On Saturday, December 7, Mellow Fest returned with its signature blend of indie and alternative rap, taking over Mundi Center’s new concert space. Known for spotlighting new-school artistes who rarely get stage time, the event once again lived up to its mission of delivering a performance-worthy experience for both fans and performers. ALSO READ: Why Unveil Africa Fest was canceled mid-show The show’s atmosphere mirrored its blue-themed branding, creating a vibe reminiscent of a nightclub but with a more open and immersive setting. A pop-up shop featuring garments from local skateboarding brand WearFragile and hip-hop streetwear label Isunzu added a fashion-forward edge, giving rap enthusiasts a taste of Kigali’s street culture. ALSO READ: Shineboy Fest: Nasty C kicks fan at Davis D’s 10-year music fete The night featured numerous sets, but standout moments included Paintedblvck’s powerful performance of State of My Art. He also captivated the crowd with Fara, joined by Mellowcouch collective artists Manzi Fleur and Sema Sole, before delivering a rendition of Nuko Biza alongside Nikita Heaven and E.T.. The 99 Gang kept the energy high, with “Preacher” bringing rap star Insibika to the stage in a dynamic collab. As the clock raced toward 10:30PM, they thrilled fans with performances of Mbikorera Nde! and Gotham before inviting Thedicekid to join them for a rendition of Direktt! (Flip The Phone). Songstress Nikita Heaven added soulful depth to the night, performing Lost and her unreleased track Win, Thedicekid kept the momentum alive, teaming up with his longtime collaborators, 99 Gang, for performances of Zone! and What Dat Mean? He then brought KidfromKigali on stage to deliver “Business,” an international collaboration featuring U.S. rapper Skilla Baby. KidfromKigali also treated fans to a live performance of his latest single, Patience. From albums to anthems: The stars of the night Manzi Fleur took the stage at 11:40 p.m., diving into a showcase of tracks from his latest album, Mabel Train to the Sky. From fan favorites like Marmalade to soulful renditions of Nirvana, Mabel Blues, No Rice at Home, and Little Italy, his set felt like an intimate journey through his creative world. Then came Bushali, electrifying the crowd with the debut of his fourth studio album, Fullmoon. Before launching into his hits, the Kinyatrap pioneer acknowledged the night’s earlier pop-infused energy from Jeroismusic, Mauimoon, and Ugandan artist Mwami. He opened with Kanyamico, featuring Mike Kayihura, and followed with standout tracks like Isaha, Zontro, and Moon, leaving the audience wanting more of his charismatic stage presence. Sema Sole closed out the sets by inviting Manzi Fleur back to the stage for an energetic run of Ntukihebe, and then Nzaza, Huha, Ukumbura, Nyoza Ubutazandura, and more. As a core member of Mellow Couch—the collective behind the now annual Mellow Fest—Sema Sole left fans with a bold promise: “2025, we’re going hard.” With the final curtain call at 1:30 a.m., the festival ended on a high note and a tease of what’s next. One thing is clear: hip-hop is carving out its space in Kigali's performance scene. For years, the genre was often overlooked by promoters and sidelined from major events. Mellow Fest was born to fill that void, and with two successful editions under its belt—organized without major backing—it’s proving its worth. Yes, fans might have to wait another year for the next chapter, but isn’t it worth it? A whole 11 months to vibe with new releases from these artists, all culminating in a December celebration that feels like a reward. Or maybe that’s just me.
