Ubumuntu Festival program revealed

With its second edition on the way, Ubumuntu Arts Festival coordinators recently unveiled the projected festival program for this year’s edition. Scheduled for July this year, this year will feature four days of live artistic and public expression.

Activities onto this year’s program are crafted to address various audiences, among them; Children and the young, Women, Movement for Humanity, among others at various days. Performances this year have attracted over 18 countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, South Africa, Syria, Belgium, Switzerland, Cambodia among other countries....
- See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/may16/Ubumuntu-Festival-program-revealed.php#sthash.1BMwU0oX.dpuf

Festival Moments; Ubumuntu Song

Written by Hope Azeda- the Artistic Director and founder of the festival, it was recorded and produced by Ntwari Didier, a local music producer.

The song with Ikinyarwanda, English, French, Kiswahili, Lingala, Luganda, features artistes Jaymo Mutinda, Lilian Umuhoza, Didier Ntwali, Peace Jolis, Soso Ingabire, Mugisha Khamishi, Elizabeth Gaga, Hope Irakoze, Eddie Mico, Fiona Mbabazi and Rosette Karimba, who rhythmically take turns as they each chip in with crucial inspirational verses. With introduction of an infant crying out for Humanity through a proverb, more it unveils with each verse those follows- till the fifth minute....
- See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/apr16/Festival-Moments-Ubumuntu-Song.php#sthash.GLYQcu9u.dpuf

Maisha African Film Festival 2016 Calls for Submissions

On return, the Maisha African Film festival is on. Being its 4th edition this year, the festival’s call for applications from film makers has been open since 18th April 2016. The festival will take place on from 5th to 6th August, 2016
 - See more at: http://www.artsglo.com/posts/jun16/Maisha-African-Film-Festival-2016-Calls-for-Submissions.php#sthash.1PThmbIa.dpuf

Radio & Weasel’s Concert Breaks the Odds

Hotel Africa park, which was the venue was at the brim, as fans graced in huge numbers. The duo impressed as they gave their whole. Delivering a powerful act, the boys performed a most their sensational tracks, the duo has continuously topped charts from way back-proving how talented they are.

“We are taking this opportunity to thank everyone that made our show a success last night, we are so humbled, without you guys we couldn't make it. Thanks for loving @radioandweasel unconditionally, and supporting Ugandan Music. It’s you our Fans, Friends and Family that keeps us moving.”
- See more at: http://www.artsglo.com/posts/may16/Radio-and-Weasels-Concert-Breaks-the-Odds.php#sthash.cKNf9YR8.dpuf

Amazing Facts: Bob Marley

1.Born on February 6, 1945, in St. Ann Parish, Jamaica, even years after his death, his legacy, like no other musician has lived on and is still commemorated yearly world. 2.He was born Nesta Robert Marley, but a Jamaican passport official swapped his first and middle names when he was a little boy. 3.Bob’s father was a 50-year-old white British naval captain named Norval Sinclair Marley. Bob’s mom, a black country village girl named Cedella, was 19 when, in the small Jamaican village of Nine Mile in Saint Ann Parish, but for his entire life, Marley self-identified as a black African.
  - See more at: http://www.artsglo.com/posts/may16/Amazing-Facts-Bob-Marley.php#sthash.L0G3Qjh9.dpuf

Glowing Hit:Indoro(Saxophone Version) by Herbert Rock

Entitled Indoro, the sensational classic- originally by Charly&Nina, a Rwandan Afro-pop and beat girl band, the song continues to stay true to the origin, though Herbert Rock’s touch of the Saxophone gives it a totally new leash. Within the melodious tunes, the ladies harmonies poke our tastes too-which spices it too.

With this move, the Saxophonist-who hails from The Neptunez Band ...
- See more at: http://www.artsglo.com/posts/jun16/Glowing-Hit-Indoro-Saxophone-Version-by-Herbert-Rock.php#sthash.18elB2Oc.dpuf

Is East Africa Taking BET Again?

After Uganda’s Eddie Kenzo placing East Africa onto the international- continental fame last year as he scooped the first BET International Act Africa Award, the heat is on again this year, with the league proving tougher. Not showing up this year is Uganda, not Kenya, Burundi or Rwanda, but Tanzania, with Diamond Platnumz as the lucky nominee, leaving many wondering whether East Africa is emerging champs again!

