The announcement comes as the artist gears up for the MTN Iwacu Muzika Festival, where he is among seven artists confirmed to headline the nationwide tour.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, the ‘Mowana’ crooner revealed that the celebration will go beyond the main tour.
“Besides the concert I’m planning in Kigali, I’m also considering taking the celebration across different countries. Spending 20 years making music that people enjoy is not something I take lightly. I want to connect with my fans and celebrate together,” he said.
While he didn’t disclose a specific date for the Kigali concert, King James assured fans that plans are in motion and that more details will be shared after the MTN Iwacu Muzika Festival wraps up.
King James joins a stellar line-up for this year’s MTN Iwacu Muzika Festival, including Riderman, Juno Kizigenza, Ariel Wayz, Kevin Kade, Kivumbi King, and Nel Ngabo.
The festival, known for showcasing homegrown talent, will tour multiple districts, offering fans a chance to enjoy live performances across the country.
The tour is set to kick off on July 5, 2025, in Musanze, before moving to Gicumbi on July 12 and Nyagatare on July 19. It will then head to Ngoma on July 26, followed by Huye on August 2. The performances will continue in Rusizi on August 9, with the final show taking place in Rubavu on August 16, 2025.
The father-son duo, who’ve become social media darlings in Uganda and beyond, were the headline act at the club’s 10th anniversary bash.
Known for their electric chemistry and synchronised dance moves, the two had the crowd screaming, laughing, and dancing along in what can only be described as a joyful explosion of music and moves.
What stunned many Kigali revellers, and continues to wow TikTok and Instagram timelines, is the seamless bond between Dexta and his dad.
While most rappers hype up their crews or dancers, Dexta’s hype man is his own father, and he absolutely owns the stage. From slick footwork to playful grooves, the pair performed like seasoned showmen with decades of practice (and maybe some father-son telepathy).
With their popularity rising across East Africa, Dexta and his dad are eyeing more stages and bigger crowds.
Beyond the stage, Dexta is also a skilled music producer, crafting beats for fellow artists and cooking up his own hits — the same ones he and his dad tear up the stage with.
The news was confirmed to IGIHE by Junior Giti, the artist’s manager.
The singer’s mother had been hospitalised at Nyarugenge Hospital for several days. According to Giti, she had expressed signs of recovery just hours before her passing.
“She had been unwell for some time. In fact, we spoke with her last night and she mentioned feeling better and hoped to be discharged in the morning. We were completely shocked by the news of her sudden death,” Giti shared.
In recent weeks, Chriss Eazy has featured his mother in a series of heartfelt conversations on his YouTube channel, where they openly discussed family, music, and his upbringing.
The episodes offered fans a rare glimpse into the artist’s personal life and the strong bond he shared with his mother.
One particularly touching moment was her revelation that her favourite song by her son was “Inana.” She expressed immense pride in watching him rise to stardom and fulfil his dream of becoming one of Rwanda’s celebrated artists.
Reflecting on his birth during one of their final recorded conversations, she spoke about how he had to be admitted to neonatal care shortly after delivery.
She went on to describe how every time she looked at him, she saw a fighter. Someone who had battled to survive from day one.
The emotional exchange now serves as a lasting memory of their deep connection and her enduring belief in her son’s resilience and talent.
Lame, 25, who holds Italian citizenship and is best known for his signature silent TikTok videos, was stopped at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on June 6.
ICE confirmed to AFP that the influencer, born Seringe Khabane Lame, had entered the United States on April 30 and had remained beyond the legal duration of his visa.
The world’s most-followed TikToker, with more than 162 million followers, was released the same day and granted “voluntary departure” from the United States.
He has since left the country, though he has not publicly addressed the incident as of Saturday afternoon.
Lame’s brief detention comes amid a broader crackdown on immigration violations under President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January and has since pursued an aggressive immigration enforcement agenda. Some of those measures have faced legal challenges in US courts.
Born in Senegal in 2000 and raised in Italy, Lame skyrocketed to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic after losing his factory job. His wordless, universally relatable skits, often mocking overly complex online “life hacks” with deadpan expressions and a signature hand gesture, made him a viral star and cultural phenomenon.
Despite his silent persona, Lame’s influence has been anything but quiet. In recent years, he has served as a juror on Italia’s Got Talent, made cameo appearances in Hollywood films like Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and even voiced a character in the Italian dub of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
In 2024, he debuted his unscripted comedy series Khaby Is Coming to America on Tubi – an ironic title given recent events.
