The evening kicked off with Makeda, who took on the challenge of energising a crowd still finding their seats, keeping fans engaged with her lively music mixes.
DJ Lamper followed, commanding the stage with a mix of music and dance, supported by the event hosts, including Rock Try. By the time Kivumbi King hit the stage, the arena was packed. He fired up the crowd with his hits, joined by Kenny K-Shot and Angel Mutoni for dynamic collaborations that had fans on their feet.
After Kivumbi King’s performance, DJ Lamper returned with even more energy, joined briefly by a dance troupe led by Divine Uwa, adding flair to the night’s entertainment.
Then it was Shenseea’s turn. The Jamaican sensation delivered a show-stopping performance, opening with a collaborative number alongside children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation. She later invited fans onto the stage, including Amandah Darling and Mutoni Etania, creating interactive, unforgettable moments. Fellow artists Diez Dolla and Joshua Baraka also joined, receiving rapturous applause.
Headliner Mavado closed the night in grand style. Despite some fans seeing him live for the first time, he captivated everyone with his chart-topping hits and commanding stage presence. After over an hour of non-stop performance, Mavado wrapped up the concert around 1:00 AM, leaving fans exhilarated.
The artist, born David Constantine Brooks, landed in the Rwandan capital in the early hours of Friday, January 2, 2026, setting the tone for what promises to be a high-energy night of Caribbean rhythms and global hits.
The concert is scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026, at BK Arena, and is organised by Visit Rwanda in partnership with Skol, RwandAir, Bank of Kigali, among other sponsors. The show is designed to kick-start the year with an electrifying live experience featuring two of Jamaica’s biggest exports.
Doors will open at 4:00 pm, with early entertainment provided by DJ Lamper, while seasoned hosts Rocky Try and Michel Legrand will steer the night’s programme.
Tickets are priced between 20,000 and 150,000 Rwandan francs, with Bank of Kigali cardholders enjoying a 30 per cent discount.
One of the event’s partners, Skol Malt, has also rolled out promotional campaigns across different parts of Kigali City, offering fans a chance to win concert tickets and other prizes.
Shenseea, born Chinsea Linda Lee, is among the most influential female artists in contemporary global music. Born in 1996, she has earned Grammy Award recognition for her work on Kanye West’s Donda (2022) and a 2025 nomination for Best Reggae Album.
With a Jamaican mother of African descent and a Korean biological father, Shenseea’s multicultural background mirrors her wide-reaching musical appeal. She rose to international prominence through tracks such as “Hit and Run,” “Lighter,” and “Blessed,” cementing her status on the world stage.
Mavado, meanwhile, is regarded as one of dancehall’s most influential figures. The 45-year-old achieved global recognition in the mid-2000s with hits like “Weh Dem A Do” and “Real McKoy” before signing with DJ Khaled’s We The Best Music Group in 2011, then under the Cash Money/Republic Records umbrella. His mainstream US presence was further bolstered by the 2013 hit “Give It All to Me,” featuring Nicki Minaj, alongside enduring tracks including “Father God,” “Not Perfect,” and “Progress.”
The evening opened with electrifying sets from Zuba Mutesi and DJ Shooter, who fired up the crowd with hits like “Plenty Love” by The Ben and “Extra Pressure” by Bien-Aimé and Bensoul. Performances by Shemi, Angell Mutoni, Bruce The 1st, Kenny K-Shot, Bulldogg, Ruti Joël, and Kesho Band kept the energy high as fans sang along to their favorite tracks.
Kevin Kade took the stage around 4:10 AM, performing fan favorites such as “Mazi ya Nyanja”, “Pyramid (TaTa)” with Drama T and Kivumbi King, and “Jugumila”. Shaffy made his Rwanda debut, performing hits like “Bana” and “Serela”.
The night reached its peak when Tanzanian heartthrob Ali Kiba hit the stage. The award-winning singer wowed fans with his signature hits, including “Mwana” and “Aje”, and shared the stage with Kade for their collaborative track “Bebe”. Ali Kiba’s performance brought an electric atmosphere, showcasing why he is one of East Africa’s most celebrated artists.
