blink xtra rwanda's version
DESCRIPTION
Blink Xtra IssueTRANSCRIPT
SONG ARTIST TIGO MTNPeace Mpamagara 2312 4335Timamu Jb Humura 2343 4346Jean Paul Samputu Karibu Mungu 2058 4256King James Kuko turi kumwe 2193 4291Kitoko You 1227 4173Urban Boys Tuza 2077 4254Meddy Ubanza Ngukunda 2344 4349Braza Niba Ukunda 2318 4339Natty Dread Gigi 2319 4333Gaby Amahoro 2045 4268Mani Martin Bizashira 1734 4074Theogene Uwiringiyimana
Isoko imar' inyota 1729 4065
Tonzi Shima Imana 2030 4214Jean Paul Samputu Urarunyambitse 2066 4262K8 Afande 2070 4263Peace Nakoze iki 2321 4336Masamba Rwagihuta 1088 3017Rafiki Cyari cijoshe 1790 4130Kitoko Manyobwa 1091 3020Miss Shannel Ndarota 1084 3010Usa na bikiramariya Kitoko 1845 4093You Kitoko 1843 4173Igikara Dr Claude 1090Mazi Magari Mani Martin 1736 4069Nakutaka Miss Shannel 3009Ndarota Miss Shannel 3010Igikosi Rafiki 1735
NIBA UKORESHA
MTN•
Kwiandikisha: ohereza ijamo
“subscribe” kuri 3788.
Andika code y’indirimbo
ushaka, maze wohereze kuri 3788.
Uhite ubona indirimbo yawe
NIBA UKORESHA
TIGO•
Kwiandikisha: ohereza ijamo
“umuziki” kuri 4040.
Andika code y’indirimbo
ushaka, maze wohereze kuri 4040.
Uhite ubona indirimbo yawe
EDITOR’S WORD
Dear Reader, Welcome to another edition of Blink Xtra, the Mag that guides you to the A-Z of Rwanda’s entertainment life. In our continuous effort to liberate you from expensive time-consuming window shopping, this issue we introduce a feature that will help you decide where to take your loved ones for that most deserved treat or find places to make for an enjoyable weekend. Our new extensive list of bars and restaurants will ensure memorable outings and help you choose among the many options available. We also introduce a new column that we are sure you will enjoy. “Facts about Rwanda” brings you the most recent historical discovery about our country. Of course, these are additions to the entertainment content concentrating on our stars you have come to expect from Blink Xtra and Blink Magazine. For our cover model and Tusker Project Fame winner Alpha Rwirangira, the sky is the limit. Soon after he releases his new album this month he plans to visit all major cities on an East African tour. If successful, Alpha will be the only artist from the region to ever do that. What happens when a trusted shepherd decides to abandon his flock? Did Meddy and The Ben do the right thing? Find out how various entertainment icons feel about that. The Blink Xtra asks the abandoned flock to take heart. There are many stars in Rwanda and as the young folks say, ibyiza bir’ imbere!
Over to you, dear reader. Be inspired! Keep your eyes open and… Enjoy your outings!
PUBLISHER Rukwirwa
AndreaEDITOR
Charles N. RwabaginaASSOCIATE
EDITORJack Romanelli
PHOTOGRAPHY John Kimenyi
ARTDIRECTORTony Tet
MARKETING Rukwirwa
Andrea,Banza Frank
BLIN
K M
ULT
IMED
IARe
mer
a, R
ukili
. Zon
e 10
No.
63
Tel: 0
788
527
369,
072
8 46
2 90
0P.