In 2025, Lame was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, further cementing his status as a global figure whose humour transcends borders. His partnerships with major brands such as Hugo Boss, Fortnite, and Walmart have helped him amass a net worth estimated between $16 million and $20 million.
The highly anticipated event united Bralirwa’s partners and football fans for a premium celebration of sport, entertainment, and world-class hospitality.
The high-stakes showdown between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan unfolded on big screens in a premium setting, as guests enjoyed the full Heineken treatment, from crisp, ice-cold beers to gourmet cuisine, all curated for an unforgettable fan experience.
As the match kept fans on the edge of their seats, the energy reached a peak with the final whistle and trophy presentation, capturing the spirit and emotion of Europe’s biggest club football night.
Paris Saint-Germain’s emphatic 5–0 victory over Inter Milan not only thrilled the crowd but also marked the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League title, making the moment even more historic. But the night was far from over.
An exclusive afterparty turned the event into a full-fledged celebration, featuring thrilling live performances by the Symphony Band and Moogisha, alongside DJs Lamper and Khizz Beats, who kept the crowd energised late into the night.
The Kigali viewing party was the climax of a series of pre-final activations rolled out by Heineken across key outlets in the city. The consumer engagements gave lucky fans the chance to win exclusive merchandise and coveted invitations to the main event, building up momentum and excitement for the final.
Speaking about the impact of the event, Martine Gatabazi, Marketing Director at Bralirwa, noted:
“The UEFA Champions League is more than just a game. It’s a moment that brings people together. Through unique experiences like this, Heineken continues to reinforce its position as the undisputed international premium beer in Rwanda. We’re proud to deliver moments that matter for our consumers and partners alike.”
From start to finish, the event showcased Heineken’s unmatched ability to blend sport, lifestyle, and premium experiences, raising the bar for branded events in Rwanda — and leaving guests with memories to last well beyond the final whistle.
Billed as “Jose Chameleone Live in Kigali,” the concert marked the artist’s long-awaited return to Rwanda after a health-related hiatus.
Chameleone, who has ruled the East African music scene for over 25 years, was joined on stage by his brother Weasel and Rwanda’s music veteran Rafiki Coga Style, creating a night of celebration that bridged generations.
Originally slated for earlier this year, the show was postponed after Chameleone travelled to the U.S. for medical treatment, spending five months recovering. But the buzz never died down. The moment tickets went on sale, they were snapped up in record time by fans eager to relive the golden days of East African music.
And when the night finally arrived, Kigali Universe was the place to be. A packed house of devoted fans, many of whom grew up on Chameleone’s music in the early 2000s, filled the venue to capacity. DJs Lexx Lexx, Niyem, and RY kept the energy high while MC Bior hyped up the crowd with effortless charisma.
The show kicked off with a powerful set by Rafiki Coga, a pioneer of Rwanda’s “Coga Style.” Performing fan favourites like “Gikomando” and “Bwongoza 4” (a collab with Jay Polly and Riderman), Rafiki was met with loud cheers.
In a touching moment, co-host Lucky, alongside Power FM’s Iradukunda Bertrand, paused the show to honour Rafiki as one of the trailblazers of the Rwandan music scene. Fans raised their hands in solidarity and respect.
Then came the man of the hour. As Chameleone hit the stage, the entire atmosphere shifted. The crowd jumped to their feet, the nostalgia kicked in, and hit after hit rang out in full live-band glory.
From timeless anthems like “Valu Valu,” “Tubonge,” and “Nkoleki” (with Melody), to newer tracks like “Agatako” (performed alongside DJ Pius), Chameleone showed why he remains one of the region’s most magnetic performers.
The surprises kept coming.
Midway through the show, Weasel joined Chameleone on stage, sparking loud cheers. The pair performed “Bomboclat” and “Lwaki Onumya,” the latter dedicated to their late music partner Radio, whom Weasel honoured with a heartfelt tribute:
“Rest in peace, brother Radio.”
But it was Weasel’s romantic declaration to his Rwandan lover Sandra Teta that melted hearts.
Before performing Good Life’s “Breath Away,” he turned to the crowd and said:
“Do you know why this song means so much to me? Because Kigali gave me the most beautiful woman, Sandra Teta Ndayigutuye. And there are so many beautiful women here tonight.”
He ended by affirming the Mayanja family’s deep love for Rwanda, revealing that his visit would include a family introduction at Sandra Teta’s home. The couple, who share two daughters, have been together for seven years.
The crowd chanted for more, refusing to let the night end. Fans across every age group sang along, danced, and relived their youth with every beat.
