A contingent of Ugandan comedians, led by Comedy Store UG founder and CEO Alex Muhangi, arrived in Kigali on March 26, 2025. The group includes Pablo, Maulana & Reign, MC Mariachi, Madrat & Chiko and renowned Ugandan musician and Karole Kasita.
Maulana & Reign shared their excitement, saying, “It feels great to be here. Expect more fire, more fire! It’s going to catch fire today.” Alex Muhangi, a regular in Kigali, added, “I love this place. It’s calm, unlike Kampala. I always want to come back.”
Pablo, thrilled to return after the pandemic, remarked, “It’s refreshing, like coming back home. We are here to deliver laughter; which people need now more than ever.”
Rwanda’s top comedians, including Fally Merci, Pirate, Rusine, Joshua, Ambasador w’Abakonsomateri, Muhinde, Umushumba, Dudu, Kadudu, and MC Kandi & Musa, will also perform.
Karole Kasita promised a thrilling show, saying, “Expect a high-energy performance where everyone will have an amazing time.”
With excitement building, fans are urged to grab tickets priced at 10,000 RWF (general), 20,000 RWF (VIP), and 35,000 RWF (VVIP). Kigali is in for an unforgettable night of laughter and entertainment.
The couple arrived in Kigali on February 21, 2025, and while Legend headlined the concert, they also took time to explore Rwanda’s rich natural beauty.
Sharing the experience with his fans on Instagram, Legend posted a video capturing the intimate encounter with a family of gorillas, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“While we were in Rwanda for @glblctzn #MoveAfrika, we were able to spend some time in nature. We got up close and personal with a family of gorillas in their natural habitat. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he captioned a video highlighting their trekking experience on Saturday night.
The American singer-songwriter and pianist also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Rwanda for their hospitality during his first visit to the country.
“We’re so grateful to the people of Rwanda for their hospitality and loving welcome,” he added.
The “Move Afrika” concert, which John Legend headlined, is part of Global Citizen’s larger mission to develop Africa’s international touring circuit.
Meanwhile, gorilla tourism is a major revenue earner for Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda primarily occurs in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest part of the country. The park is part of the larger Virunga Mountain range, which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places in the world to go gorilla trekking, and visitors can embark on guided treks to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat. The park is famous for its stunning scenery, with its lush forests and towering volcanic mountains.
The upcoming film, expected to be released by mid-2026, promises to deliver a powerful narrative focused on a young woman’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment amidst societal expectations and hidden family secrets.
Ntihabose’s previous work, Kinyarwanda, released in 2011, received international acclaim for its powerful portrayal of unity and reconciliation during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The film highlighted acts of humanity, such as Muslims sheltering Christians in mosques and the struggles of those seeking refuge at Hôtel des Mille Collines, demonstrating the power of human connection in the face of tragedy.
The Miss of The Country follows the story of Rose, a courageous young woman who challenges traditional norms by entering a prestigious national beauty pageant. Her pursuit of the crown becomes a catalyst for uncovering long-buried family secrets and reclaiming her identity. As Rose navigates the complexities of her past, she embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
The film boasts a talented cast, including renowned Rwandan actors Willy Ndahiro and Mazimpaka Jones Kennedy. Kanangire Laurene, known for her appearances in popular Rwandan music videos, will also feature prominently.
Casting is being led by Simon Iyarwema, a highly experienced industry professional whose impressive portfolio includes Shooting Dogs, Shake Hands with the Devil, Sometimes in April, Kinyarwanda, Petit Pays, Avenir, The Last King of Scotland, and Afrikanda. Additional cast members are currently being selected.
Celebrated musician Tom Close will contribute to the film’s soundtrack. Filming will take place across diverse and picturesque locations in Rwanda, including Kinigi in Musanze, Huye, and Kigali, showcasing the country’s natural beauty.
Upon completion, The Miss of The Country will be distributed on major international film networks.
Ntihabose’s return to filmmaking follows a six-year hiatus during which he pursued study and gained professional experience in Canada. He studied film and television at Collège André-Grasset and gained valuable industry experience working with Grandé Montréal (formerly Cinepool Canada), further honing his skills in international cinema.
With a compelling narrative and a talented cast and crew, The Miss of The Country promises to be another captivating film from Ishmael Ntihabose, expected to resonate with audiences worldwide.
