Category: Entertainment

The event is set to be held in Kigali starting May 24, 2024, where Adekunle Gold will be one of the performers set to liven up the occasion.

Upon his arrival in Rwanda, the husband of Nigerian singer, Simi, expressed his ongoing desire to perform in Kigali. He shared his admiration for Rwanda’s rapid development with a friend, noting, “Rwanda is one of the African countries making significant advancements in economics, innovation, and everything else. It’s commendable to see how Rwanda is setting an example.”

He added, “I truly believe that other African countries could learn from what Rwanda is doing right now.”

Adekunle Gold described his return to Rwanda as “overwhelmingly joyful,” eagerly anticipating another visit that allows him to enjoy his time off in Kigali. He fondly recalled his previous visit, though it was brief, and playfully solicited suggestions for enjoyment, “if you know what would make me happy while I’m here, please tell me.”

His last performance in Kigali was at the ‘Movember Festival’ on November 5, 2021. This return marks his fourth time entertaining at the basketball games under the auspices of BAL.

AG Baby promised his fans and the basketball audience a thrilling experience, hinting at a special lineup this time. “If you were here last time, it was hot. This time, there are new songs, it’s going to be even better.”

On the topic of often performing without his wife Simi, and her doing the same, he explained the professional balance they maintain, “We work together every day, but when it’s work, it’s work. However, there also has to be time for family.”

Artists such as The Ben, Inganzo Ngari, Juno Kizigenza, and others, along with various DJs, are also set to entertain at the BAL games, promising a vibrant and engaging event for all attendees.

Ariel Wayz recently gave her followers a sneak peek of her upcoming song on Instagram, where she addresses a former boyfriend who is attempting to rekindle their past relationship. She uses the song to remind him of the hurt he inflicted and makes it clear she’s not open to restarting their romance.

On Instagram, she told her followers that the song was inspired by her ex, who had shown interest in getting back together. She encouraged those who have faced similar situations to share the song with their past partners. Ariel said, “I wrote this song because my ex wanted to get back together, send it to your ex if you’ve been affected too.”

In the lyrics, Ariel recalls her efforts to sustain their relationship, expressing, “You said you needed love, I gave it; you said you needed space, I gave it; you asked for a lot, I did it. Many people I met showed me I was on the wrong path, but you gave me reasons I should have trusted.”

She also suggests that she might have moved on with someone else, declaring, “Why do you keep trying to come back? You played with me night and day, I don’t want to play your games anymore, you betrayed me but I am blessed. I don’t want to play those games again, what you did to me, I know it, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, I gave you everything, forgive me I have moved on, I am taken now!”

This song emerges amid speculations that Ariel had ended her relationship with Juno Kizigenza, her previous boyfriend, which has led some to believe that he might be the target of her pointed lyrics.

Munagor’s cousin Tony Muonagor, also known as Tony Oneweek, confirmed the sad news to the BBC, saying the actor was battling kidney disease, diabetes, and stroke.

The veteran actor’s death came just days after he was captured in a viral video pleading for financial help to undergo a kidney transplant.

In the footage, Muonagor appeared visibly frail and in critical condition. The actor became a household name locally and abroad for his role as the father in the Nollywood comedy show “Aki and Paw Paw,” where he portrayed the parent of two mischievous teenage boys.

Muonagor’s death comes at a time when Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the passing of Nollywood star John Okafor, alias Mr. Ibu, who died on March 2, 2024.

Mr. Ibu had also taken to social media to appeal for financial help to treat diabetes.

At the time of the financial appeal in October last year, the actor was facing the possibility of having one of his legs amputated.

“If they cut off my leg, where do I go from here? Please pray for me; talk to God Almighty, and I don’t want my legs to be cut off,” Mr. Ibu begged.

A few weeks later, the family of Mr. Ibu announced that the actor’s leg had been amputated for medical reasons.

“This development has been hard on us all, but we’ve had to accept it as Daddy’s new reality,” the family said in a statement.

Mr. Ibu’s health, unfortunately, continued to deteriorate, leading to his death early this month. The family said the 62-year-old succumbed to a cardiac arrest.

At the time of his death, the veteran comedian was receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Lagos.

In this song, Niyo Bosco sings about people who appear content with life on the outside but are struggling internally.

