The launch of the 8th edition of the Pan African Dance Festival (FESPAD) became a spectacular event despite being postponed from Saturday 23, to Sunday 24. It started off as planned at Amahoro National Stadium on Saturday before a heavy storm descended on the thousands of people waiting, causing the organizers to postpone it to Sunday and move it to Petit Stade.

The ceremony was attended by different dignitaries among who First Lady Jeannette Kagame, Youth Minister Jean Philbert Nsengimana, Minister of Trade and Industry Francois Kanimba and Clare Akamanzi, the CEO of Rwanda Development Board which is also the organizer Of FESPAD 2013 and Protais Mitali the Minister of Sports and Culture.

Many artists performed at the event showcasing the culture of their respective countries, such as Egyptian and Namibia dancers. There was also a host of music artistes like Rap sensation Keko Town from Uganda who thrilled spectators.

The event is to last a week and is expected to attract thousands of people as well as putting African culture in the spotlights through various dances.

These Rwandan dancers put up a spectacular show. The spectacular display of fireworks thrilled revellers. The Namibian deputy minister of culture Juliet Kaletuna (R) and Protais Mitali, the Minister of Sports and Culture enjoy the show.

Some members of the Namibia troupe on stage. Dancers from Burundi performing. Diginitaries from the Rwanda Government as well as First Lady Jeanette Kagame were glued to the various dance performances.

Egyptian dancers. Keko from Uganda gave her all through her performance