How Rwandans ushered in the New Year

Rwanda ushered in the New Year amidst a spectacular fireworks. In Kigali, fireworks were hit up the skies above city centres, sending partygoers into wild excitement. They danced, sang, hugged and kissed, to usher in the New Year. At Kigali’s iconic Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), hundreds of people gathered at the terrace to witness more than five-minutes of non-stop pyrotechnics exploded above the complex. Christians raise their hands during overnight end-of-year prayers at Calvary Revival Church in Remera. / F. Byumvuhore From other parts of the city, hundreds of people who had long waited for the New Year watched fireworks displays from Kigali Stadium, while others viewed fireworks from Rebero Mountain. “We have been eagerly waiting for the fireworks as the City Council had informed us. This is a great way to usher in a New Year,” said one excited reveller. People flocked various places where New Year’s events and themed nights were organised. Across the city, bars and food spots were filled with people some of whom had hang out with their entire family members. Those who preferred to ditch parties went for prayers while others stayed at home to feast with their families. Music shows were taking place at the same time around different venues. Fireworks explode above Kigali Convention Centre. / Nadege Imbabazi At KCC, there was arguably one of the biggest shows of the night that featured Kenya’s four-man band, Sauti Sol and Nigeria’s famous songstress Yemi Alade. The show, which also featured local musicians like rhythm and blues singer Bruce Melody, Allion and Uncle Austin, kicked off as it was planned despite evening downpour. Kigali Serena Hotel hosted a concert, where Magnom performed for the first time in Rwanda. Magnom is a Ghanaian record producer and recording artiste, and, yes, he too did not disappoint. Similarly, members of the Redeemed Church of the famous bishop Innocent Rugagi held a gospel concert at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV), otherwise known as Camp Kigali, as part of New Year celebrations. Meanwhile, night clubs were filled to capacity. Bougainvilla in Nyarutarama, Cocobean in Kimihurura, as well as at Fuchsia and Junction in Remera, all were packed to capacity. The parties continued till morning with pool parties at Mamba Club, Park Inn by Radisson and Villa Portofino Hotel, among other places. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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How Rwandans ushered in the New Year