The concert was graced by some of Rwanda’s biggest names in entertainment, including Massamba Intore, Jules Sentore, Teta Diana, Platini P, Ishimwe Clement, Christopher, Junior Rumaga, David Bayingana, Shemi, Kenny Sol, and MC Ange K. Umulisa, the ex-wife of DJ Pius.
Chameleone’s return to Kigali came after a long hiatus. His last performance in the Rwandan capital was in 2018 at DJ Pius’ ‘Iwacu’ album launch.
The concert took place on Saturday at the BK Arena, which was packed with basketball lovers who had just witnessed the thrilling Day 5 of the Nile Conference matchups.
The event followed a high-stakes game where Al Ahli Tripoli narrowly defeated APR BBC in a nail-biting 106–102 finish.
Before the main acts hit the stage, the crowd was warmed up by performers from Sherrie Silver Foundation and Ishami Talents, who delivered spirited performances that set the tone for the night.
Then came the grand entrance. Bruce Melodie took the stage around 8:30 PM in dramatic fashion, accompanied by a large crew of dancers. Dressed in all-white and sporting a black full-face helmet, his dancers contrasted in all-black outfits with white headgear, creating a stunning visual effect.
In a surprise move, some of his dancers helped him remove the white outfit mid-performance, revealing a shiny reddish-brown costume underneath, amping up the excitement.
Bruce Melodie kicked off his set with Bado, expressing gratitude to everyone who has supported his music journey. He followed it with crowd favourites like Ikinya, Ikinyafu, and When She’s Around (his collab with Shaggy).
The energy peaked during his performance of Katerina, which sent the arena into a frenzy. He kept the momentum going with hits like Katapila, Saa Moya, and Rosa—one of the standout tracks from his latest album, Colourful Generation.
He closed out his set with fan favourites Fou de Toi, Igitangaza, Sawa Sawa, Kungola, and the much-loved Henzapu, leaving the crowd wanting more.
Moments later, the much-anticipated BNXN (formerly known as Buju) from Nigeria took the stage to thunderous applause.
He treated the audience to a vibrant set including tracks like Bae Bae (with Ruger), Ole, Phenomena, Outside, and more.
BNXN wrapped up the night with chart-toppers Finesse (his viral hit with Pheelz) and Gwagwalada, as well as his collaboration with Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez.
The show officially ended around 9:30 PM, with host Zuba Mutesi thanking the fans for coming and encouraging them to return for the final games of the tournament on Sunday.
The first match will see Al Ahli take on MBB-South Africa at 2:30 PM, followed by APR BBC facing off against Nairobi City Thunder at 5:30 PM.
The Terminator hitmaker arrived in Kigali on Wednesday night, May 14, and is set to headline the BAL halftime show during the opening clash between APR Basketball Club and Nairobi City Thunder at BK Arena on Saturday, May 17.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, King Promise reflected on his first visit to Rwanda during the Qatar-Africa Business Forum in November 2023, where he also performed.
This time, the Afrobeats star is eager to soak in more of Kigali’s culture and connect with the local music scene.
“I had a good time. I went to see the gorillas, ate at some nice restaurants, met amazing people, and performed,” he recalled. “This time I’m looking forward to doing even more… especially the BAL experience and performing for you guys at BK Arena. That should be sick.”
The singer, whose continental hits Tokyo (with Wizkid) and Terminator have made waves in East Africa, noted the growing support from Rwandan fans and teased new collaborative projects with African acts, including Element.
“I’ve worked with Rayvanny, Harmonize, Joshua Baraka, and even Sauti Sol in Kenya,” he revealed. “I met Element in Tanzania, and we said we’d link up when I came here. Hopefully, something comes out of that. I’m down for collaborations.”
Element Eleéeh, born Fred Robinson Mugisha, is famed for producing hit songs for both local and international artists, including Bruce Melodie and The Ben.
Though King Promise admitted he’s still getting familiar with Rwandan music, he expressed keen interest in discovering local talent.
“There’s so much more across our borders,” he said. “We should push our craft and collaborate more. The vibe and energy in music—that’s what connects us.”
During the Nile Conference, King Promise will share the stage with Rwandan stars Ariel Wayz, Kivumbi King, and emerging Kigali rapper Kid, further strengthening the bridge between West and East African music scenes.
The BAL Nile Conference sees APR Basketball Club competing for one of two playoff spots, alongside Al Ahly Tripoli (Libya), Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya), and Made In Ball Basketball (South Africa). The playoffs are scheduled for June in Pretoria, South Africa.
