Landing at Kigali International Airport on Tuesday morning, Teacher Mpamire was warmly received by the event’s organising team, who are behind the fast-rising Gen-Z Comedy series, now a staple on Kigali’s entertainment calendar with two editions each month.
Mpamire was all smiles as he waved the Rwandan flag handed to him upon arrival, a gesture he said made him feel right at home.
“I love Rwanda. From the moment I started performing here, the people have always shown me so much love—and I love them back. Every time I’m here, it feels like home. Rwanda is truly my second country after Uganda,” he shared.
This marks Teacher Mpamire’s second appearance at Gen-Z Comedy, and this time, the show is themed around #Kwibohora31, commemorating Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Anniversary.
He will be sharing the stage with a stellar lineup of Rwandan comedians, including Umushumba, Pirate, Rumi, Kadudu, Joseph, and Dudu—promising a night packed with laughter and energy.
Gen-Z Comedy has quickly earned a loyal following for its fresh take on stand-up, spotlighting both rising and established acts who reflect the voice and humour of the younger generation.
The concert took place on Saturday evening, in Texas, as part of the ongoing convention scheduled to close today, July 6.
Hosted by renowned media personality Ally Soudy, the event brought together Rwandans from across the globe for a night of celebration, culture, and music.
The evening kicked off with a nostalgic performance by Navytune [MYP], a veteran of the iconic group KGB. Midway through his set, he surprised fans by inviting his children on stage, creating a heartfelt moment as they sang together.
He was followed by TMC, formerly of the popular duo Dream Boyz, who took the audience down memory lane with a selection of their classic hits. His solo set was a reminder of the group’s lasting impact, even years after their split.
A live band then took over, setting the stage for Kevin Kade, who performed four of his trending tracks, marking his debut performance on American soil. Element followed with a powerful set of his own hits, receiving an enthusiastic response from the crowd.
In one of the night’s standout moments, Kevin Kade returned to the stage to join Element and The Ben for a joint performance of their collaboration “Sikosa.” After the energetic trio performance, Element and Kade exited the stage, leaving The Ben to take centre stage for a memorable headlining set.
Having lived in the U.S. from 2010 to 2017, The Ben’s performance was both a homecoming and a celebration. He treated fans to a mix of old favourites and newer hits, with the crowd singing along throughout.
The evening ended on an emotional note as The Ben was presented with a framed portrait of his late grandmother, who passed away last year, a touching tribute to close out a night filled with energy, unity, and musical excellence.
Held on the night of Thursday, July 3, 2025, the concert set the tone for Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Day, dubbed ‘Kwibohora31’, immersing the crowd in a blend of cultural pride, music, and modern technology.
The venue was packed to capacity, with every seat taken by fans of traditional Rwandan music and dance. Maji Maji, backed by a live band, opened the night with an energetic set, followed by the powerful rhythms and choreographed brilliance of Ishyaka ry’Intore.
The Inyamibwa troupe then took the spotlight before a collective of performers closed the show with moving renditions of wartime songs that once inspired Rwanda’s liberation fighters.
Midway through the show, the audience was caught off guard, in the best way possible. As Inyamibwa performed, the skies above Kigali lit up—not with fireworks, but with a fleet of drones spelling out words and symbols in perfect harmony.
The aerial spectacle featured glowing messages honouring President Paul Kagame, who led the liberation struggle, as well as sky-written images of the Rwandan flag and the country’s map—a powerful fusion of tradition and tech that brought the house to its feet.
This marked the first-ever edition of the ‘Urw’intwari’ concert, and organisers from Ma Africa told IGIHE the event is set to become an annual highlight on Rwanda’s entertainment calendar.
The much-anticipated project, which marks Burna Boy’s eighth studio album, is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, and will feature 16 tracks.
Stromae, born Paul Van Haver, appears on a collaborative track with the Nigerian superstar titled “Pardon.”
The album also boasts a star-studded lineup of guest appearances. Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of iconic rock band The Rolling Stones, joins Burna Boy on a song titled “Empty Chairs.”
American rap heavyweight Travis Scott features on the already-released single “TaTaTa,” while Shaboozey, the Nigerian-American artist making waves in the country music scene, appears on the track “Change Your Mind.” Shaboozey is currently enjoying major chart success with his hit single “Tipsy,” which remains one of the hottest songs on the Billboard Hot 100.
Following the release, Burna Boy is expected to hit the road for a global tour to promote the album.
The music mogul was found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution, but he was not convicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
Combs, 55, faced federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, which were part of a complex legal case involving his former relationships and alleged illicit activities.
The charges stemmed from accusations that Combs used his power to coerce women, including his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, into participating in “Freak Offs,” elaborate sex parties with male escorts.
Prosecutors presented testimony from 34 witnesses, including Ventura, who described incidents of abuse, coercion, and detailed the nature of the “Freak Offs.”
According to media reports, Combs’ defense team, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, countered these claims, arguing that the sexual encounters were consensual and that the prosecution had exaggerated the case.
