As 2024 unfolds, Kigali has emerged as a vibrant hub in Africa’s entertainment landscape, becoming a top destination for global music stars. This year alone, Rwanda’s capital has played host to over 30 major events, featuring a lineup of international acts that have transformed the city’s nightlife.
The surge in high-profile performances is reshaping the local music scene. While Rwandan artists often open these shows, the spotlight largely falls on the global stars, particularly those from South Africa. Since public events resumed in 2021, there has been a noticeable shift in focus from West African music to the pulsating beats of South Africa’s amapiano genre.Amapiano, with its infectious rhythms and wide appeal, has taken Kigali by storm. This genre, which blends deep house, jazz, and lounge music, has become the soundtrack of the city’s nightlife.
Almost every weekend, Kigali’s clubs and concert venues vibrate with the sounds of amapiano, drawing massive crowds eager to experience the latest from South Africa’s music scene. The popularity of amapiano in Kigali is not just a passing trend. Since the genre’s global breakout in 2019, its influence has steadily grown, with South African DJs and artists now headlining events across the world.
In Rwanda, their presence is felt almost every month, with recent performances by big names such as the DJ duo Tag Team and the vocal group Blaq Diamond. Despite the dominance of foreign acts, local promoters are excited about the growth of the Rwandan entertainment industry. They point out that the allure of amapiano lies not only in its sound but also in the accessibility of its performers.
Unlike some West African artists, who command fees in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, many amapiano stars are relatively young and charge more affordable rates, making them a popular choice for event organizers. This affordability has led to a surge in events headlined by South African artists in Kigali.
Promoters have found that booking these artists is not only cost-effective but also guarantees a high turnout. As a result, Kigali has become a regular stop on the amapiano circuit, with DJs like Uncle Waffles and artists like Chley drawing large crowds with every visit. While the rise of amapiano has pushed local artists into supporting roles, it has also sparked a broader interest in African music across Rwanda.
The success of genres like afrobeats and amapiano on the global stage is seen as a positive indicator that Rwandan music could also gain international recognition in the near future. Kigali’s embrace of amapiano reflects a growing trend across Africa, where different regions are influencing each other’s music scenes.
As the city continues to attract global talent, there is a sense of optimism that Rwanda’s own music will soon share the spotlight on the world stage.