“When the tape recorders came, the main problem was recording someone’s song on the radio and multiplying it for economic gains. Now, this technology should be able to tell us who has played my song and where, or that what you have sung belongs to another person,” President Museveni stated.
The announcement was made during a meeting held last week in Rwakitura, attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, and a delegation of musicians led by Eddy Kenzo, Senior Presidential Advisor for Creatives and President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF).
President Museveni expressed satisfaction that the copyright management system has been developed to address emerging challenges in copyright protection and safeguard content creators’ rights.
The integrated system will allow creatives to register their works, monitor their usage, and receive payments for their content where applicable.
According to Dr. Joel Isabirye, Principal Development Economist at State House, musicians will register their songs, and licensed venues that play their music will be monitored by the system.
Businesses using music for entertainment, such as bars and hotels, will be required to contribute a fee, ensuring artists are compensated for their work.
“Every business that plays music for entertainment charges people to get entertained. If a bar plays Afrigo Band music, customers pay for the experience. The President and artists believe that musicians should receive a share of the revenue since their work is being used to generate income,” Isabirye explained.
Similarly, media houses will also be expected to compensate musicians for the value their music brings to radio and television stations.
“Stations that play 100% local music attract advertisements because audiences tune in for artists like Sheebah Karungi and Juliana Kanyomozi. Musicians don’t want all the advertising revenue, but they seek a fair percentage for their contribution,” Isabirye added.
To enforce compliance, bars and entertainment venues will be required to install a monitoring device as a licensing condition under the Ministry of Local Government.
The system will track music usage, and attempts to tamper with the device will trigger alerts. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Uganda Police will oversee enforcement, ensuring that all entertainment venues comply.
“This is about cooperation, and the payments will be reasonable, just a way to acknowledge that businesses use musicians’ work to generate revenue. If a bar or media house fails to comply, the system will flag them, and UCC will take action,” Isabirye noted.
For years, Ugandan musicians have struggled to benefit fairly from their work due to weak copyright laws. The new system will distribute revenue based on song play frequency rather than artist popularity.
For example, if a bar, radio, or TV station contributes Shs.1 million as a licensing fee, an artist whose song is played 60 times will receive 60% (Shs. 600,000), while the remaining Shs. 400,000 will be shared among other artists based on airplay.
“Many musicians face financial struggles when their careers decline. With this system, artists will continue to earn from their past work, even in retirement or ill health. Their families and future generations will also benefit from royalties,” Isabirye emphasized, thanking President Museveni for supporting the initiative.
The meeting was attended by UNMF members and the State House science team, led by Engineer Sheba Kyobutungi, among others.
The initiative is expected to attract compliance and collaboration from regulatory agencies, including UCC, Uganda Police, Uganda Revenue Authority, and the Ministry of Local Government.
Held in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 2, the ceremony celebrated the finest in cinema, with several stars and films setting new records in Hollywood history. From emotional speeches to milestone victories, here are the highlights of the 2025 Oscars.
{{History-making wins
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{{Paul Tazewell becomes the first black man to win for costume design
}}
American costume designer Paul Tazewell claimed the Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work in Wicked. Previously nominated for West Side Story, Tazewell used his acceptance speech to acknowledge the historical significance of his win: “I am the first Black man to receive the Oscar for costume design, and I am so proud of this.”
He went on to thank the Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who gave him a standing ovation.
{{Zoe Saldaña breaks barriers
}}
Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, making her the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar.
In her heartfelt speech, she paid tribute to her family’s immigrant journey, stating, “I am the proud child of immigrant parents with dreams, dignity, and hardworking hands, and I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. And I know I will not be the last.”
{{Adrien Brody sets a unique record
}}
American actor Adrien Brody secured his second Oscar for Best Actor with his performance in The Brutalist. He is now the first person to win two Best Actor Oscars from just two nominations. Brody’s first win came in 2003 for The Pianist, a role that made him the youngest ever Best Actor winner.
In a fascinating parallel, both roles saw him portraying Holocaust survivors.
{{Sean Baker dominates the night
}}
American filmmaker Sean Baker made Oscars history by becoming the first person to win four Academy Awards in a single year for the same film. His film Anora was the biggest winner of the night, securing Best Picture, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, and Best Film Editing.
