What to expect at Kigali Up 2018

The 2018 edition is themed, For the Love of Rwanda, Make Kigali a Vibrant City. Ivorian reggae musician Alpha Blondy headlines the event on Thursday, while other international acts will perform on Saturday, including Joey Blake (US) and Kenny Wesley (US), Third Eye (Malawi), Lulu (Malawi), Annet Nandujja (Uganda) and Sangoa (DRC).

Although the festival is one of the many platforms in the region struggling to get significant government support, previous Kigali Up editions have been successful and have managed to promote Rwanda as a tourism and intercultural exchange destination on the continent. Growing stronger each year, the festival brings an average of 150 delegates and 25 regional and international artists.

Music In Africa spoke to the festival's communication and media coordinator, Eric Kirenga about what to expect at this year’s Kigali Up festival.

MUSIC IN AFRICA: How will this year's event be different from previous editions?

ERIC KIRENGA: This year Kigali Up will be at a much bigger space, the Amahoro Stadium, which offers a better viewing experience and improved capacity for crowd management, safety and security. I am also happy to announce our latest partnership deal with Kenyan-based production company Sound Creation, which will handle all aspects of sound at the event. Lastly, we have introduced a new platform called the Kigali Up Sound System, an initiative designed to showcase the growing deejaying talents in Rwanda and East Africa but more importantly an occasion to have a big outdoor party.

Why is it important for Kigali Up to bring together artists from different regions?

On a developing continent the role of music and art festivals in promoting intercultural exchange cannot be underestimated. Bringing together musicians of different ages, cultures and regions provides an opportunity for economic growth and the professionalisation of the sector by providing a training ground to develop administrative and technical skills, workshops for sounds and light engineering, photography, videography and event management. Some of our previous participants have moved on to hold positions in institutions while others have created their own businesses. 

Will there be an opportunity for collaborations between local and international artists?

Of course. Cultural encounters and collaborations are a crucial part of the festival. Apart from performing at the concert, the international acts will engage the local artists through workshops and masterclass sessions. We also hope to see a spontaneous and improvised performance between Joey Blake and Kenny Wesley live on stage.

Since 2011 what are some of the challenges you have experienced as a festival organiser?

The most challenging aspect of a festival is finding the adequate resources, logistical support and access to finance the production of a world-class standard show. The Rwandese private sector tend to not see the long-term benefit of aligning themselves with a unique festival such as Kigali Up. They do not see the economic value it could bring to their products or services therefore, the partnership deals they are offering is short term. This lack of foresight and vision is a huge hindrance to the growth of the industry.

How have Rwandese and East African artists benefited from Kigali Up?

The Kigali Up brand has become strong in the region. The most immediate is the number of requests from artists and promoters interested in being part of it. We also came to learn that many regular music consumers, visitors and tourists schedule their trip to coincide with the festival.

What legacy would you like to see for Kigali Up in the next five years?

We wish that Kigali Up becomes the springboard for Rwandese and regional original talents. This can only come to pass if we continue to be a platform that attracts culturally relevant he biggest and most influential socially conscious artists in the world. Our long-term goal is to build a greener festival, avoiding waste and a carbon footprint and using recycled material and renewal energy such as a solar-powered stage. 

For more information about Kigali Up, click here.