Organising sporting events has evolved significantly over the years, with football increasingly embracing entertainment to enhance the fan experience beyond the action on the pitch. The 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali has been no exception. Tournament organisers, including the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), CECAFA and players in Rwanda's creative industry, have broken new ground by bringing live entertainment directly into the matchday experience. Supporters attending matches at Kigali Pelé Stadium and Amahoro Stadium have been treated to powerful halftime performances by some of Rwanda's top artistes and DJs. As the regional tournament has narrowed from 12 clubs to the final four—Rayon Sports (Rwanda), Jamus SC (South Sudan), Gor Mahia (Kenya) and Al Hilal SC (Sudan)—the blend of football and live music has added a fresh dimension to the competition. ALSO READ: What you need to know about 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup Veteran DJ Bisoso and rising star DJ Crush have kept fans entertained with energetic playlists, while artistes including Davis D, Kenny Sol and Diez Dola have taken to the stage during halftime. The tournament's opening ceremony also featured a vibrant performance by renowned choreographer Titi Brown. Rapper Riderman has now been confirmed as the headline halftime performer for Tuesday's semifinal matches. According to MAAfrica, the events company overseeing fan engagement at the tournament, the initiative was inspired by research aimed at creating a shared experience for both football and music lovers. Our first objective was to see how engaging it would be to combine football and music, and how effectively the two communities could come together to enjoy both experiences at the same time, one of the organisers told Times Sport. We also wanted to fill the gap during halftime, when the intensity of the match naturally drops. Bringing Rwandan artistes into the tournament was the perfect way to keep fans entertained while celebrating local talent. One of the standout moments of the tournament came during the opening ceremony, when Titi Brown performed Urare, a hit collaboration featuring Peace Jolis, Magna Romeo, Luna, Kenny Mirasano and Fox Makare. The song has already surpassed one million views on YouTube. Afro-pop singer Davis D also energized the crowd with his hit Biryogo during Rayon Sports' victory over Tusker FC, turning Kigali Pelé Stadium into a lively celebration of football and music. I felt completely satisfied listening to such music after seeing my team on the verge of victory, said football fan Olivier Irankunda. I hope the organisers continue this initiative and even bring it to the BK Pro League next season. It makes the matchday experience much more enjoyable. With Riderman set to perform during Tuesday's semifinals at Kigali Pelé Stadium, anticipation continues to build among both football supporters and music fans as the tournament enters its decisive stage.