Baker himself won Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Director, and Best Picture.
Mikey Madison, 25, shocked the audience by becoming one of the youngest best actress winners in Academy history, over presumed front-runner Demi Moore.
{{Latvia wins its first Oscar
}}
The animated feature Flow made history by becoming the first Latvian film to win an Oscar, triumphing in the Best Animated Feature category. The visually striking, dialogue-free film, which features a cat as its protagonist, also became the first independent film to win in the category.
The win gave Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis his first Academy Award.
{{Brazil clinches its first Oscar
}}
After five previous nominations, Brazil finally won its first Oscar for Best International Feature with I’m Still Here. The film, which tells the story of Eunice Paiva and her family’s struggle during the country’s military dictatorship, has resonated with audiences for its powerful narrative.
The film’s lead, Fernanda Torres, was also nominated for Best Actress, though the award ultimately went to Mikey Madison for Anora.
{{Other notable winners
}}
-* Dune: Part Two dominated the technical categories, securing wins for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound.
-* No Other Land, a powerful documentary shedding light on Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank, won Best Documentary Feature.
-* Kieran Culkin earned the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in A Real Pain.
-* Wicked took home multiple awards, winning Best Production Design, in addition to Paul Tazewell’s historic win for Best Costume Design.
A section of netizens had called on the EGOT-winning artist to cancel his show in Kigali, where he headlined the second edition of Move Afrika, citing the ongoing stand-off between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the root causes of the conflict in eastern Congo.
“I’m aware of what’s happening, and I’m aware of the calls for me not to do this show, but I really believe that the mission of Move Afrika is still important,” Legend said in a recent interview with the BBC.
He noted that fans should not suffer because of disagreements between leaders.
“It’s still important to bring international touring to Rwanda and to other places around the continent, and I didn’t want to abandon that mission just because I may not agree with everything that the leader of the country does. I don’t agree with everything the leader of my country does,” he remarked.
He added, “I don’t believe that we should punish the people of Rwanda and the people of other countries when we disagree with their leaders.”
Congolese authorities have long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group. Rwanda has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that M23 fighters are Congolese citizens fighting against decades of marginalisation and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking nationals.
Additionally, Rwanda has dismissed claims that it has mineral interests in the DRC, instead arguing that Congolese leadership is using the accusations to divert attention from governance and mismanagement issues.
John Legend [performed in Kigali->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/john-legend-fires-up-kigali-in-thrilling-move-afrika-concert-photos-video] on February 21, 2025, despite the pressure, unlike Grammy-winning singer Tems, whose recent cancellation over the same conflict drew criticism from Rwandan fans.
Tems was scheduled to perform in Kigali on 22 March 2025 as part of her Born in the Wild world tour, which includes stops in major African cities such as Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Accra, and Addis Ababa. Her decision to pull out of the event sparked criticism from Rwandan fans.
Concerns over the lack of international tours in Africa have persisted for years, with some attributing it to inadequate entertainment infrastructure. Addressing this issue, John Legend emphasised the need for development in the sector.
“I think there does need to be more development when it comes to making it possible for more acts to come and tour here.”
Move Afrika, a pioneering music touring circuit by Global Citizen, aims to drive economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship across Africa through world-class entertainment events.
The 2025 tour will expand from East to West Africa, with Nigeria as the next host country.
The project also seeks to set a new gold standard for entertainment events, boosting demand for international and regional artists to tour Africa.
Legend touched down in Kigali this morning, along with his wife, celebrated model Chrissy Teigen and is set to perform at the at BK Arena.
Anticipation is high as fans look forward to experiencing live renditions of iconic songs such as “All of Me,” “Ordinary People,” and “Tonight.” These tracks have left a significant mark on the R&B and jazz music scenes worldwide.
“John Legend blends jazz, soul, and R&B flawlessly. This concert will showcase a unique musical experience for everyone,” said excited fan Valens Nduwayo.
A 12-time Grammy Award winner, John Legend is renowned for his smooth vocals and heartfelt stage presence. His global influence has seen him perform at prestigious venues, and this concert will also feature Rwandan artist Bwiza and popular DJ Toxxyk.
“Having John Legend perform in Kigali is more than entertainment; it’s a chance to highlight our city I believe the lineup will create an unforgettable show.” Said Josephine Mbabazi, another music enthusiast.