The defense introduced text messages between Combs and Ventura to support their claim of a loving, consensual relationship.
Agnifilo also portrayed Ventura’s relationship with Combs as a “great modern love story,” distancing the charges from any real criminal wrongdoing.
Despite the defense’s efforts, Combs was convicted on the lesser charges of transporting two women for prostitution.
However, he was acquitted of the more serious charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and the associated crimes of kidnapping, arson, and bribery. These charges, had they resulted in a conviction, could have led to a 20-year prison sentence or more.
The trial lasted nearly two months, and the jury’s verdict, delivered on July 2, 2025, marked a significant moment in Combs’ legal battles.
With the acquittals, Combs avoided the life sentence that had loomed over him, but he now faces up to 10 years in prison for the charges on which he was convicted.
Throughout the trial, Combs’ legal team depicted Combs as a victim of false accusations, particularly regarding the alleged abuse and forced participation in the “Freak Offs,” a term used by Combs to describe the sex parties.
The outcome of the trial provides some relief for Combs, whose reputation has been severely impacted by the charges and his time spent behind bars leading up to the trial.
Titled Call Me Queen, the film features Eliane alongside Irish actress Denise Gough, with filming having taken place in Nairobi, Kenya.
For Emily Atef, this marks her first time directing a film in English.
The film is based on the 2007 novel Mercy by Lara Santoro, which tells the story of the friendship between an Irish journalist working in Kenya and a Rwandan woman. Together, they confront the AIDS crisis during the 1990s, a time when the epidemic was severely affecting Africa.
In addition to Eliane, who is based in France, the cast includes Dominic West, Laurent Lafitte, Charlie Carrick (known for The Chronology of Water), Denise Gough, and Danny Sapani.
The film also features Kenyan actors, including Michelle Tiren, Nice Githinji, and Lwanda Jawar.
Call Me Queen is supported by various film production companies, including Germany’s Ringel Film, France’s Les Films Pelleas, and the UK’s Cowboy Films and Streetcar Productions. Other key producers include Paul Zischler, Martin Rehbock, and Appie Matere, with Charles Steel (Cowboy Films) and Mo Abudu serving as executive producers.
Emily Atef stated that Call Me Queen “aims to highlight the power of unity and the pursuit of change.”
Umuhire, one of the film’s lead actors, expressed her joy at the fact that women are at the forefront of both the production and the main cast of the film.
While the official release date has not yet been announced, it is expected to premiere later this year, as filming has already been completed.
Umuhire rose to prominence on the international film scene through various productions, with her breakout role being in Birds Are Singing in Kigali. She also recently appeared in A Quiet Place: Day One, released last year.
That film featured major names in global cinema such as Lupita Nyong’o, famous for Black Panther (2018), and Joseph Quinn, known for Stranger Things, among others.
In a letter filed on Wednesday, prosecutors informed the court they would no longer pursue claims of attempted kidnapping, attempted arson, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking under the racketeering conspiracy charge.
The move is intended to “streamline” jury instructions, although all five federal charges against Combs, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, remain. The 55-year-old music mogul has pleaded not guilty.
Initially, prosecutors accused Combs of running a criminal enterprise within his entertainment business, involving crimes such as sex trafficking, forced labour, bribery, and obstruction of justice. With the case now narrowed, the government plans to focus on forced labour and sex trafficking as the core of the racketeering charge.
The change follows arguments made Tuesday by Combs’ attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, who called for a judgment of acquittal on all counts, citing insufficient evidence and weak links to her client. She specifically criticised the kidnapping and arson allegations.
One such kidnapping claim involved Capricorn Clark, a former employee, who testified she was taken to a decrepit building and subjected to lie detector tests over five days, allegedly under threat of being thrown into the East River. Shapiro argued that there was no evidence connecting Combs to the incident.
The arson allegation stemmed from rapper Kid Cudi’s claim that Combs firebombed his Porsche in 2012 after discovering he had dated Cassie Ventura, Combs’ then-girlfriend. Shapiro countered that the claim lacked direct evidence, noting that Kid Cudi did not witness the attack and that female DNA was found on the bottle used in the alleged Molotov cocktail.
The trial, now in its seventh week, has seen more than 30 witnesses testify for the prosecution. Key witnesses include Ventura, who described being forced into non-consensual sexual encounters and controlled through fear and drugs; “Jane,” a pseudonym used by a former girlfriend; and “Mia,” a former assistant. Their testimony was supported by text messages, financial records, travel logs, and video evidence.
Earlier this week, Combs’ defence team announced it would rest its case without calling any witnesses, including Combs himself, a move legal experts say is not unusual. Instead, the defence introduced a series of documents and exhibits.
“They may believe the prosecution’s case didn’t meet the burden of proof,” said former federal prosecutor Mitchell Epner. “And putting Diddy on the stand could open him up to damaging cross-examination.”
Lead defence attorney Marc Agnifilo has filed a motion to dismiss the case, but the judge has not yet ruled on it.
