In a surprising turn of events, Kivu Fest, one of Rwanda’s biggest music festivals held annually at Kivu Public Beach in Rubavu District, is relocating to Kigali this year. Intore Entertainment, the organizers of the festival, confirmed the change in a statement issued on Monday, June 24.
The festival, set to take place on June 29-30 at Onomo Hotel in Kigali, marks the first time Kivu Fest will be held in the capital city. Bruce Intore, the festival organizer, revealed plans to explore new locations within the Kivu belt, including a potential move to Karongi District.
“The last Kivu Fest was the third and last edition held in Rubavu. We are exploring other locations in different districts within the Kivu belt and Karongi district is our next choice,” Intore shared in a recent interview with The New Times.
Despite the original plan to move the event to Karongi, this year’s festival will take place in Kigali. Intore cited ongoing presidential campaigns and a packed event schedule in Rubavu town over the long weekend as key reasons for the relocation.
“Most of our partners are busy with the campaign and Gisenyi has a lot of events, so we felt the need to give everyone in Kigali the show they deserve,” Intore explained.
Reports suggest that the previous edition of Kivu Fest faced significant financial losses due to low attendance and strict nighttime restrictions in Rubavu, prompting the decision to explore other venues. Additionally, longtime Kivu Fest headliners DJ Toxxyk and DJ Marnaud are hosting side events in Gisenyi during the same weekend, further complicating the situation.
The presidential rallies by the RPF, scheduled to stop in Karongi on June 29, also influenced the festival’s move to Kigali. Despite Kigali’s lack of a beach, Intore believes the capital city will provide a suitable backdrop for the renowned festival.
Kivu Fest has garnered a reputation as the biggest beach party in Rwanda, attracting major artists and DJs from around the world. Previous performers include the late Costa Titch from South Africa, US-based Kenyan DJ Fully Focus, and Major Lazer’s Walshy Fire, among others.
As Kivu Fest makes its unexpected debut in Kigali, festival-goers can look forward to an exciting lineup and a vibrant atmosphere, promising a memorable experience in the heart of Rwanda.