Rwandan singer Mutima also joined the stage, performing and encouraging fans to support homegrown talent. Bwiza and Bushali kept the momentum with crowd-pleasers like “Ready”, “Ni Danger”, and “Bonane”, while Symphony Band led the audience in welcoming the New Year with “Bonane Remix”. The concert concluded with high-energy performances from Riderman, Diez Dola, and Ariel Wayz.
Beyond entertainment, attendees had the opportunity to hear President Paul Kagame’s end-of-year message, in which he reflected on Rwanda’s achievements and wished citizens a prosperous 2026.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, the artist, whose real name is Kenny Rulisa, opened up about his musical journey, his disciplined daily routine, and the passion that keeps him going.
Kenny’s love for music ignited early. Influenced by American hip-hop legends like Eminem, Lil Wayne, and Drake, he started rapping in English as a child, often mimicking lines without fully grasping their meaning, but thriving on the beats and rhythms.
At just 14, he wrote his first lyrics, some even drawing from gospel music, and teamed up with his friend Getts Kent to form the duo Dope Crack.
Their big dream? To put Rwandan music on the global map.The duo marked their debut with a single released on February 2, 2016, when Kenny was 17, officially launching his career.
While Getts Kent later moved to Canada to chase his own path, Kenny stayed rooted in Rwanda, honing his craft in the emerging kinyatrap genre, a raw blend of trap beats, hip-hop flows, and Kinyarwanda lyrics that pulses with the energy of his homeland.
Since then, Kenny has dropped an impressive body of work: albums, EPs, mixtapes (including his standout project Intare), and hard-hitting tracks that reveal his resilience and storytelling prowess.
Songs like “King Kong,” “Ntiwamvamo,” and “I Gotta Go” showcase his powerful voice, mixing catchy beats with profound lyrics on life’s struggles, triumphs, and complexities.
Kenny’s energetic performances have graced major stages across Rwanda, from Youth Connekt and Trapish Concerts to Taiki Life and Kigali Fiesta, where he has shared the stage with international stars and left crowds electrified.
Yet, beyond the spotlight, Kenny leads a grounded, disciplined life that keeps him balanced and inspired.
A typical day begins at the gym with a rigorous workout—chest and arms one day, back the next, legs after that.
For him, fitness is more than aesthetics; it’s about mental sharpness and long-term health.“I want to be fit when I’m old,” he laughs. “I don’t want a big tummy, I want to stay young forever.”
This routine boosts his energy, sparks creativity, and supports a healthy, productive lifestyle.Next, he hits the pool for a swim, a recent addition he loves for staying in shape and learning a lifesaving skill.
“You never know,” he jokes, “your home might be flooded.” Diving in gives him a profound sense of freedom, leaving him refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
No day feels complete without a quick supermarket run for snacks and essentials—a simple slice of normalcy in his rising-star world. Then, it’s time for a wardrobe refresh: getting custom-fitted gear that matches his vibe.
Style is central to Kenny’s expression; his outfits reflect his identity and message. Finally, he heads to the studio, where the real magic unfolds.
After gym, swimming, shopping, and styling, he channels everything into his music. Creating isn’t always smooth, though.
He acknowledges the emotional toll of artistry, reliving past pains to craft authentic lyrics. But that’s what he cherishes most: being unapologetically real.
Fame brings challenges, like losing anonymity on the streets, but he embraces it fully.
“That’s what I prayed for,” he says. Reflecting on his path, Kenny has sage advice for his younger self at 14: “Keep going. Not everyone is your friend, but persistence pays off.”
The launch ceremony, held in Kigali recently, marked Rwanda’s debut as a host country for the prestigious awards, which recognize filmmakers, actors and other key contributors shaping Africa’s growing cinema industry. Rwanda becomes the fourth country to host iKON Activate in 2025, following earlier editions in Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda.
iKON Activate serves as a precursor to the main iKON Awards ceremony, creating a platform to connect filmmakers, media professionals, policymakers and private investors. The initiative focuses on discussions around collaboration, investment opportunities and the sustainable growth of Africa’s film sector.