This year’s nominees are from 8 countries

including; 2 females, 2 artistes from Nigeria and 2 from South Africa too....
- See more at: http://www.artsglo.com/posts/may16/Is-East-Africa-Taking-BET-Again.php#sthash.Frowkf4q.dpuf

Tanzania’s Alikiba signs global music deal with Sony Music

Lately, there has been so much excitement in African and European Afro-beat music circles last year when Sony announced West African act Davido, from Nigeria as their first African major label signing, and that excitement will peak again with Alikiba. Several major pan-African media outlets attended to capture the announcement, including major Pan-African Broadcasters MTV, Sound City, Trace TV, Channel O, EATV, and Clouds.

Alikiba flew in from Tanzania to South Africa and was followed by a dedicated film crew who are documenting his story as frenzied fans and reporters captured the moment. Alikiba talked to a very exclusive intimate audience through his beginnings, his life, his inspirations as an artist, his successes, and introduced a video about the “making of and behind-the-scenes” of his new single and music video, building up to a personal listening session of his latest single “AJE.” ...
- See more at: http://www.artsglo.com/posts/may16/Tanzanias-Alikiba-signs-global-music-deal-with-Sony-Music.php#sthash.gHJ4hJO7.dpuf

Babu-the next comedy sensation

Though Babu was the day’s major, the show further was spiced up by performances first from Herve, Michael, Arthur and George from the Comedy Knights, then further were guest comedians like Kenya’s Eddie Bukita and Daniel Omara from Uganda.

Bukita impresses through his joint shrewd pieces where most he takes the public to times way back in school life to Kenya’s slum and street setting of cunning robbers and citizens, while Daniel Omara hilariously evokes Uganda’s recent saga’s around politics, musicians and public’s perception to relationships and differences in gender lifestyles. - See more at: http://www.artsglo.com/posts/may16/Babu-the-next-comedy-sensation.php#sthash.1tYeHSZ6.dpuf

Impact Week- a week that was

Characterized by environments were community came together, shared views through discussions, collectively ushered in creative performances, while further networking, it was a unique atmosphere. Also being marked was of the launch of a new community rooftop venue at The Office with Café Neo, also a space community owned and focused.

This venue indeed impactful potential of the space for sharing, creating, exploring, and challenging yourself and others.

- See more at: http://www.artsglo.com/posts/may16/Impact-Week-a-week-that-was.php#sthash.Ne3H5VIW.dpuf

reveals why he reduced song releases

Elion further reduced studio time, which he had found stressful especially in marketing of his song projects among broadcast media, which he says was unfair, “I realized how hard I could toil with studio recording, but realized that playing my songs especially across radio stations proved difficult as most demanded for money.

I refused dealing with this forms, yet I produce quality acts,” he explains. - See more at: http://www.artsglo.com/posts/jun16/Elion-Victory-reveals-why-he-reduced-song-releases.php#sthash.K9DinxCy.dpuf

Glowing Hit:Ndabikunda by Rwanda Dancehall Artistes

Directed by PRESS IT, it features artistes Mselem Spaxx aka Spaxx don Gordon, David Kamurase alias Davy Ranks, Arnold Kabera alias Syntex, Emmanuel Nyarwaya alias Vaga Vybs and the City Yankees, a music group comprising of members Dennis Nkurunziza alias Dee, Steven Ntambara alias Skpado, Moses Kalisa alias Moz-P and Pacento who do their dancehall rhymes interchangeably.

 - See more at: http://www.artsglo.com/posts/jun16/Glowing-Hit-Ndabikunda--by-Rwanda-Dancehall-Artistes.php#sthash.iIc2eZn1.dpuf

Rwanda & Juliet receives 2 Awards at Phoenix Film Festival

At the Phoenix Film Festival, which took place at Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theatre 6 7000 E Mayo Blvd Phoenix, AZ 85054 from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th April 2016 in the presence of Ben Proudfoot, its Director/Producer, Rwanda& Juliet won both Best Documentary and the Sidney K. Shapiro Humanitarian Awards.

