The Kigali Jazz Junction event which brought top musicians to Rwanda is back and will kick off on March 25. Nigerian afrobeat star Inetimi Timaya Odon best known as Timaya will headline this year’s first edition, organizers have confirmed. The annual event was last headlined by Joeboy in 2020, and has seen other artistes such as Jidenna, John Drille, Kidumu, Waje, Zahara and many others perform live in the country before. Talking to this publication, Remmy Lubega, Managing Director of RG Consult that organises the event, said that Kigali Jazz junction is back in style and ready to deliver the best to all music lovers in Rwanda. This, he said, will be done through bringing some good musicians globally like Timaya of Nigeria who has a playlist that can drive a party non-stop in its next editions. “Timaya is a respected artiste of all time,” he said, “we chose him because we were looking for a dynamic artiste that will bridge our audience and one that has quite a playlist that can keep people dancing non-stop”. Lubega added that 2022 is quite a spectacular year for Kigali Jazz Junction after two years without shows, and noted that more renowned musicians locally and internationally will be seen on the stage of this event this year. Kigali Jazz Junction is the most consistent event in Rwanda by far that had at least six to eight editions a year for the last four years which made it gain momentum. On why the event was no show over two years, Lubega said that different sectors were affected by the pandemic including this annual event from its suppliers to the organizers, marketing company, sponsors and partners. “We tried to see how we could do it virtually but the market was not so fruitful. Everyone still wanted to get the physical experience of that event and ambience as opposed to the new normal of covid-19 challenges” he said, describing challenges Kigali Jazz Junction faced and the whole entertainment industry. “These hardships gave us learning curves and how we should be advancing our game to keep afloat and relevant,” he added. Other artistes who will headline this year’s first edition will be communicated soon. About Timaya Born in August 15, 1980, Inetimi Timaya Odon better known by his stage name Timaya is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who hails from Odi, Bayelsa state. He is the founder of DM Records Limited. His solo career began in 2005 with the release of ‘Dem Mama’, which also appeared on his debut album, True Story released the following year. He gained further visibility and international prominence through his third studio album De Rebirth released in partnership with Black Body Entertainment and its lead single Plantain Boy. In 2012, Timaya released Upgrade, which spawned hits Bum Bum, Sexy Ladies, and Malonogede. To date, his work has earned him several notable awards and nominations including four Headies Awards wins, 2 AFRIMMA Awards wins, one Nigeria Music Award and an NEA Award. Some of his hits include different tracks on Chulo vibes EP such as Akuna, the Mood, Pull Up ft Burna Boy and Balance. Don Dada, I can’t Kill myself, Dance, Gra Gra and his recent released track with Buju, Cold Outside are some of his all-time hits which are still being played in many countries.
