The energy in the local entertainment industry is slowly returning as celebs (both local and international) are not giving showbiz followers time to rest and feeding them exciting trends and sagas. The past weekend saw the comeback of different Rwandan big musicians who held the mic for the first time in years and performed during Platini P’s Baba Xperience concert held at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village on March 30. The concert, also a reunion for the famous Urban Boyz group which had disappeared from the limelight, attracted some of the biggest names in Rwanda’s creative industry. The New Times highlights more trending stories of last week that left people talking. Tuma Basa in Kigali to study local music industry The head of Black Music and Culture at YouTube, Tuma Basa, is currently in Rwanda to explore and learn more about the local music industry. The celebrity, who is credited for having pushed black-produced music to places, was spotted with businessman and music investor Coach Gael at Platini P’s Baba Xperience concert over the weekend. Speaking to the media, Coach Gael said that he invited Tuma to come and explore Rwanda's music industry and also help local talents grow. As Director of Black Music & Culture at YouTube, Tuma is responsible for leading activities that draw on his deep industry connections and expertise in programming to increase YouTube’s engagement with the culture. Tuma also helped Sean Puff Daddy Combs launch REVOLT where he served as Vice President of Music Programming. Urban Boyz’ Nizzo falls on stage amid performance During Urban Boyz’ long-awaited performance at the Baba Xperience concert, Nizzo Kaboss, a member of the group, fell during his performance. The accident did not stop the boy band from delivering the best during the performance that was highly awaited by many of their fans. Singer Niyo Bosco switches to gospel music Celebrated Rwandan singer and lyricist Niyo Bosco last week announced that he has changed his music style from secular to gospel. The 'Urugi' hitmaker said that he is currently living a different lifestyle that requires a change in everything he associates with, including the music he produces. “I haven't changed my music line; I've just decided to live a different lifestyle which comes at a high cost of making some changes in my music career. For now, I'm going to focus more on gospel music that praises and worships God,” said the artiste. Bruce Melodie's 'When She's Around' debuts on Billboard World Digital Song Sales Chart Bruce Melodie's hit song 'When She's Around (Funga Macho)' featuring Jamaican reggae legend Shaggy recently debuted at the 8th position on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales Chart, making it the second Afrobeats song on the chart behind ‘Water’ by Tyla. The World Digital Song Sales chart is a weekly record chart that ranks how songs were sold on different digital music selling platforms. He is the first Rwandan musician to ever feature on any Billboard chart. Ruti Joel concludes US tour in Portland Maine Ruti Joel on Saturday, March 30, completed his US tour in a highly attended show that took place at the Merrill Auditorium of Portland, Maine. The Gakondo music star had earlier thrilled his fans based in Atlanta, Georgia before heading for the final stop of the tour. Ruti travelled to the US in February for Rwanda Day and has since been in the country promoting his projects and performing for fans in various states across the country.