The iKON Awards 2026 will be held under the theme “Beyond Borders”, highlighting African storytelling and encouraging cross-border collaboration among filmmakers on the continent. The theme reflects iKON’s broader mission of positioning African cinema on the global stage while fostering unity across national film industries.
Speaking at the event, Humphrey Nabimanya, the Chief Executive Officer of iKON Awards, said Kigali was selected because of Rwanda’s growing reputation as a hub for creativity and innovation.
“We want to tell African stories through collaboration,” Nabimanya said. “National film industries play a crucial role in shaping how Africa is presented to the world, just as other creative sectors have done successfully.”
He added that Kigali is emerging as one of the promising centres for cinema in East Africa, noting that iKON Activate provides a unique space where filmmakers, government institutions and private sector players can align efforts to boost investment and partnerships within the industry.
Previous iKON Activate editions have already yielded tangible results. The inaugural event in Nigeria brought together prominent filmmakers from Nigeria and Uganda, film associations and industry stakeholders, including Directors Guild of Nigeria President Uche Agbo, Viva Cinemas Nigeria’s Patrick Lee, representatives from FDAN, and renowned actor and director Ramsey Nouah.
As a result of these engagements, iKON signed a collaboration agreement with veteran Ugandan actor Michael Wawuyo Sr., who will feature in an upcoming Nigerian film titled Dambe, directed by Ramsey Nouah and produced by Sauti Plus Media Hub.
Additionally, iKON launched a joint Uganda–Kenya film project under the O3plus Project, supported by Reach A Hand Uganda, Imara TV and UNESCO. The film addresses pressing youth challenges, including gender-based violence and teenage pregnancies, demonstrating iKON’s commitment to using cinema as a tool for social change.
Rwandan filmmaker Ndayirukiye Fleury ‘The Legend’, founder of BahAfrica and husband to acclaimed actress Usanase Bahavu Jannet, welcomed the arrival of iKON Awards in Rwanda. He said local filmmakers were encouraged by the transparency and professionalism of the awards.
“After understanding how the awards operate — from the selection process to the jury system — we were convinced they are fair and credible,” he said. “That is why we are willing to participate if our films meet the required standards.”
He revealed that Rwanda has already submitted 26 films to compete in the upcoming iKON Awards, a sign of the country’s growing confidence and ambition within the continental film industry.
With Kigali now part of the iKON Awards journey, Rwanda’s film sector stands to gain increased visibility, stronger partnerships and new opportunities on the African and global cinema stage.
The one-day experience brought together more than 60 participants, including popular personalities such as Social Mulla, Ndimbati, Fally Merci, Rusine, Umushumba and Papy Ndahiro, for a mix of adventure and exploration in one of Rwanda’s most iconic natural reserves.
Setting off early in the morning, the group immersed themselves in three of Nyungwe’s signature attractions: ziplining, the canopy walk and guided hiking through the rainforest.
The highlight of the day was the ziplining experience, which unfolded across three sections named after Nyungwe’s famous primates. Participants first crossed the 335-metre Chimpanzee Section, followed by the 580-metre Colobus Section, before concluding with the Monkey Section, the longest stretch spanning 1,020 metres. The experience offered sweeping aerial views of the dense forest canopy below.
After ziplining, the group proceeded to the Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge that provided a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest, allowing participants to experience Nyungwe from a rare and elevated perspective. The adventure concluded with a guided hike, during which participants learned more about the park’s rich biodiversity, flora and fauna.
Speaking to IGIHE, event organiser Amen Babu Rugemana expressed gratitude to partners, sponsors and celebrities whose online engagement helped amplify the experience.
“I want to thank everyone who made this trip possible, our sponsors, partners and the celebrities who shared photos and videos from the tour. Their support helps showcase Rwanda’s beauty and tourism potential,” he said.
Buoyed by the positive response, Rugemana revealed plans to organise more similar trips aimed at encouraging Rwandans to explore local destinations.
“This was just the beginning. Many people are eager to discover Nyungwe and other attractions. I want to continue making these experiences accessible and bring people together to enjoy Rwanda’s natural beauty,” he added.
