Rwanda’s signature throwback celebration, the Oldies Festival, is making its return on December 6 at Kigali Universe—and this year, it’s all about women. Festival organizer Basile Uwimana told The New Times that the 2025 edition will spotlight female talent, giving women a stronger presence both on the stage and behind the decks. ALSO READ: DJ Bisoso back to Oldies Music Fest stage. Who else makes the cut? “Since the Oldies Festival began, most of the DJs and MCs have been men,” Uwimana said. “This time, we decided to give more space to women. Some of the DJs will be female, and the main MC of the night will also be a woman.” A top Rwandan live band will also take the stage, fusing timeless classics with contemporary rhythms to keep the night alive—a reminder that nostalgia and innovation can share the same groove. ALSO READ: The night old school music found home in Kigali Since its debut, the Oldies Festival has grown into a must-attend cultural event. Its last edition, held July 26 at the same venue, drew a crowd of music lovers, style enthusiasts, and culture buffs. Guests competed for “Best Vintage Outfit,” a tradition that turns the night into a runway of timeless fashion. But the Oldies Festival is more than a concert. It’s part archive, part experience—where conversations about Rwandan music history meet exhibitions tracing the evolution of art, culture, and vintage style. Over the years, the event has become a haven for those who find joy in revisiting the past while celebrating the present. Attendees show up in retro looks, embodying how art, sound, and fashion flow across generations. Nostalgia may be the melody, but this year, women are the rhythm. The Oldies Festival returns not just to remember the past, but to remix it—with heart, heritage, and a touch of soul only Kigali can bring.