Launched in 2019 through a partnership between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the Basketball Africa League continues to merge elite sports and entertainment, drawing international stars like King Promise to its growing platform.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), through its tourism initiative Visit Rwanda, is a Founding and Host Partner of the BAL, adding to Rwanda’s growing reputation as a hub for sports and entertainment on the continent.
Speaking candidly on the Work in Progress podcast hosted by actress Sophia Bush, the former First Lady addressed why her absence from certain high-profile events—including Donald Trump’s inauguration and the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter—sparked whispers of a possible split from her husband of 32 years.
Without directly naming the events or explicitly denying the divorce speculation, Mrs Obama dismissed the narrative, saying: “This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that’s what society does to us.”
She reflected on the public’s reaction to her stepping back from some traditional roles, saying it revealed a broader issue about expectations placed on women.
“People couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself—they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”
Mrs Obama, who has continued to speak at major events like the Democratic National Convention and remains engaged in advocacy, including girls’ education, explained that she’s simply choosing what’s best for her.
“I chose to do what was best for me. Not what I had to do. Not what I thought other people wanted me to do,” she said.
The Obamas, who marked their 32nd wedding anniversary in October last year, have long been admired for their relationship.
In her memoir Becoming, Mrs Obama has previously acknowledged the challenges they faced, particularly during their time in the White House.
Born in Uganda, Pablo’s early passions were drama, music, and dance, but his true ambition was journalism. He admired news anchors for their storytelling abilities and believed in the power of communication.
After pursuing a degree in Mass Media, Journalism, and Creative Writing, Pablo’s dream of becoming a journalist led him to a job in entertainment journalism.
Assigned to cover theatre performances and entertainment events, Pablo found himself in front of Uganda’s National Theatre in 2003, where he was introduced to a group experimenting with comedy. Initially sent by his editor to find a “hook” for a story, Pablo ended up discovering a whole new world of comedy.
“I went to my editor and told her about a comedy group trying something new. She told me to find something more interesting, but in my search for the angle, I got hooked myself,” he recalls.
As he immersed himself in their creative process, Pablo’s wit naturally shone through. The comedy group saw his potential and invited him to join them. His transition from a passive observer to an active participant came quickly, and before long, he was on stage, sharing his humor with the audience.
Pablo’s big break came when he was asked to emcee between performances. Instead of simply announcing acts, he began offering his comedic take on current events, joking about newspaper headlines and finding humor in everyday life.
Audiences responded enthusiastically, and Pablo’s career as a stand-up comedian was born. “I didn’t even know I was doing stand-up comedy. I was just making people laugh between shows, but they called me a comedian, and I started to embrace it,” Pablo admits.
In 2009, Pablo’s comedy career took a huge leap forward when he won the Stand-Up Uganda competition, securing the title of the country’s funniest person and a prize of $10,000.
With his newfound fame, he launched Pablo Live, a platform for emerging comedians. His goal was to create opportunities for young talent, just as he had stumbled upon his own.
Pablo’s influence wasn’t limited to Uganda. He developed a strong connection with Rwanda, a country whose culture and people he greatly admired. “The people are warm, and even their language has a way of making you feel good, even when they say they don’t like you. Rwanda is surely the heartbeat of Africa,” he says.
In Rwanda, he saw a growing comedy scene and mentored many young comedians. He advised them on the importance of staying grounded and focusing on their craft, rather than letting success cloud their judgment.
Pablo recognizes the power of comedy to spark conversations about serious topics, even though it’s often tricky to find the balance. “Comedy is a funny way of being serious. We talk about important issues, but in a way that makes people laugh. It’s tricky, especially when it comes to politics,” he says.
Though Pablo has occasionally faced criticism for his jokes, particularly political ones, he has learned to take feedback and adapt. “I once cracked a political joke that I thought wasn’t offensive, but people from the system told me, ‘Pablo, there are other jokes you can tell. Leave politics out of it.’ And I understood.”
Despite these challenges, Pablo remains optimistic about the future of East African comedy. “With digital platforms, we now have the chance to reach global audiences. African comedy is growing, and it’s evolving in exciting ways.”
He encourages young comedians to keep evolving, saying, “Comedy is like a living organism. A joke told twice isn’t as funny. You have to stay fresh and always be aware of your audience.”
Pablo’s legacy is already taking shape, seen in the success of comedians he mentored, such as Mercy and Rusine, who have become prominent voices in Rwanda’s comedy scene. “The seeds we planted years ago are now flourishing. That’s the real reward,” he reflects.
For Pablo, comedy is more than just entertainment; it’s a way to tell stories, challenge norms, and inspire change. His unplanned path from journalism to comedy is proof that life’s most rewarding journeys often come from unexpected places.