He shares that while writing this song, he too felt this way, saying, “Sometimes you walk around, and people think you are doing well and enjoying life, but it’s not how you feel inside. That’s how I felt when I was writing this song. But it’s not just me – it’s something that happens to many people.”

Niyo Bosco reveals that ‘Ndabihiwe’ had been in the works for over two years, as he wrote it in 2021 before including it on an EP titled ‘New Chapter’ that he recently released.

Having joined KIKAC Music, Bosco has accelerated his pace of releasing music.

Following his song ‘Eminado’ released two months ago, he then launched the ‘New Chapter’ EP, featuring tracks like High Table, Hora, Smile, and Ndabihiwe, with the latter being the first to have a music video.

Hailing from a family of celebrities, Utah shares her lineage with Cedric Dric, known for his work directing music videos for prominent Rwandan and international artists, and Isimbi Nailla, another music video director.

Cedric Dric explained to IGIHE that Utah’s journey into music was challenging, especially because, although she was passionate about music, their parents initially opposed the idea of her pursuing it as a career.

He mentioned that the family preferred she focus on academic education, aiming for university, whereas Utah wanted to study music at Nyundo, now part of the Rwanda School of Creative Arts and Music, located in Muhanga District, after winning a scholarship to enhance her musical skills.

Cedric shared that convincing their parents to accept Utah’s choice to study music was a significant battle, but eventually, they were won over. They were especially pleased to see her thrive and start to receive gigs, which indicated that her efforts were not in vain.

Utah Nice, who began her music career last year, is determined to contribute significantly to the Rwandan music industry. She is the fourth child in her family and started her musical journey in 2017.

Her musical styles include Afropop, Afrobeat, R&B, and Dancehall. In an interview with IGIHE in 2023, she stated that her songs focus on various messages depending on her experiences and feelings at the time. Her primary goal is to create music that can support people through their life experiences, with a significant emphasis on love.

Utah admires artists like Nigeria’s Rema and Tems, Rihanna from Barbados (based in the USA), and Jorja Smith from the UK. She takes pride in writing her songs and is excited about beginning to share her work with the Rwandan audience, hoping to make a positive impact.

Looking ahead, she aims to expand her music within Rwanda and across Africa over the next five years. Last year, she released an Extended Play (EP) titled “Maadah,” containing four songs inspired by love and crafted in Afropop and Dancehall styles. The EP, named after a nickname given by her father, features tracks like “Down,” “Away,” “Motion,” and “No Games.”

“Far Away,” one of her tracks featuring Mistaek, discusses the desire to escape modern-day problems by finding solitude in a distant place.

Israel Mbonyi’s Musical Triumph

Singer Israel Mbonyi’s worship and praise songs, particularly “Nina siri,” have made history in East African music. With over 26 million views on YouTube, Mbonyi’s success has propelled him to the top of charts, earning him new fans from different African countries.

Sherrie Silver’s Global Dance Influence

Sherrie Silver, renowned for choreographing Childish Gambino’s “This is America” video, continues to make Rwanda proud internationally. Her accolades, including a recent award from TIME Magazine, attest to her role in promoting positive change in Africa.

Umuhire Eliane’s Cinematic Achievements

Filmmaker Umuhire Eliane has established herself as a prominent figure in international cinema. Her roles in films like “Birds are singing in Kigali” and “Augure” have earned her recognition, with upcoming projects alongside French cinema giants.

House of Tayo’s Fashion Prowess

Matthew Rugamba’s House of Tayo fashion house has garnered attention, dressing notables like FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Kevin Hart, and Junior Nyong’o. The international recognition affirms the brand’s significance in the fashion world.

Christine Munezero’s Rise in Fashion

Munezero Christine, a prominent figure in Rwandan fashion, reached new heights in 2023. Her appearance on New York billboards and participation in global fashion events, including Milan and Paris Fashion Week, showcase her growing influence.

Umufite Anipha’s Diverse Impact in Fashion Modeling

Anipha’s presence in international fashion events, representing major fashion houses, demonstrates her impact and diversity in the modeling world.

Mukansanga Salima Rhadia’s Refereeing Excellence

International referee Mukansanga Salima Rhadia showcased excellence in hockey, being selected for the Women’s World Cup and receiving the ‘Forbes Woman Africa’ award for her outstanding work.

