OVER THE WEEKEND, Mike Kayihura had a successful ‘live experience’ event during which he sampled his fans with his Zuba EP, in what came close to the first live music show since the new coronavirus outbreak in March last year. Though the September 12 show was attended by a small number of people in a restaurant setting, it still presented hope that slowly by slowly, live events will come back following a recent cabinet resolution paving way for the resumption of concerts and public gatherings but with precautions. Those who attended Kayihura’s live experience had to part with Rwf20, 000 and at the same time pay for their own Covid-19 test at the cost of Rwf5,000. This meant that only a small number of people would attend. Afterall not every concertgoer can afford Rwf25,000 for the experience alone, plus maybe a little more to afford a drink or two at the venue. Going by the pictures on social media, it was a small crowd sitting with social distance. Nevertheless, it showed that soon event organisers will be able to organise some shows, starting with small shows and then slowly increasing the number of people, as long as they play by the rules set by Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Back to the show itself, those who attended took to social media to express how they felt as the ‘Jaribu’ singer serenaded them over lunch with his smooth love jams that rejuvenate one’s soul. “I swear to God, @MikeKayihura is something. And the fact that I could sing along with all the kiddos took a few white hairs off my head,” posted Junior Kanamugire while Mike B. Ndimurukundo posted “An amazing experience it was”. I swear to God, @MikeKayihura is something. And the fact that I could sing along with all the kiddos took a few white hair off my head. 😅😂 pic.twitter.com/mBBevS5lvg — Kanam Junior (@jkanam) September 12, 2021 “What a show!!! Thank you for bringing back live music into our lives @MikeKayihura! @kimmenyi, we really had to run backstage for this snap cause WOW!” posted @Cyusa_k adding that he was putting Zuba on repeat going forward. As usual, Kayihura delivered to the best of expectations, leaving those who attended in awe. Bruce Twagira, a show organiser and music promoter who attended the show, concluded that “Mike Kayihura is a national treasure.” @MikeKayihura is a national treasure 🙌🏽 — Bruceintore (@BruceIntore) September 12, 2021 Jackie Kalisa, known as ‘Miss PK’ on social media, described the show as a “Sunday well spent”, thanking Mike Kayihura for the experience. Sunday well spent. 😍😍 Thank you @MikeKayihura https://t.co/6qpyB8uqct — Jackie Kalisa (@MissPK2) September 12, 2021 Those who missed like @karabo_serena were not amused. “I just keep seeing snaps from @MikeKayihura‘s live show and I’m close to tears because nooo why is his music so beautiful also can he have a concert?” she demanded. I just keep seeing snaps from @MikeKayihura ‘s live show and Im this👌🏾 close to tears because nooo why is his music so beautiful alsoo can he have a concert?!🥺 — yofaveshordiee (@karabo_serena) September 13, 2021 “Thank you to all that showed up to the Zuba EP live Experience. Had a great time with you. We create some more. Love,” posted Mike Kayihura after the show. Thank you to all that showed up to the Zuba EP live Experience. Had a great time with you. We create some more. Love. ❤❤❤🇷🇼 — Mike Kayihura (@MikeKayihura) September 13, 2021 Zuba EP has some of the jams that have captivated people this year including ‘Anytime’, ‘Jaribu’, ‘Tuza’, ‘Sleepy mind’, ‘Ride my wave’ and ‘Bestie’ featuring Angell Mutoni, among others. Over and again, Kayihura has proved that his vocal prowess and talent are unmatched. His fans could not wait to see him perform and now his simple and well organised show could open the doors for other artistes to become more creative and take advantage of the relaxed government measures to organise something of their own.