The event, organized by Global Citizen and Kendrick Lamar’s pgLang in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, aims to create economic opportunities for African youth through live music.
After Kigali, the tour will continue to Lagos, Nigeria, where John Legend will perform with local stars Simi and DJ Consequence on February 25.
“John Legend’s songs resonate deeply. I expect a truly special night filled with energy and emotion as fans from across East Africa unite for this unforgettable concert,” said Mbabazi.
In December 2024, Chameleone was rushed to Nakasero Hospital in Kampala after experiencing excruciating abdominal pain. His condition quickly escalated, prompting doctors to place him under intensive care for 11 days.
Medical experts advised that he needed specialized treatment abroad to prevent further complications.
Taking this advice seriously, Chameleone was discharged on December 23, 2024, and immediately made arrangements to fly to the United States.
His medical evacuation was spearheaded by Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Juliet Zawedde, who covered his medical and travel expenses.
Upon arrival in the U.S., he was admitted to Allina Health Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, where he has been receiving specialized care ever since. His brother and fellow musician, Weasel Manizo, has been by his side throughout the ordeal.
With just hours left before the operation, fans across the globe are sending their prayers and support. In a January 3, 2025, interview with NTV’s The Beat, Chameleone reassured his supporters that he remains optimistic about his recovery.
“This has been a tough journey, but I’m staying strong. I miss my fans, and I promise to come back stronger than ever,” he stated.
Despite his health struggles, the legendary singer has been plotting his comeback, using his recovery time to reflect on his career and plan new projects.
As the countdown to surgery begins, Uganda, and the entire African music scene waits anxiously, hopeful that the Mama Mia hitmaker will emerge from this battle victorious. Ugandans online wished a quick recovery to talented singer after Reports of him being hospitalized again emerged.
Joseph Mayanja alias Jose Chameleon is a famous Ugandan singer known for his versatile music style that includes Reggae, Dancehall and Afro beats. He has won numerous awards throughout his career including the prestigious MTV Africa Music Award.
The WILSa 2025 is a conference that brings together young women and girls to celebrate all women who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
At the announcement of Boukuru’s appointment as Brand Ambassador for WILSa 2025, Iris Irumva, the CEO of Lead Access, a leadership firm that empowers leaders at all levels, revealed that they started working with Boukuru in December 2024 to prepare a special partnership aimed at amplifying the voices of women everywhere.
“Since December 2023, we’ve been hard at work with our very own Boukuru, crafting an extraordinary collaboration that amplifies the voices of women everywhere,” she said.
“This partnership is more than a project. It’s a call to action, a celebration of talent, and the spark for a year-long journey of empowerment and mentorship.,” she added.
Irumva further explained that in 2025, they will go beyond merely celebrating women’s and girls’ achievements to spreading a message that would energize and empower women across all sectors, reinforcing women’s leadership at every level.
“This year, we wanted to create something that doesn’t just celebrate women’s leadership but amplifies it in a way that reaches beyond words. That’s why we’ve collaborated with Boukuru, whose song “We Are Here- Turi Hano” is more than music. It’s a statement,” she emphasized.
She highlighted that the song symbolizes the need for the voices of women and girls to be heard at the workplace, in decision-making organiations, and in all important spaces. “It’s a call to all of us to support and invest in the leadership of women and girls,” she added.
Shortly after, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with Boukuru as the official Brand Ambassador for WILSa 2025.
Boukuru expressed her excitement about the collaboration with WILSa, saying that the song “Turi Hano” was meant to highlight the importance of women in everyday life.
“When I worked on ‘Turi Hano,’ Irumva approached me, asking if we could create a powerful song that speaks to the value of women in leadership or wherever they may be. Wherever a woman is, she deserves respect. Whether at home, at work or anywhere else. So, I thought about creating a song that would convey this message,” she said.
She went on to share that the song signifies that even if women are not seen in certain places, they are present in other ways. She also pointed out that this song is not just for WILSa’s awards or conferences but is an anthem for every woman.
Boukuru mentioned that she chose to record the song in Kinyarwanda as it was specifically created for the Rwandan audience.
The WILSa 2025 awards ceremony will be preceded by the various Pre-Summit Workshops happening on 6th & 7th March, focusing on women in Agriculture, Technology, Entrepreneurship and the Arts.