Beyond adventure and entertainment, the tour aimed to inspire greater appreciation of Rwanda’s natural heritage, encouraging locals to explore and take pride in the country’s ecological treasures.
The growing attraction and adventure facilities at Nyungwe are part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to leverage its natural heritage for sustainable tourism growth. Over the past year, Nyungwe National Park welcomed more than 26,000 visitors, a 20 per cent increase from 2023, generating over $2 million in revenue.
Nationwide, Rwanda’s tourism sector earned over $647 million in 2024, a 4.3% rise compared to the previous year. That figure stood at just $7 million in 2005. The country now targets $1 billion in annual tourism revenue by 2030, according to Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean-Guy Afrika.
Located in Rwanda’s southwest, Nyungwe is one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests. It is home to 98 mammal species, including 13 species of primates, representing 12% of all primates in Africa. The park also shelters over 1,000 species of flowering plants, 240 species of trees, and 320 species of birds, some of which are endemic.
This richness led to Nyungwe’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, further strengthening its role as a cornerstone of Rwanda’s conservation and eco-tourism strategy.
Organised in partnership with Intore Entertainment and Kontent, with support from NUDOR, the event featured a fireside chat, exhibitions, and interactive sessions facilitated by renowned cultural curator Mary Maina. It was hosted alongside the Davido 5ive Alive Tour Kigali as part of a broader effort to elevate East Africa’s creative industry.
The event aimed to highlight opportunities within Rwanda’s fast-growing creative economy, with a focus on fashion, entrepreneurship, intellectual property, and financial literacy. Chief Guest, the Minister of State for Youth and Arts, Sandrine Mutoni, emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting youth-driven creative enterprises and inclusive cultural development.
Key speakers included Matthew Rugamba, Founder of House of Tayo, and Troy Elimu, Founder of Denim Cartel, who shared insights on growing fashion brands in African markets, brand storytelling and authenticity, business discipline, financial literacy, and intellectual property protection. They also discussed the challenges and opportunities for scaling local creative enterprises.
In collaboration with NUDOR, the event showcased Futured Exhibitions, featuring creative works by artists and entrepreneurs with disabilities. Performances by children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation further highlighted the importance of inclusion and the wealth of underrepresented talent in the creative sector.
Attendees included emerging creatives, designers, entrepreneurs, youth organisations, and ecosystem builders from across the East African region. Programming highlights included a networking breakfast, a fireside chat with leading fashion entrepreneurs, an exhibition walkthrough of disability-inclusive creative work, and peer-learning sessions fostering community building among creatives.
SEEV AFRICA’s Executive Director, Paul Atwine, highlighted the importance of creating platforms for East African creatives to connect, learn, and showcase inclusive talent.
“The Davido concert presented a perfect opportunity to convene East African creatives with and without disability for a peer-learning knowledge exchange, reinforcing its mission to elevate creativity as a driver of social impact and sustainable development,” Atwine remarked.
This edition of Beyond the Stage built on a previous interactive creative café held in August during the Giants of Africa festival closing concert. It featured renowned East African DJ and cultural icon, DJ Etania, and placed a special focus on women in the creative space.
Known for his groundbreaking Afro-House music events, particularly the Atmosfera series, Lamper’s mission is to elevate Rwanda’s entertainment landscape and showcase its rich cultural heritage to the world.
“Originally from Milan, I moved here almost three years ago, and now I call Rwanda home,” Lamper shared in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, emphasizing the fusion of both cultures that deeply influences his musical work.
Lamper’s love for music began at a young age, though it wasn’t until later in life that he discovered his true calling as a DJ and producer.
In 2018, DJ Lamper graduated with a tourism degree but chose to pursue music mixing instead. Since then, he has performed at various venues in Milan, the economic capital of Italy, as well as in France, Spain, China, Rwanda and more.
For him, each day is filled with creativity and excitement. “I wake up and, honestly, I don’t get much sleep because I work at Lemon. So I gather as much energy as I can,” he laughs. “After waking up, I take a shower, finish my playlist, and do some last-minute edits if needed. I make sure everything is set for the day’s event.”
