The first rainfall of the season has offered a brief break from the heat, but the city's weekend plans remain as busy as ever. Music lovers can choose between major concerts, comedy fans have an international headliner to catch, while families and nightlife enthusiasts also have plenty on the calendar. Here are eight events to know before making your weekend plans. ALSO READ: Six sci-fi films that redefine reality and imagination TGIF at Kigali Universe Friday, July 31, opens with Thank God It’s Funny, a stand-up comedy show hosted by Babu Joe and headlined by Nigerian comedian Forever, whose real name is Akuidolo Orevaoghene. The comic has built a following through live sets and online clips. The show starts the weekend at Kigali Universe with tickets priced at Rwf10,000 for classic entry, Rwf20,000 for VIP and Rwf200,000 for a table of six. Cloud9 Fest at Mundi Center Also on Friday, Cloud9 Fest runs from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Mundi Center. The event is aimed at Kigali’s younger nightlife crowd and features performances from Confy, Logan Joe, Shemi and KidFromKigali, alongside DJs GRVNDLVNG, Panda, Joe Iliza and DJ Wayv. Regular tickets cost Rwf10,000, advance tickets Rwf15,000 and VIP tickets Rwf25,000. ALSO READ: King James and Urban Boys set up biggest concert clash of the summer King James marks 20 years in music Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2, belong to King James, whose anniversary show has been expanded to two nights after the first date sold out. The R&B singer will revisit the songs that shaped his career, from his early days as a teenage songwriter to one of Rwanda’s longest-running contemporary artistes. Hip-hop veteran P-Fla is set to join him, with fans also expecting Nisubiyeho, their collaboration from 12 years ago. Tickets range from Rwf15,000 to Rwf60,000, with floor-standing, upper bowl and VIP options available. Iwacu na Muzika Festival in Rubavu Saturday brings the free finale of the seventh MTN Iwacu na Muzika Festival in Rubavu. The tour has moved through seven districts, and its final stop features Bushali, Kenny Sol, Chriss Eazy, Davis D, Marina, Kivumbi King, Ross Kana and Amalon. Urban Boys, the former Primus Guma Guma Super Star winners, return as special guests. Jersey Day Party at Zaria Court If the plan is a lighter Saturday outing, Zaria Court Kigali, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is hosting a free Jersey Day Party from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to wear their favourite sports jerseys. K’ru and 72c are curating the music, and the event is strictly for guests 21 and older. Something African III at Depot 37 Saturday evening also brings Something African III to Depot 37 at Mundi Center. The event features Weko Brian from Uganda, Binghi, Ruko, DJ Infinity, 1Key, DJ Motari, Kavumbi Dust and the Afrokasa dance group. The music leans into Afro house, amapiano, AfroTech and Gqom, a South African club sound known for its heavy percussion and stripped-down rhythm. The show is built for fans of dance music and runs at the same venue that has become one of Kigali’s busier nightlife hubs. Tintin Summer Festival in Kanombe Families can head to BIG TIME Family Park in Sanitas, Kanombe, on Saturday morning for the Tintin Summer Festival, which starts at 10 a.m. The day is headlined by Ugandan internet star Rango Tenge Tenge, age 13, with performances from Young Grace and DJ Crush. Early-bird tickets cost Rwf10,000 and general admission is Rwf15,000. Chill & Praise at Mundi Center Sunday closes with Chill & Praise, a weekly gospel gathering at Mundi Center from 5 p.m. Hosted by Mwiza Zawadi, the event mixes live worship, gospel music and a relaxed social setting for a quieter finish to a busy weekend. Stay in the loop with The New Times for the latest from Kigali’s entertainment scene and breaking news. Follow us on social media for curated weekend picks and real-time updates.