- See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/apr16/Rwanda-and-Juliet-receives-2-Awards-at-Phoenix-Film-Festival.php

Moments as Rwanda-Burundi Night premiered

The event which took place at Cayenne Lounge in Ntinda, Kampala-Uganda on 15th April this year further held more to the drinks and eats offered. Kicking off at 9.30pm, the long awaited performances quite tuned up the venue; With first Kigali’s talented Charly Band, musicians like Jody Phibi who impressed through Ndacyashidikanya among other songs by her and other golden songs, With Dj.Pius also performing songs from Ntibyambaho to I’ll Never Let her Go with Uganda’s Ray Signature and a collaboration with Jody Phibi, he also left the Rwandan and Burundian fans acknowledging - See more at: 
http://artsglo.com/posts/apr16/Moments-as-Rwanda-Burundi-Night-premiered.php

Selling Rwandan identity through Music

At the age of 16, he then went to Europe in 1996, where he further pursued a Music production course at Sabum (Consevatoir Royal de Bruxelles) School in Belgium, “I had always loved music, and so did my father, that he too supported me further through,” he explains. It was over there, through production that through being mentored by Victor Flam, a Belgium based producer, he met Cecile Kayirebwa, a renowned Rwandan traditional musician who was then active in recording her music. Mastering production skills...
- See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/oct15/Selling-Rwandan-identity-through-Music.html

Radio and Weasel’s way onto Rwandan music scenes

It all started in 2010 Mama Wa’bana song Thomas Muyombo alias Tom Close featured the duet, which took Rwanda by storm, with lyrics in English, Kinyarwanda and Luganda in which the artistes praised and bragged of a Rwandan woman being the mother of their children, appearing on most Radio stations playlists, dance clubs and on Television then. In 2012, Radio was invited to be featured a Rwandan all-star song entitled Rwanda Uri Nziza alongside artistes Rider man, Dream Boys, Kitoko and Urban Boys and this too entirely praised Rwanda and the people’s - See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/dec15/Radio-and-Weasel-way-onto-Rwandan-music-scenes.html#sthash.jMhqR3dN.dpuf
http://artsglo.com/posts/dec15/Radio-and-Weasel-way-onto-Rwandan-music-scenes.html

M1 commences with music series

Produced at Audio One, by Uganda’s Paddy Man, the song is the 
The hoarse-voiced musician doesn’t reveal his next move in music, but affirms how he is to more cement his roots deeper into the industry through making more local and regional collabos - See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/feb16/M1-commences-with-music-series.html

Am to initiate my own record label- Ray Signature

“Am planning on starting a record label this year. As a song writer, I need to sign on good and talented people,” Ray explained.

Ray, who is behind a variety of songs by famous Ugandan artistes today like Julianna, Iryn Namubiru, Irene Ntare and others, together with Kravis, his manager, they have for years been on part-time basis partnering with

- See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/jan16/Am-to-initiate-my-own-record-label-Ray-Signature.html

Wandulu’s exhibition on Breast Cancer awareness

Showcases local images like Rwanda’s first lady Jeannette Kagame , Angel Kagame, the first daughter, Kundwa Dorianne, Rwanda’s current Miss Rwanda who are symbols and key roles in uplifting women and a girl child and as well as in the Breast Cancer fight. Among others is Nancy Reagan, America’s former first lady’s portrait, also who too took a role in sensitization of the disease. The paintings share the pink color, which symbolizes Breast cancer fight and awareness. - See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/oct15/Wandulu-s-exhibition-on-Breast-Cancer-awareness.html#sthash.a5M2kvYY.dpuf

Rwanda's Actress Umukundwa is battling Cancer

The rising star is currently seeking a funding of USD 14,500 from all well-wishers and supporters, to help her cover her treatment cost of Vulva Cancer, an ailment she has been battling for over 7 months now. The actress is hoping to go the India for an operation once she fulfills the costs needed.

