Music lovers in Rubavu are eagerly awaiting Urban Boyz's comeback performance as the celebrated trio reunites for the first time in years. The group will headline the closing show of the Iwacu Muzika Festival at Umuganda Stadium, where thousands of fans are expected to attend the free concert. It will mark Urban Boyz's first performance together since 2019, when the members went their separate ways to pursue solo careers. Aaron Munyampundu, a popular DJ in Rubavu known as Selecta Dady, described the reunion as a major boost for the town's entertainment scene. We are fortunate that they chose to make their comeback here rather than in Huye, where the group was formed, he said. It's been a long time since Rubavu hosted a music group of this calibre. He praised Urban Boyz for building a strong brand that grew from the local music scene to regional recognition through collaborations with leading East African artists. Everyone wants to see them back together because each member brings unique musical experience. Their reunion is something fans have been waiting for, he added. According to Selecta Dady, excitement has been building across Rubavu ahead of the performance. People admire their stage presence and the way they dress. Fans are thrilled to see them return to Gisenyi, which has always been one of Rwanda's entertainment hubs, he said. All eyes are on Urban Boyz. Everyone—from Kigali to Rubavu—is talking about their comeback. Local musicians are equally enthusiastic. The Same Abiru, an Afrobeat and R&B duo from Rubavu made up of Jay Luv and Jay Farry, say they are looking forward to watching the trio perform and learning from their stagecraft. I was personally saddened when they split because they were my favourite music group, said Jay Farry. They were professional, inspiring and left a huge gap in Rwanda's music industry. Fans have truly missed them. He believes the reunion could inspire the next generation of artists. If they stay together, many upcoming musicians will learn from their professionalism, stage preparation and teamwork. We expect to gain valuable lessons from tomorrow's performance and from whatever comes next. Denise Uwamahoro, a 27-year-old waitress, is another fan looking forward to the reunion. I love their music, she said. We enjoyed listening to them, but then they disappeared and each member went their own way. It's great to see them performing together again. The return of major entertainment events is also welcome news for local businesses, which often experience a surge in customers during concerts. We receive many more customers whenever there are big shows like this, said Claude Rukimbira Rutayisire, manager of Kwa Njyanja, a popular lakeside hangout in Gisenyi. However, we would like to see more entertainment events throughout the year instead of waiting only for the summer season.