On March 20, 2025, a large-scale conference will bring together women and girls from various sectors, followed by a day of intergenerational discussions and debates. The awards ceremony to honor the most outstanding women will take place on March 21, 2025.
The awards will recognize individuals in 15 categories, with three finalist nominees competing to win their category title, driven by public votes and jury’s input. Nominations for these awards opened on February 10, 2025, and will close on February 17. To nominate someone, visit the link http://wilsafrica.com/, select the category and fill out the details.
Irumva, who played a key role in Boukuru’s appointment as Brand Ambassador for WILSa 2025, revealed that this year, they plan to collaborate with more women and girls than ever before.
In 2024, the summit brought together 200 experienced women from various sectors, but this year, they aim to reach 1,000 women in Kigali and beyond.
She also disclosed that following the summit, a year-long mentorship program will be launched to empower women and girls to excel in every aspect of life. This program is scheduled to conclude in March 2026, paving the way for the next edition of WILSa.
The award categories will include; Entrepreneurship, Sports, Education, Arts & Culture, Advocate for Gender Equality, Science Innovation, Technology, Finance, Social Impact, Health & Wellness, Queen of Green (Environmentalist), Agriculture, Hospitality, Media & Communication and Lifetime Achievements.
The film will be shown in the Forum section of the festival, which is scheduled to run from February 13 to 23, 2025.
Sharangabo told IGIHE that he and a team of about 10 who worked on the film will arrive in Germany on February 12, 2025, a day before the screening.
He expressed his pride in having his film showcased at Berlinale, marking its official premiere and giving film enthusiasts the opportunity to watch it in theatres afterwards.
“I am very happy, and what I can tell people is that this will be the film’s first public screening. After this, it will start being shown in different places. It’s a significant step for Rwandan cinema and a result of the daily efforts and struggles we go through. I’m grateful and appreciate everyone who contributed to making this project successful,” he said.
Minimals in a Titanic World is Sharangabo’s first feature film, centred around Anita, a dancer aspiring to turn her passion into a professional career.
After being imprisoned due to misconduct, Anita returns to a life of performing music and dancing in a nightclub. However, she receives heartbreaking news about the death of her lover, Serge.
As her friends support her through grief, Anita meets Shema, Serge’s close friend, and the two form a bond that helps her find solace and refocus on building her life as a songwriter.
Set in contemporary Kigali, the film explores themes of ambition, love, loss, and the struggle of young people trying to achieve their dreams while navigating life’s uncertainties.
The film features actors Aline Amike, Niyigena “Rwasibo Joe” Jean Pierre, Ganza Moise, Nasser Makala, and Alice Amike.
Key contributors to the film include Samuel Ishimwe Karemangingo and Nasser Naizi, who handled cinematography, while Kivu Ruhorahoza was responsible for editing. The film’s music was composed by Amin Goudarzi, with Amadou Massaer Ndiaye overseeing sound design. Carine Umunyana led the production design, shaping the film’s visual aesthetic. The production team was led by Sharangabo, alongside Samuel Ishimwe Karemangingo, Remy Ryumugabe, Didacienne Nibagwire, Alexander Wadouh, Roxana Richters, and Augustine Moukodi.
The film was co-produced by Imitana Productions and Iyugi Productions, both based in Kigali, along with Chromosom Film in Berlin and Zili Studios in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Sharangabo, the film’s creator, is also the organizer of the Kigali CineJunction Festival, which has been held twice in Rwanda since its launch in 2023.
The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), established in 1951 and held in February since 1978, is widely considered one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, alongside Cannes and Venice.
In addition to Berlinale, Minimals in a Titanic World is also competing in the feature film category at the Festival Panafricain du cinéma et de la télévision de Ouagadougou (FESPACO), which will take place in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from February 22 to March 1, 2025, for its 29th edition.
FESPACO is the most prestigious film festival in Africa and has been hosted in Ouagadougou every two years since 1972.
![The Inzora Service and Protocol team, founded by Tumukunde Nadine, known as Djadja [in the middle], welcomed the attendees at the event where Boukuru was introduced as the Brand Ambassador for the WILS Awards 2025.](https://en-images.igihe.com/jpg/boukuru_15.jpg)