The 25 year old female, who is known has been known

- See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/mar16/Actress-Umukundwa-battling-Cancer.html#sthash.BRWi1A0e.dpuf

A-Pass does song with Konshens, Plans More

The musician who has from recent months been the buzz among the media due to his approach of promoting Give Me a Kiss, his new song, recently release another song a collabo with Jamaican star Konshens entitled Gamululu, which is a remix.
But that is not all, the musician, who has also received a couple of nominations at Uganda’s Zzina Awards this year is also soon to release another smasher, which he hasn’t reveled yet, but the ArtsGlo team learned that it is Vybs Katel. - See more at: http://www.artsglo.com/posts/mar16/A-Pass-does-song-with-Konshens-Plans-More.html#sthash.O25Qudeu.dpuf

Up- Close, with Lillian Mbabazi

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Kahire, Lillian Mbabazi is an Afro-Soul Rwandan-Ugandan based established musician, a former member of Blue*3, a once popular Pop group, but now pursuing a solo career together with Lillian and the Sundowners Band, she has continuously cemented her career to this day. - See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/feb16/Up-Close-with-Lillian-Mbabazi.html#sthash.JzlUgxaT.dpuf

Rwanda’s Dj. Pius takes further career strides

Pius Rwakabuza aka Dj. Pius has more moved a stride and is currently into broader plans. Dj. Pius recently hit studios and recorded a song with song with Uganda’s Jose Chameleon. The song which blends art from both Ikinyarwanda, English, Luganda, Swahili lyrics is an Afro- beat and Dancehall tune to hit regional air waves soon. - See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/mar16/Rwandan-Dj-Pius-takes-further-career-strides.html#sthash.A3Vk8Oyg.dpuf

Emeka- a comedian building a niche through East Africa

When advertised through posters and broadcast commercials, to most, one would assume a Nigerian comedian is to perform, which surprisingly doesn’t differ so much as he has indeed mastered not only home-made content, but using the Nigerian accent he also integrates his stage pieces into humorous Abuja, Lagos through Yoruba Nigerian Pidgin, “The name Emeka was given to me by a Nigerian family whose daughter was my great friend - See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/mar16/Emeka-a-comedian-building-a-niche-through-East-Africa.html#sthash.jvnrXcsC.dpuf

Comedian Muhangi strikes at USA’s great Improv

After performing once as an opening act for female American Comedian Campbell Luenell, the headline Comedian of the great performance night on the 14th of February 2016, Muhangi was asked to return back to the Club the following day for the famous Wall of Fame photo shoot and later further held performances with Luenell on 5 other Improv Shows in New York, Newark, LA Washington and Detroit. - See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/feb16/Comedian-Muhangi-strikes-at-USA-great-Improv.html#sthash.XVscXEjU.dpuf

Rwandan Artistes conclude workshop

The discussions further cited ‘building of trust’ as a major bridge to be amended amongst the local creative sector, while implementation of policies following past workshops and gatherings within the various art sectors has also hindered progress.

Part of the way forward is first to evaluate the hindrances of various reforms established earlier by artistes, and further establishing a firm and dedicated Cultural Arts Committee to bridge and represent artistes to the government in a unified way

- See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/feb16/Rwandan-Artistes-conclude-workshop.html#sthash.DsqZNZWM.dpuf

Kansiime for Mega show

The award-wining Ugandan Stand-up comedian is planning to entertain her fan base in a live show dubbed Iam Kasiime, her ‘One man, oh! Woman show’ scheduled on Thursday 24th March 2016, through which she will take her audience through a life time experience of humor.

Kansiime has over time conquered hearts both back home, regionally and internationally through her rib-cracking humor,

- See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/feb16/Kansiime-for-Mega-show.html#sthash.D4baeWH4.dpuf

Comedian Babu’s Game of Jokes postponed

The comedian who has been in the group since 2010- lately has won hearts as far as distilling of humor is concerned. Babu is exclusively to major in a one man’s show dubbed Game of Jokes The 21 year old comedian will for one and a half hours entertain comedy lovers, - See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/jan16/Comedian-Babu-Game-of-Jokes-postponed.html#sthash.Ezsrzjun.dpuf

Matt Deelay’s passion for Stage designing

In East Africa, his works have been evidenced at Uganda’s National Theatre and later through Shadows of Memory, a 2014 20th Genocide Commemoration theatre presentation which took place at Amahoro stadium in Kigali and last year’s Ubumuntu Arts Festival’s first edition, where he designed the stage. Hailing from London, UK, Matt Deeley is a stage designer who for over fifteen years has done this with passion, a skill he embraces. - See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/jan16/Matt-Deelay-passion-for-Stage-designing.html#sthash.U31PRcd3.dpuf

