The second edition of Ivy Summer Fest is back on track after Rwanda Development Board cleared Nengo Eden Park Hotel to reopen following a temporary closure over compliance issues. The festival, set for July 4 in Rubavu, will now go ahead at the hotel, which had been shut down after regulators flagged non-compliance with tourism and hospitality standards. In a letter dated after an inspection on June 29, RDB said the hotel had addressed the issues identified and was authorized to resume operations. ALSO READ: RDB closes four hotels over standards concerns For the organizers, the reopening removed uncertainty that had hovered over the show in the final hours before setup began. “We’re happy that the premises were reopened,” Antipa Komezusenge, popularly known as DJ Kavori, the organizer said in an interview with The New Times. “Yesterday we were looking at a possibility to move the show to a later date or even a different venue, which wouldn’t have been ideal because people want to be here in Rubavu this Liberation weekend having fun. The show is now back on. We were up till morning setting up platforms.” ALSO READ: French Institute unveils cultural programme for Rwandan creatives The festival is headlined by South African amapiano artiste Benzoo and forms part of Rubavu’s busy Liberation weekend entertainment calendar, which often draws crowds for live music and lakeside nightlife. Other acts on the lineup include DJs Tlex and Rusam, Junior, Nessa, Tyga, Julzz, Lexx Lexx, Kavori and Ugandan socialite Sheilah Gashumba. RDB said the hotel must continue meeting standards for health, safety, security, food safety and service quality. The regulator had earlier cited those obligations when it issued the temporary closure notice.
