Renowned RnB singer Mugisha Benjamin, widely known as “The Ben” or “Tiger B” ushered in the new year with an unforgettable performance at the BK Arena, Wednesday, January 1.
The concert dubbed “The New Year Groove & Album Launch”, marked a historic milestone in The Ben’s illustrious career, drawing thousands of fans who celebrated the launch of his much-anticipated third album, “Plenty Love”, featuring 12 songs.
The Ben, one of Rwanda’s most popular artists, has consistently graced various concerts as a guest performer.
However, this time, he took center stage to ring in the New Year with his fans. This concert, The Ben’s first solo performance in Rwanda since 2009, was undeniably, a dream fulfilled.
The concert attracted notable figures, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister of Youth Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire and fellow artists like Bruce Melodie and more others.
It followed a less-than-successful attempt years earlier, leaving the artist emotionally overwhelmed as he shed tears of gratitude on stage.
“This is a night I will never forget”, he told the crowd, visibly moved by their energy and love right after the concert close to midnight.
The show featured two dynamic halves. The first spotlighted The Ben’s collaborators, including Kenyan star Otile Brown, KinyaTrap guru Bushali, rapper K8 Kavuyo, Kuvumbi King , Tom Close and producers like Element Eleéeh.
Photos by IGIHE
Some notable moments
During his performance of “Naremeye” dancers from Itorero Inyamibwa electrified the stage with traditional Kinyarwanda dance, clapping and stepping in harmony. As the song ended, The Ben joined the dancers, delighting fans who chanted “Tiger, Tiger, Tiger…” in excitement.
The “Vazi” singer shared the story behind “Ndaje” a song co-written with Zizou Alpacino after surviving a car accident. He expressed gratitude to God, promising to release more songs of praise and worship.
He followed it with “Ntacyadutanya” a duet with Scillah, Rwandan singer based in the USA. He performed it with another woman onstage to harmonize.
Photos by IGIHE
Prophet Joshua stepped forward and took out a note from his bag, placing it on the green cloth at the stage. The Ben thanked Prophet Joshua, saying, “This money will go back to vulnerable people who need help.”
Shortly after, David Bayingana, well-known in sports and entertainment media, stepped up and took the note.
The second half of the concert opened with “Ndaje” captivating the BK Arena audience like a prayer.
During a brief intermission, a Ugandan DJ entertained the crowd with a music mix.
Collaborations were a key highlight of the night.
Producer Element Eleéeh and Kevin Kade showcased their talents, with Element performing “Milele” and Kevin Kade captivating fans with “Munda”, the latter’s mega hit released in 2024.
Rapper Kivumbi King received applause for his collaboration with The Ben on “My Name” while Kenyan artist Otile Brown joined for “Can’t Get Enough” and “Dusuma.”
Rapper K8 Kavuyo energized the audience with “Inkuba” the collaboration song released 15 years ago with Igisumizi guru Riderman and NPC, while the Tuff Gang, including P-Fla and Green P, honored the late Jay Polly with songs and photo display on the screen to recognize the deceased rapper’s indelible work.
Tom Close joined The Ben for memorable moments, including “Si Beza” and the closing anthem, “Thank You” which transitioned into “Genda Rwanda Uri Nziza” to honor the nation’s leadership.
“This concert is about making Rwandans proud of our music on top of our clean city, and our good leadership that everyone knows about worldwide. We are taking the music scene to another level,” The Ben said earlier during the media briefing, before the concert.
Rapper Bushali also made a surprise appearance for “Nkufite kumutima”, a collaboration with producer Zizou Alpacino.
DJ Brianne, a standout performer, kept fans entertained throughout the night, concluding with the iconic “Bella Ciao”.
As the concert ended at nine minutes to midnight, The Ben, overcome with emotion, thanked his fans for their unwavering support, marking a perfect close to a spectacular night.