

The Mavado Shenseea Rwanda debut delivered a defining moment for Caribbean music on the African continent. On January 3, thousands of fans gathered at the BK Arena to witness the Jamaican stars perform in Rwanda for the first time. From the opening moments, the energy made one thing clear: dancehall had officially arrived in East Africa.
Supported by Visit Rwanda and Skol, the concert blended Caribbean sound with African pride. As a result, the night stood out as both a cultural milestone and a celebration of global music exchange.
Ahead of the show, excitement built steadily across Kigali. Fans responded quickly after BK Arena confirmed the event, eager to experience dancehall’s biggest names live.
The night opened with strong local representation. Makeda and her dance crew energized the arena with sharp choreography. Meanwhile, DJ Lamper kept the momentum high with crowd-ready selections. Shortly after, Rwandan favourite Kivumbi King took the stage. He performed Kinkane and Wait while proudly waving the national flag, which drew loud cheers from the crowd.
When Shenseea stepped on stage, the atmosphere shifted instantly. Fans jumped to their feet as she delivered a high-energy set filled with nonstop movement. Throughout her performance, she paused often to thank Kigali and acknowledge the overwhelming response.
One standout moment followed soon after. Shenseea invited regional talent to join her on stage. Rising Rwandan artist Diez Dola turned the arena into a synchronized dance floor with Repete. Then, Ugandan singer Joshua Baraka performed Morocco, prompting a powerful singalong from the crowd.
Before closing her set, Shenseea shared a message of gratitude and hinted at returning to Rwanda. Finally, she asked fans to raise their phone lights, creating a moving moment of unity across the arena.
Afterward, Mavado took the stage and raised the intensity even further. This marked his first performance in East Africa, and he made it count. From the first track, his commanding presence locked the crowd in.
Songs like Big Guns and Top Shotta Is Back echoed through BK Arena. Consequently, massive singalongs filled the venue. His gritty delivery and high energy pushed the night to a powerful finish.
By the end of the show, the impact of the Mavado Shenseea Rwanda debut was undeniable. More than just a concert, the night represented connection, culture, and shared rhythm.
Ultimately, January 3 now stands as a milestone for Kigali. It marked the moment dancehall found a home in Rwanda and left fans ready for what comes next.






