US-based singer Benjamin Mugisha, commonly known as The Ben, has been invited to represent Rwanda at the fourth edition of One Africa Music Fest slated for August 10 in New York, United States. The festival is one of the five products of One Africa Global, designed to promote the understanding of Africa’s uniqueness to the world through music, sensitisation, and global events on Africa, visual arts and partnerships. The US-based singer is expected to headline a live performance at the opening edition of the festival’s concert series in New York before the London edition two weeks later and then Dubai on December 15. The R&B singer’s expected presence at the festival will be an opportunity for him to share stage with top African music stars. The Ben could not hide his excitement when he learned about the development; he quickly shared the news with his fans on social media. “Every day is a surprise to me, Rwanda, New York stand up. Gikondo, Kicukiro, Nyamirambo... (Name your city too) are represented by yours truly Tiger B [The Ben’s nickname],” he wrote on his Instagram page. The Fine Girl hit maker makes the cut for the New York edition line-up dominated by Nigerian music acts Tekno Miles, 2Face, Tiwa Savage, Teni, Jah Prayzah and Burna Boy, who previously performed in Kigali last month as well as Tanzanian bongo musicians Diamond Platnumz and Harmonize, both signed from music powerhouse, Wasafi, among others. New York edition performances will also feature Haitian-Born rapper and producer Wycleaf Jean, American rapper Cassanova, as well as Jamaican reggae and dancehall singer Kranium. The Ben becomes the first Rwandan invited to perform at One African Music Fest, one of the biggest festivals that often attracts the continent’s crème de la crème. His latest song Fine Girl has gained massive airplay in Rwanda and across the region at large. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