As closing arguments begin, Combs’ lawyers are expected to challenge the credibility of prosecution witnesses and suggest that their testimony may be exaggerated or motivated by civil litigation.
If convicted on any count, Combs could face a lengthy prison sentence. The jury will soon begin deliberations on a case that has blended celebrity, power, and disturbing allegations of abuse inside the world of hip-hop and entertainment.
From July 3 to 6, 2025, the renowned Ghanaian entertainment brand will host Culture Beach Jam, a four-day island takeover at Kwenda Rocks Beach Hotel in Zanzibar, promising music, culture, and unforgettable vibes.
Afrofuture, the official entertainment partner of the BAL, has been instrumental in infusing African energy into every city the league touched this season. Rwandans got their taste on May 24, when Afrofuture turned up the heat at Kozo in Kigali with a performance by LIY&A and a crowd still buzzing from the BAL semi-finals.
Now, the vibe shifts from courtside to coastline. According to the organisers, Culture Beach Jam is set to be a melting pot of live music, beach games, soulful nights, and boat parties, all taking place on one of East Africa’s most iconic islands.
The Culture Beach Jam experience kicks off on Thursday, July 3, with a laid-back welcome party designed to ease guests into the island vibe.
The energy picks up on Friday, July 4, with the main event dubbed Culture Beach Jam Day One featuring electrifying live performances from Nigerian Afro-fusion star BNXN, South African amapiano sensation Musa Keys, and Tanzania’s own Jaivah, setting the perfect tone for a night of cross-continental rhythms.
On Saturday, July 5, the day brings a sporty twist with the 7even Beach Football Tournament, while the evening winds down with the Strictly Soul Party, offering smooth sounds under the stars.
Finally, on Sunday, July 6, the celebration wraps up in true island style with curated, all-day boat parties, providing a scenic and soulful end to the four-day cultural escape.
For those looking to make the most of it, Afrofuture offers both VIP and General Access packages, with accommodation included. Single and double occupancy options are available, making it perfect for solo adventurers or group getaways.
Rwandans and other regional fans looking for the ultimate summer getaway can book now via [www.culturebeachjam.com->www.culturebeachjam.com].
After six weeks of testimony and more than 30 witnesses presented by prosecutors, the defence confirmed on Monday that it will not call any witnesses, including Combs himself, and will instead introduce exhibits into evidence. Closing arguments are expected to begin on Thursday.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five charges: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The charges stem from allegations that Combs ran his entertainment empire as a criminal enterprise designed to exploit and abuse women over the span of several years.
Legal experts say the decision not to present witnesses is strategic rather than unusual.
“It’s not uncommon for the defence to rest without putting anyone on the stand,” said former federal prosecutor Mitchell Epner. “They may argue that the government’s own witnesses helped their case, and they have no obligation to prove innocence — that remains the prosecution’s burden.”
The prosecution’s case relied heavily on the testimony of three women: singer Cassie Ventura, an ex-assistant referred to as “Mia,” and a former girlfriend using the pseudonym “Jane.” Ventura described being coerced into sexual encounters called “freak offs” and claimed Combs used intimidation and drugs to control her. “Jane” and “Mia” offered similar accounts.
Supporting evidence included over 50 videos and hundreds of messages, including texts between Combs and his chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, discussing arrangements with women and emergency contraception. Financial and travel records also linked Combs’ corporate accounts to escort payments and luxury travel.
Among the prosecution’s most shocking claims was a 2012 arson incident involving rapper Kid Cudi’s Porsche, allegedly firebombed after Combs threatened him. A former employee testified Combs paid to suppress hotel security footage of him assaulting Ventura in 2016, potentially supporting obstruction of justice claims.
While Combs’ defence initially floated the possibility of calling three witnesses, including a former Bad Boy Entertainment executive, lead attorney Marc Agnifilo told U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian they would rest after introducing documents and stipulations instead.
The defence is expected to file a routine motion to dismiss the case before closing arguments, a legal formality unlikely to succeed. In closing, Combs’ lawyers are anticipated to challenge the credibility of prosecution witnesses, suggesting exaggeration or motives tied to ongoing civil lawsuits.
“He can’t testify without being subjected to a withering cross-examination about other bad acts, all of which could expose him to civil liability in lawsuits brought by others,” said legal analyst Mark Zauderer.
If convicted of any charge, Combs faces a lengthy prison sentence. The jury, made up of eight men and four women, will soon be tasked with weighing a sprawling case that has combined celebrity, sex, power, and alleged criminal enterprise.
The competition, which celebrates beauty, culture, and intellect, is now entering its most thrilling phase. The 15 finalists will go head-to-head in the coming weeks, culminating in a spectacular finale scheduled for 25 July 2025, when the new queen will be crowned.
All the contestants, including those who didn’t advance, took part in an intensive boot camp designed to hone their cultural understanding, confidence, and public presentation skills. The winner will take over the crown from the reigning Miss Burundi, Lellie Carelle Ndayizeye.
As anticipation builds, all eyes are now on the finalists, each hoping to capture the crown and become the new face of Burundian elegance and ambition.