His dedication to his craft extends beyond his personal routine. “If we have a special guest, I might go pick them up; otherwise, I head straight to Mundi, where the event takes place. My team is always ready, and I communicate with them throughout the day to ensure everything runs smoothly,” he explains.
With the help of his assistant and stage manager, Lamper ensures that the artists and lineup are well-managed, and that the venue is prepared for the show.
{{The vision behind Atmosfera}}
Atmosfera, Lamper’s flagship event series, represents the realization of a long-held dream.
“I have always wanted to bring Afro-House music to Rwanda and make it mainstream here. It’s already a huge genre worldwide, and I wanted to fuse it with Rwandan sounds to create something truly unique,” Lamper explains.
His goal is to create an Afro-House sound that feels distinctly Rwandan, while showcasing local talent alongside global influences.
“Afro-House is a huge genre internationally, and I want to promote Rwanda’s music scene, which is rich with talented singers, DJs, and artists,” Lamper says. “I am here to give my contribution and push Rwandan entertainment to the international stage.”
Despite the challenges posed by Rwanda’s competitive entertainment industry, Lamper has managed to stand out.
“Rwanda’s entertainment scene is tough. There are many DJs, but few spots to perform,” he admits. “To make a name for myself, I had to do something different. That’s why I started shooting videos in iconic places around Rwanda. This helped me get noticed and build my recognition.”
For Lamper, authenticity has been key. “People started recognizing my unique approach, and that’s how I started building my brand,” he explains.
{{Advice for the youth and the future of Atmosfera}}
As a role model for many young Rwandans, Lamper shares valuable advice: “Never give up. Entertainment can be tough, but consistency is key. Whether you’re winning or not, you must always keep pushing. If you stay consistent and professional, you can make it.”
Looking ahead, Lamper has ambitious plans for Atmosfera. “In five years, I want Atmosfera to be a global event that showcases one culture to the world. Starting next year, we are planning to take it to different countries,” he says. “The ultimate goal is to fill up a stadium with people enjoying this Afro-House experience.”
For Lamper, the mission extends beyond hosting events. It’s about creating a movement that transcends borders, bringing people from all over the world together to celebrate music, culture, and unity.
His work with Atmosfera has not only redefined Kigali’s nightlife but also introduced Rwandan culture to an international audience, fostering a sense of unity and self-expression through music.
British High Commissioner to Rwanda Alison Thorpe announced the plans on Thursday during a ceremony marking the 77th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Kigali.
The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, cultural figures, and friends of the UK and Rwanda, with guests raising glasses in honour of the King and the enduring partnership between the two nations.
In her remarks, Thorpe highlighted the growing UK-Rwanda collaboration across development, trade, and culture, noting that the launch of Creative DNA aims to showcase fashion as a viable career path for young people while boosting Rwanda’s creative economy.
“This is just the first step in the British Council’s long-term plans to support capacity building within Rwanda’s wider creative and cultural industries,” she stated, adding, “These projects remind us that bilateral relations are about people, collaboration, creativity, and having fun.”
At the event, the envoy also celebrated the contributions of eight Rwandan designers who participated in a unique design project, creating dresses that blended UK and Rwandan culture for the High Commissioner in collaboration with experts from the University of Westminster.
Patrick Muhire, founder of Inkanda House, who emerged top in the project, described the experience as both humbling and inspiring.
“I wanted to make a dress that she could never find elsewhere, a dress that represents my country,” he explained. He chose inyegamo, a traditional Rwandan material once used in home décor, to symbolise Rwanda’s heritage.
All eight designers who participated in the programme are set to travel to the UK next year for a fashion show and cultural exchange at the University of Westminster, while also exploring new markets for their creations.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, praised the project, framing it as a symbol of the creativity and dynamism of UK-Rwanda relations.
“Initiatives such as the collaborative fashion design project between Rwandan designers, the University of Westminster, the British High Commission in Kigali, and the Rwanda High Commission in London reflect the creativity and dynamism of our bilateral ties. This is only the beginning,” he said, affirming the Ministry’s support for efforts that strengthen the country’s creative industries.