Posted in: Events Highlights Salvado stages first One man’s show in Kigali

A man from Ombokolo painted with humor some of the comedian’s experience-right from his village town, various topics on women to other personal experiences like the day he accompanied his wife into the delivery room-and the shock he suffered. The artiste’s stunt on ‘How to eat a man’s money-without him taking advantage of a woman,’ was a hilarious series, which left many giggling through deep laughter. The show, which lasted till 11pm also featured music by Dj Roja from Uganda, who was at the turn tables. - See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/jan16/Salvado-stages-first-One-man-show-in-Kigali.html#sthash.WS4Q70Is.dpuf

Axelle- a rising voice on Kigali radio airwaves

Umutesi’s first attempts to joining K.Fm were quite a challenge to her, most people she encountered with always insisted how it wasn’t easy being recruited at such a high ranking radio station, but she persisted.

Her first time on air was in last year, on African Express-where she co-broadcasted alongside Bright Turatsinze, “In preparation for this show, I never even slept the night before due to nervousness,” Umutesi explains.
But her move received positive comments from friends, which pushed her further for the journey.

- See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/jan16/Axelle-a-rising-voice-on-Kigali-radio-airwaves.html#sthash.KvkydRdg.dpuf

Kigali embraces first Broadway Show

Casting Yvette Shumbusho, Gael Rutembesa, Daniel Gasatura, and Ethan Tashobya on the main cast, from an unusual angle, the Cantata tells the story of the savior’s coming from the eyes of the owner of the Inn- who offered Joseph and Mary the stable, where baby Jesus was delivered. Under the theme ‘What Child is this?!,’ the presentation takes us the impact Jesus’ birth had onto the Inn master and his entire family. - See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/dec15/Kigali-embraces-first-Broadway-Show.html#sthash.f88DTldk.dpuf

Ubumuntu embarks on second return

Its second edition whose date is already set from 14th to 17th July next year at Gisozi Memorial Centre’s Amphitheatre in Kigali is to take a global scope, through integration of performances from more countries and cultures, “We want to more create space for participating artistes, we want the performers to be part of the audience, as they can relax and enjoy amidst performances too,” she adds.

Part of the questions asked prior to the staging were why the the event was to be staged at a Memorial Center, which Azeda explains that this place is a symbol

- See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/nov15/Ubumuntu-embarks-on-second-return.html#sthash.7KUbwKTR.dpuf

Cathedral of Sounds, a unique rhythmic showcase incorporating the audience - See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/nov15/Cathedral-of-Sounds-a-unique-rhythmic-showcase-incorporating-the-audience.html#sthash.mESqauuN.dpuf

With no stage, this presentation is a collaborative project, which also incorporates the entire audience into the activity. The audience which is an inter-mix of artistes and the people who take their seats facing any direction, freely but in a quiet ambience. A melodious presentation takes toll, of voices of the artistes, who inter-changeably take turns, as in sorrow, low mellow voice tones take the listener into deep meditation. With voices of questions, wonder, anxiety, wary that one or the other goes through. Like a wave, the vocal sounds take rhythmically - See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/nov15/Cathedral-of-Sounds-a-unique-rhythmic-showcase-incorporating-the-audience.html#sthash.mESqauuN.dpuf

Moments as Comedy Knights brands second member

Excuse my Brain was a unique performance of the Burundian-Rwandan comedian’s life voyage and vast experience. As a comedian, his humoristic interpretation of situations-that one could term as ‘up-side-down thinking’ of a human, but of course as he themed it, no blame was placed onto the artiste - See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/nov15/Moments-as-Comedy-Knights-brands-second-member.html#sthash.Y3gjPYvL.dpuf

Comedian Arthur for Tv Career

The 25 year old comedian, who belongs to the Comedy Knights, a renowned Rwandan Stand Up Comedy group recently revealed this through post via his social sites. He stated;

“Hello there, thanks for being with me in journey we had of 2015

I would like to thank all those people that play a big role in my life, make it interesting. This year, am going TV, with my first ever TV show as a comedian. It's called "THE SOFT TALK" You will know the details very soon, but as my friends...

- See more at: http://artsglo.com/posts/jan16/Comedian-Arthur-for-Tv-Career.html#sthash.EH1iEMDY.dpuf