Rwandan R&B singer Knowless Butera headlined the third edition of Improper Access, an annual concert that provides a platform for female artistes and DJs to showcase their talents. Organised by Kigali-based events company Blackout Inc., the concert took place at Camp Kigali on October 31, attracting music lovers for a night dedicated to celebrating women’s contributions to the entertainment industry. The event featured an all-female lineup of DJs, including Higa, Senshi, Novia, Joxy Parker, Rusam and Inkel, who kept the audience entertained with their performances. As the headline act and the only singer on the lineup, Knowless took to the stage at around 11:40 p.m., drawing cheers from fans who had eagerly anticipated her performance. She kicked off her set with Sweet Mutima, before performing Sinzakwibagirwa, the first song she released after joining Kina Music, which was warmly received by the audience. One of the night’s highlights came when fans enthusiastically requested Rubanda, a remix by Kina Music featuring Abdul Makanyaga. Although the song was not part of her planned setlist, Butera responded to the crowd’s request and performed it, prompting fans to sing along. She also treated the audience to Nicaye Ndeba Hakurya, a popular old Rwandan song, and Bob Marley’s One Love, which carries a message of love, unity and peace. During her set, Butera invited music producer Mamba onto the stage, where he entertained the audience with two songs. Other tracks on her setlist included Waruri He, Akantu, Nzaba Mpari, Umutima and Ngufite Urampagije. She wrapped up her performance with Baramushaka at around 1:30 a.m., bringing an energetic set to a close. Addressing the audience, Butera thanked the organisers for creating a platform that supports and promotes female artistes. She urged the public to support such initiatives, noting their importance in advancing women’s participation in the entertainment industry. ALSO READ: Knowless joins movement to promote women Speaking to fans at the concert, several expressed excitement at seeing Knowless perform again, saying it had been a long time since they last watched her on stage. Innocent Murinzi, one of the attendees, said he had been looking forward to seeing the singer perform again. “It has been a long time since I last saw Knowless perform. Even though this was not her own concert, she showed us that she is still capable of delivering an outstanding performance. I wish she would organise her own concert,” he said. Kelia Akeza also expressed her excitement about attending the event, praising the organisers for creating opportunities for women in the entertainment industry. “I’m happy to have attended an event that gives women a platform. I enjoyed the show. It has been a long time since I last saw Butera performing on stage, and I’m glad I managed to come,” she said. A platform for female talent Improper Access was launched in 2024, with its first two editions featuring artistes and DJs from different countries. For its third edition, however, organisers shifted their focus to local talent. The inaugural edition took place at Kigali Universe on August 30, 2024, featuring Nigerian artiste Dopecaesar, Ugandan singer Etania and Rwandan DJs Brianne, Sonia, Alida and Senshi. The second edition was held at Zaria Court Kigali on June 28, 2025, with South African DJ Blue Aiva headlining the event. Other performers included DJs Niny and Higa, as well as Zuba Mutesi and Muyango, among others. By putting the spotlight on Rwandan performers in its third edition, Improper Access continued its mission of creating opportunities for local female artistes and DJs to showcase their talents and gain greater visibility in the entertainment industry.