The Creative DNA programme is expected to provide Rwandan designers with opportunities to develop their skills, gain international exposure, and access new markets.
The birthday celebration featured performances by young dancers from the Sherry Silver Foundation, music by Mike Kayihura, and Alyn Sano & Band, among others.
The colourful gathering, held at the High Commissioner’s Residence in Kacyiru, blended culinary displays, performances, fashion, heartfelt speeches and reflections on the enduring partnership between the two nations.
The evening opened with a soulful performance by singer-songwriter JP Zed, followed by the national anthems performed by the Turikumwe Choir. Guests later enjoyed a raffle in which two attendees won business-class RwandaAir tickets to attend the King’s Birthday celebrations in the UK.
Thereafter, a series of energetic performances took the stage, including a lively dance showcase by children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation. The entertainment lineup also featured Mike Kayihura and his band, Okay Bisoke, as well as late-night DJ sets by DJ Dawee and DJ Bruno, transforming the diplomatic celebration into a vibrant artistic evening.
In her keynote speech, British High Commissioner Alison Thorpe delivered warm remarks that combined diplomacy, humour and personal reflections on her first year in Rwanda. Opening her remarks in Kinyarwanda, to appreciative applause, she expressed her admiration for the country and its people.
“Rwanda has totally captured my heart, from the rolling hills to the warmth of its people,” she said, noting that the event was both a celebration of the King and of the friendship between the UK and Rwanda.
Thorpe highlighted milestones of the past year, including ministerial visits, over 20 delegations from the UK and trips across Rwanda to meet communities and see ongoing projects.
She outlined three pillars of the UK–Rwanda partnership: development, trade and investment, and people-to-people connections. This includes joint efforts in education and social protection, as well as investments by British companies exceeding £230 million (approximately 380 billion Rwandan Francs) in sectors such as energy, mobility, and technology.
The High Commissioner also spotlighted the growing creative collaboration between the two countries. A major highlight of the night was the reveal of the custom dress she wore, the winning piece of a design challenge involving eight Rwandan designers working with experts from the University of Westminster.
Thorpe wore the winning design by Inkanda House, founded by celebrated designer Patrick Muhire. Later in the evening, she also donned another dress, which took second place in the close competition, by Twinkle by Asty.
To continue supporting local artists, the envoy noted that in the new year, the British Council will be launching Creative DNA, a fashion-focused accelerator programme that showcases fashion as a viable career path for young people and a valuable driver of the creative economy.
“This is just the first step in the British Council’s long-term plans to support capacity building within Rwanda’s wider creative and cultural industries,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Muhire, who has been a pioneer of Rwanda’s fashion industry since 2008, said that the experience of working with the High Commission was both humbling and inspiring.
“I wanted to make a dress that she could never find elsewhere, a dress that represents my country,” he explained. He chose ‘inyegamo’, a traditional Rwandan material once used in home décor, to symbolise Rwanda’s heritage.
All eight designers who participated in the competition are set to travel to the UK next year for a fashion show and cultural exchange at the University of Westminster, while also exploring new markets for their creations.
“We are hoping to enter the UK market and reach a broader audience than before,” Muhire said. “The guests invited tonight aren’t just from the UK; we also have people from France, Italy, and across the globe. Through this programme, we hope to access a larger market than we had previously.”
Representing the Government of Rwanda, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, reaffirmed the strength and depth of Rwanda–UK relations.
He highlighted collaboration in governance, education, trade, peace-building, climate resilience and innovation, noting that even during moments requiring “thoughtful dialogue and mutual understanding,” both countries have maintained open, constructive engagement.
The Minister praised the UK’s role in global climate action, a cause long championed by King Charles III, and welcomed continued cooperation through initiatives such as the Sustainable Markets Initiative. He also commended cultural and creative partnerships, especially the fashion collaboration showcased during the event.
“We remain confident that this chapter will lead to an even stronger partnership, one that contributes not only to our bilateral relations but also to regional stability and international cooperation,” he said.