Ncuti Mizero Gatwa’s Filmmaking Success

Ncuti Mizero Gatwa, known for his role in “Sex Education,” continued to thrive internationally. His involvement in the groundbreaking film “Barbie” and recognition at the Golden Globes and ‘GQ Men of the Year 2023’ awards highlight his successful year.

Bruce Melodie’s International Musical Journey

Bruce Melodie’s collaboration with Shaggy on “When She’s Around (Funga Macho)” marked his entry into the international music scene. Performances on the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour and a reunion concert with Shaggy in Miami further solidified his global presence.

As these Rwandans bask in their accomplishments, their achievements in 2023 resonate globally, contributing to the positive image of Rwanda on the world stage.

Her Fiancé Mpho Xaba stood by her side during her final moments, as confirmed by a reliable source close to the family, who expressed the family’s intention to issue a statement soon.

In memoriam: Zahara’s musical legacy

Zahara’s musical odyssey, marked by chart-toppers like ‘Ndize,’ ‘Loliwe,’ and ‘Umfazi,’ unfolded across five studio albums. Her presence resonated beyond borders, with performances in Rwanda, notably gracing the stage at Kigali Jazz Junction in both 2018 and 2019.

Zahara’s remarkable talent even earned her a performance for the late South African President Nelson Mandela.

Her ascent to stardom commenced with the signing of a record deal with TS Records, propelling her debut album ‘Loliwe’ in 2011 to double platinum status. Subsequent releases, including ‘Phendula’ (2013) featuring hits like “Phendula,” “Impilo,” and “Stay,” solidified her as a household name. The third album, ‘Country Girl’ (2015), attained triple platinum certification.

Post her departure from TS Records, Zahara inked a deal with Warner Music, where she unleashed her best-selling album, ‘Mgodi,’ in 2017. In 2021, her fifth album, ‘Nqaba Yam,’ soared to number 1 on the iTunes charts, a testament to her enduring impact.

A trailblazer’s accolades

Zahara’s illustrious career was adorned with accolades, boasting 17 South African Music Awards, three Metro FM Awards, and a Nigeria Entertainment Award. Her influence extended globally, earning her a place on the BBC’s 100 Women list in 2020. Furthermore, she brought her insightful perspective to the 17th season of Idols South Africa in 2021, serving as a guest judge.

As we reflect on Zahara’s unparalleled contributions to the world of music, her legacy remains etched in the hearts of fans and fellow artists alike. South Africa mourns the loss of a true musical luminary whose melodies will endure through time.

Accompanied by his wife and two children, one cradled in his arms and the other assisted by members of his entourage, Lamar’s arrival marked the beginning of an exciting event at the BK Arena scheduled for December 6, 2023.

Swiftly disembarking from his private jet, Kendrick Lamar wasted no time, heading straight into a waiting car that transported him and his family to the luxurious Marriott Hotel, their chosen accommodation during their stay in Kigali.

The ‘Move Afrika’ concert promises a star-studded lineup, with Kendrick Lamar sharing the stage with fellow artists such as Bruce Melodie, Zuchu, and Ariel Wayz.

Notable figures from various fields are expected to attend, including Nkusi Arthur, a former journalist, Winston Duke, a renowned figure in world cinema recently granted Rwandan citizenship, and Jackie Lumbasi, a journalist at RBA.

Adding to the list of distinguished guests is Azziad Nasenya, a Kenyan movie star and social media sensation.

Kendrick Lamar, who has been globetrotting on his world tour, is set to unveil his latest album, ‘Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers,’ adding an extra layer of anticipation to the already high-profile event.

After a brief but impactful stopover in Kigali, Lamar departed from Kigali Airport, ending the initial chapter of what promises to be an eventful visit to Rwanda’s capital.

Umuraperi Kendrick Lamar yageze i Kigali mu gitondo cyo kuri uyu wa Kabiri, aho yitabiriye igitaramo cya ‘Move Afrika’ giteganyijwe kubera muri BK Arena ku wa 6 Ukuboza 2023. pic.twitter.com/NPkEdKiOLC

— IGIHE (@IGIHE) December 5, 2023