NEP DJs, a deejay duo made up of Berto and Habz, have signed a two-year contract with the Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA), branding them the official disc spinners and entertainment coordinators of the federation for the next two seasons. The DJ duo, who are also part of the NEP Family, a handful of sister companies all under the umbrella of RG Consult, signed the contract on Tuesday, April 23, at the FERWABA headquarters in Kigali, Rwanda. ALSO READ: Rise of Nep DJs: The duo using turntables to ignite Kigali’s nightlife According to the federation, NEP DJs are coming on board to create a more immersive and entertaining experience at basketball courts, coordinate entertainment activities for tournaments and promote music through the game. Music is becoming increasingly associated with basketball and we are delighted to welcome NEP DJs as our first official music coordinators. We believe they will entertain the crowds and attract the music community to the basketball courts, a trusted source from the federation told The New Times. For Bertrand Kaysan Iyarwema, also known as Berto of NEP DJs, it is overwhelming to be the first disc jockeys signed by FERWABA, a testament of how Rwanda's music industry has evolved over the years, making a big impact on basketball among other sectors of life. We have been playing at different basketball events and also experienced how music influences basketball. This is a big development that allows us to go even bigger in making music meet basketball. It is a milestone for our career, Berto told The New Times, promising to bring great experiences full of vibes and good music to basketball games. Another thing, Berto said, such an achievement should serve as a wake-up call to other entertainers, especially DJs, that playing music is beyond clubs and pubs, and that it can take you to bigger rooms if used well. ALSO READ: Nep DJs to start monthly ‘Rave Party’ There is much more to be achieved with turntables outside of bars, and this is a perfect example to encourage more DJs to get involved in healthy activities such as sports and promoting the arts. This could also curb the rise in alcohol consumption as part of Rwanda's Tunyweless campaign,” the DJ highlighted. The NEP DJs are not the first local musicians to get involved in basketball, Bruce Melodie ventured into the sport earlier this year by funding local basketball team United Generation (UGB) in what he described as a music meets sports in Rwanda initiative. The duo that is usually spotted in matching outfits has performed at major local events such as the All-Star Game & Concert 2022, East African Party and almost every edition of Jazz Junction, sharing the stage with big names such as Jidenna, Kiss Daniel, Joe Boy and Adekunle Gold, to name a few. The duo has also become household names through their solo events such as Rave Party, Up Town Sunday and many others.
