Rwanda: How Rwandans Are Gearing Up for Boyz II Men Concert

26 October 2023
The New Times (Kigali)
By Precious Kirezi

After the successful and entertaining Trace Awards and Festival that happened last weekend, Rwandans are now preparing for the highly anticipated Boyz II Men Live in Kigali concert that will take place on Saturday, October 28.

The New Times spoke to a number of people to gauge their expectations for the concert, and here's a recap of what they had to say.

Mike Kayihura, one of Rwanda's leading RNB artistes expressed excitement over the upcoming Boyz II Men concert because that's one of the bands he listened to from his younger years and watching them perform live would be a surreal experience.

"I know almost all their songs my favorites are Color of Love and Water Runs Dry. I can't wait to watch them perform and I am also looking forward to Andy's performance," Kayihura said.

Boyz II Men was one of the hard hitting music groups in the 90's and for people like Natasha Umutesiwase, who listened to them at their prime, the prospect of watching them perform in Kigali is an exciting one. Umutesiwase shared that she and her friends have been saving up to attend the concert together because it's a little more expensive than the regular rates for concerts.

"I used to write the lyrics at the back of my notebooks and so did my friends. I know almost all their songs and it is exciting to have them in Kigali. I am going to the concert with my high school friends and we can't wait to experience them in person. We have all had to save up because this concert was pricier than what we are used to, but I think it is worth it," says Umutesiwase.

While most people are excited about the nostalgic effect of the concert and articulating it to something their past selves would fawn over, for 21 year old Nicole Akaliza, experiencing the concert will be more about observing "the golden age of music."

"My mom likes listening to music from the 80's and 90's and she keeps on saying they don't make music like they used to anymore. I personally enjoy hip hop and Afrobeats and she has started liking some of what I listen to. When we found out BoyzIIMen was coming she bought us tickets to watch. She was very excited for the concert but she also wanted to show me how 'good music' looks like. I think all concerts always turn out the same but I can't wait to attend this one with her even though I am not the biggest fan of old songs but I can't wait to have fun with mom."

Read the original article on New Times.

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