What was anticipated to be one of the most exciting moments of the Rwanda Convention USA 2025, on July 4, turned into a night of disappointment for many attendees, as headlining Rwandan artistes The Ben, Kevin Kade, and Element Eleeeh failed to show up at the highly publicized Hobe Night Meet & Greet in Dallas. Organised by AfroHub Music and Afrique Events, Hobe Night was scheduled to take place on the first evening of the Rwanda Convention USA event, which brought together thousands of Rwandans from across the diaspora in Dallas for a three-day cultural and community celebration. However, to the surprise and disappointment of organisers, none of the artistes showed up at the venue. In an official statement issued by the organizers, the absence of the three artistes was described as the result of unprofessional, reckless and inconsiderate behavior on their part. The organising team expressed regret for the situation, emphasizing that the no-show was beyond their control. “We sincerely apologize for the absence of The Ben, Kevin Kade, and Element Eleeeh at the Hobe Night Meet & Greet,” they indicated in an Instagram statement. “Their failure to appear was beyond our control and a result of unprofessional, reckless, and inconsiderate behavior on their part. We understand your disappointment and are taking steps to ensure this does not happen again,” reads a joint statement from AfroHub Music and Afrique Events. The New Times tried to contact the artistes for a comment or reaction on the situation but efforts to reach them were futile. However, a member of Kevin Kade's management argued that organisers wanted to take advantage as them becuase they wanted them to perform at a side gig without paying them. They wanted them (artistes) to perform at a side gig which wasn't in what was agreed in the contract, he said. That couldn't happen because unless they had to pay. They asked for payment for that side show but they didn't want to pay. Despite the setback on the entertainment side, Rwanda Convention 2025 continues with a full agenda of activities and panels aimed at strengthening connections within the Rwandan diaspora and promoting culture, business, and unity.
