Rwandan creativity and the country’s flourishing creative economy will be under the spotlight at the Trace Festival (Kigali Convention & Exhibition Village, 20-22 October 2023).
The Trace Festival highlights Rwandan talent in a 3-day celebration of creativity in music, entertainment, fashion, food, design, photography, arts & crafts, hair and beauty, home decor and much, much more. The Trace Festival is produced by global music and entertainment tastemakers, Trace, and presented by Visit Rwanda and Martell.
Rwanda’s vibrant music industry and musicians get their chance to shine at the Festival, with featured performances from a lineup of talented artists who are making waves on the local music scene. It will be the opportunity to witness the incredible artistry of Bruce Melodie alongside Sema Sole, Kivumbi King, Angell Mutoni, Boy Chopper, Mike Kayihura and Tsonpa as they offer festival-goers a glimpse into the rich and diverse musical landscape of Rwanda. Gospel-lovers will thrill to the sounds of “Trace Gospel Sunday” (14H00-16H00, 22 October) – an uplifting gospel concert starring the world-famous Soweto Gospel Choir, Kenya’s Janet Otieno, Uganda’s Levixone, and South Africa’s Benjamin Dube, not to mention special guest, Trace Awards nominee and “Jerusalema” singer, Nomcebo.
Also on hand to show their moves to Kigali fans are Trace Awards nominees from around the world including Roselyne Layo, Gerilson Insrael, Soraia Ramos, Lisandro Cuxi, Azawi, Donovan BTS, Gaei, MIKL, Goulam and DJ Illans.
The Trace Festival has something for everyone, including a marketplace showcasing Rwandan brands, inspiring talks & workshop sessions, a live entertainment stage, food court, Martell bars, a live screening of the Trace Awards, and an interactive kidzone where mum and dad can leave the children in safe hands. Packed with Rwandan creativity and flair, the marketplace has been curated by a handpicked group of Rwandan creators and entrepreneurs. Showcasing the best in Rwandan creativity are Pierra Ntayombya of Haute Baso, the Rwandan ethical lifestyle brand for the modern individual looking for thoughtful, simple and functional designs. Fashion entrepreneur Aude Bisserbe of Asantii, the sustainable made-in-Rwanda womenswear brand that celebrates African heritage will be heading up the fashion portion of the event.
Comments Esther Muhoro, Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard East Africa, “Martell’s partnership with the Trace Festival speaks to the strong affinity the brand enjoys with music; a testament of the Cognac house’s legacy to pop-culture and reinvention with music creators.”
Throughout the festival, attendees will be able to enjoy DJ sets from top local and international DJs, while festival-goers will also have the chance to watch the live screening of the Trace Awards with artists such as Davido, Yemi Alade, Ronisia, Blxckie and Bruce Melodie from 18H00-23H30 on Saturday 21 October.
Many interactive elements at the festival will encourage visitors to watch, listen & learn via audiovisual experiences, screenings, inspiring masterclasses, talks and workshops led by creative industry leaders, entrepreneurs and music industry experts such as Empire, SACEM and 1:55 AM. Visitors will also experience Martell and Belaire spaces and will enjoy beautiful tastes to match the sounds.
The Trace Festival opens at 16H00 on Friday 20 October and continues until 20H00 on Sunday 22 October. Tickets for the Trace Festival will be available from TiCQet from Friday 29 September 2023 priced 12,000 RWF per day (or 20,000 RWF for a 3-day ticket). Early bird discounts and student discounts apply. Entry is free for children under 6. To buy tickets for the Trace Festival is on the website : www.ticqet.rw.
Rwandan creativity and excellence are further represented by the involvement of BK Arena, MTN, Visit Rwanda, Pernod Ricard, University of Rwanda, Africa & Colors, RwandAir and RBA as partners to the Trace Awards & Festival. (End)