White Horse to host live music shows

Around 10:30 p.m, the live Reggae music had started and the mood, still relaxed, called for a drink and pizza at Kigali’s White Horse restaurant. Dinner at the candle lit tables in a live music setting made for a prime way to start the weekend. At 11:15 p.m, a crowd had gathered around the dance floor and the Holy Jah Doves, a popular local Reggae band, had seamlessly raised the tempo and deepened the bass groove. Many Reggae fans danced, uninhibited and cheered in excitement. Some skilled couples integrated ballroom dancing moves into the Reggae shuffle. The waiters themselves did not suppress their urge to covertly dance. Though there was a notable presence of Rastafarian individuals, there was a mixed crowd of ex-pats and locals. Waves of people rotated between the bar, dance floor, and the outside tables where crowds socialised in the privacy of the well-lit White Horse restaurant garden. By midnight, the band climaxed with the well-received song “Beatriz”. About 50 people danced animatedly on the ballroom floor. The auditory climax was characterised by fast up-strums, deep and intricate bass lines, open hi-hats, and rock style guitar solos. Soon after, the music mellowed out and the room atmosphere resembled that of a lounge. Those planning a late night meandered to their next destination, whereas most stayed to wind down the night. “There was a low turnout this time because we took a three week break,” said Edward Gapsri, owner of White Horse since the beginning of 2012. “With the current contract we hope to increase the popularity of the White Horse’s live music nights.”Gapsri implemented live music for the first time three months ago. He has currently formed a long-term contract with the Holy Jah Doves and Tamfum, a local rock-and-roll group, to play live every Friday night. “I enjoy playing this gig because it’s a free place,” said Ras Ibrahim, lead singer of the Holy Jah Doves. “It’s a night for the Rastaman and the artiste.”

Leisure

White Horse to host live music shows