The BK Arena was packed to capacity as thousands of revelers from across Kigali on Saturday, November 22, gathered for a night dedicated to celebrate Rwandan traditional music and dance. The sold-out event, dubbed Kigali Dutarame concert, drew a wide range of dignitaries, including government officials, several ambassadors, and celebrated musicians such as Cécile Kayirebwa, Jean Marie Muyango, DJ Pius, Christopher and many others. From young people to elders and foreigners living in Kigali, the audience filled the arena to celebrate Rwandan heritage through performances from Rwanda’s finest artistes leading the way in Gakondo music. ALSO READ: All is set for Kigali Dutarame concert—organisers The concert opened with a performance from Intwarabahizi troupe, who presented three traditional dance acts that set the cultural tone for the night. After the opening performance, the Mayor of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva, welcomed the crowd and emphasized the city’s commitment to promoting Rwandan culture through more accessible and enjoyable events. He praised the strong turnout, especially the youth and parents who brought their children, saying it showed how much the city values Rwanda’s cultural heritage. “We want Kigali to be a city where people live well, work, and still have places to enjoy themselves cultural events like this, and Dutarame concert is the first of many to come,” Dusengiyumva said. He also encouraged the audience to keep supporting local artistes and thanked the partners who made the evening possible. ALSO READ:Why ‘Gakondo’ might be the future of Rwandan music With the speech, the concert just getting started as a host of artistes on the long lineup started to exchange the stage, starting with Ishyaka ry’Intore whose energetic performance only kept the momentum high. The troupe was followed by Boukuru, whose appearance shifted the atmosphere with a calmer but engaging traditional style before making way for Teta Diana whose voice drew cheers from the cheering audience. Next to the stage was Ruti Joel who made a powerful live performance that got people talking. Figures in the music industry like Coach Gael were full of praise of what the artiste showed on stage. “Talent like this doesn’t come often. A performer was born in Rwanda. Ruti Joel,” Gael, who was among concert attendees, posted on his Instagram story. Ruti introduced Ibihame by’Imana, another cultural troupe that brought a lively traditional act. Their performance was followed by Inyamibwa, who continued the evening’s theme of culture celebration with breathtaking dance and music. A short break followed, during which concert sponsor MTN stepped in to give prizes to winners selected from the crowd. That was done so fast before Inganzo Ngari hit the stage. Their performance was one of the standout moments of the night. Looking at the lineup, the event was drawing to a close; but Jules Sentore wasn’t ready to let it go when it was his turn. Every piece of his performance was all but full of energy. Last, but not least, on the stage was man of the night Massamba Intore whose performance with legendary musicians Cécile Kayirebwa and Muyango stole the show. Seeing the trio, yet considered champions of Rwandan culture music, on the same stage sparked a moment of emotions among revelers in the area. Their joint performance stood out as the only way to close the concert on a meaningful cultural note. Not anyone would perform after these legends. ALSO READ:How Rwandan diaspora is promoting Gakondo to the world “I came because I love our culture and the traditional dances. That’s why I chose to dress this way,” Regis Byiringiro, one of the attendees, told The New Times after the concert. For Elisabeth Janet Turner, Rwandans need more culture concert like Kigali Dutarame which she believes can drive the spirit of embracing Rwandan culture through music. “I love Rwandan culture,” she said. “I’ve lived here for almost 13 years, and I came expecting to enjoy myself, dance with others, listen to good music, and watch a great show.”
