggest music awarding ceremony in Africa, which brought over 55 global celebrities to Kigali to celebrate the diversity and power of Afro-urban culture. The likes of Rema, Yemi Alade, Davido, 2Baba, Diamond PLatnumz were among many big celebrities who traveled to Kigali to either rock or collect their awards in an colorful awarding ceremony held at BK Arena in October. ALSO READ: Trace Awards and Festival is an economic boost for Rwanda - RDB According to Trace co-founder and executive chairman Olivier Laouchez, the visibility that Rwanda received for hosting the inaugural Trace Awards was worth beyond $56 million (over Rwf70.6 billion). The event's audience and social interaction exceeded 500 million fans in 190 countries and more than 300 Rwandans in the hospitality industry, local artists and sound engineers to mention a few were positively impacted by Trace Awards and Festival. Giants of Africa Festival The Giants of Africa festival was also a major highlight in Rwanda’s music industry as it opened gates for local acts to share the stage with some of the biggest musicians on the globe. ALSO READ: How the Giants of Africa opening ceremony unfolded The week-long festival, which marked the Giants of Africa’s 20th anniversary, brought together 250 youths from 16 African countries. They took part in sports, entertainment, and cultural activities among others. Officially opened on August 13 and ran until August 19, the festival was headlined by big names in the African music industry including Nigeria’s award-winning stars, Davido and Tiwa Savage, Tanzanian Bongo Flava recording artiste Diamond Platnumz, South African songstress Tyla among others, all who the festival that was sponsored by Spotify. It is ranked among the biggest events to have been staged in Rwanda in 2023. Israel Mbonyi’s Icyambu Live concert Rwanda’s gospel musician Israel Mbonyi beat his own record as the first and only Rwandan musician to sell out BK Arena. He has so far done it twice in a row when he headlined his annual Christmas celebration concert, 'Icyambu Live Concert,' on December 25, repeating what he did in 2022 in a similar concept. Tickets to the show were sold out 24 hours before the show, something that the artist had already achieved earlier this year when he performed in Brussels, Belgium. The event witnessed a massive turnout with thousands of revelers who were all singing alongside the gospel music sensation who has cemented his name on the music map of Rwandan and in the region. Rumata wa Musomandera concert Ruti Joel’s concert ‘Rumata wa Musomandera’ will go down in history as one of the best, if not the best, traditional music concert to stage in Rwanda before thousands of music lovers at Intare Conference Arena. The concert was in line with the launch of Ruti Joel’s debut album ‘Musomandera’ which ranks among the best albums of 2023 by Rwandan musicians. Ruti’s concert was also sold out a few hours before taking place and left a mark on Gakondo music lovers.