O. B
ox 6
47, K
igal
i- Rw
anda
.E:
theb
linkm
agaz
ine@
gmai
l.com
ww
w.th
eblin
konl
ine.
com
COVER:Alpha RwirangiraPHOTO:D-Tech StudioCLOTHES:His own
Charles N. RwabaginaEditor
http
://tw
itter
.com
/DaB
linkM
agaz
ine
http
://fa
cebo
ok.c
om/t
hebl
inkm
agaz
ine
4 5
OUT & ABOUT
MondaysNETWORK NIGHTHotel Mille CollinesContact: +250 252 576 530Email: [email protected]
TuesdaysAFRO FUSION LIVE BANDHotel Mille CollinesEnjoy Bbq brochettesSALSA NIGHTPapyrus Lounge,@2000 – 2400hFREE GERMAN MOVIESGoethe-InstitutContact: +250 783 780 037KARAOKEBBQ & GrillKacyiru, down the road after PSI@ 2100h
WednesdaysPASTA GO-AROUNDHotel Mille CollinesAll you can eat!MONGOLIAN NIGHTKigali Serena Hotel,@1930 – 2200hContact: +250 252 597 100LOCAL LIVE BANDHotel Laico Umubano@ 18:00 – 2100hContact: +250 252 593 500
RESTAURANTSCHINESEALINK CHINESE CLUBRugando St, Kimihurura+250 788625529/[email protected] TANGREN RESTAURANTRemera, Airport rd.+250 783011583/[email protected] CHINESE RESTAURANTKimihurura+250 788 300 [email protected] GARDEN RESTAURANTKiyovu, opp the National Bank of Rwanda
KHANA KHAZANAKajangwe Ave. Kiyovu+250 788 772 087ZAAFFRAINRUE DE L’AKEGERA, KIYOVU+250 750 344 [email protected]
INTERNATIONALARADAMinister’s Rd+250 788 860 968BANANA JAM CAFÉKigali Serena Hotel+ 250 252 597 100BAOBABNyamirambo+ 250 252 575 633LE BELVEDEREAcross from BCR Bank+ 250 252 570 499/ 788 856 226 (M)CHEZ LANDOICTR St/Airport Rd+ 250 252 582 050CHEZ ROBERTOpp Milles Collines Hotel+ 250 252 575 573CHEZ VENANTNyamirambo Rd+ 250 252 572 260DE’LICES AT TOP TOWER HOTEL+ 250 252 585 555www.toptowerhotel.comDIPLOMATKigali Serena Hotel+ 250 252 597 100DOWN TOWN RESTAURANT1 Revolution Ave+ 250 788 841 375 (M)+ 250 788 722 [email protected] (LE DOS ARGENTE’)+ 250 252 501 717HAVANA CLUBKacyiru RoadSalsa music played+250 252 510 440HEAVEN RESTAURANT & BAR+ 250 252 500 234+ 250 788 674 366/ 788486 581 (M)HOT RACKS KIGALIRue du lac Mpanga, KiyovuTél : 0785 071 648IRIS HOTELNear EU Delegation+ 250 788 753 656ISIMBI HOTEL+ 250 252 572 578, 572 581/93
JAMBO JAMBO LAICO HOTEL+ 250 252 593 [email protected] KARISIMBINear Hotel Mille Colline+250 252 571 [email protected] VALLE’E DOUCEOld Airport Rd,+ 250 252 582 981NEW CACTUSKAYUKIU STREET+250 252 572 572NEW MANGAROCA S.A.R.L,+ 250 788 387 144OKAPI HOTELRue de Muhima+ 250 252 574 169+ 250 252 574 413PANORAMAHotel Mille Collines+ 250 252 576 530PAPYRUS LOUNGEKIMIHURURA+ 250 788 308 970www.papyruslounge.comREPUBLIKA LOUNGEKiyovu, Offf Avenue Des Grand Lacs+ 250 252 504SELECT BOUTIQUE HOTEL+250 755 300 331www.selectboutiquehotel.comSKY HOTELMain road to Nyamirambo+250 788 300 323
ITALIANSOL E LUNAMain airport road+250 252 583 062
LOCALAFRIKABITEKimihurura+ 250 788 685 [email protected] MICKEY MOUSETel: +250 788357600+250 722998991EXECUTIVE CAR WASHNext to RRA buildingCHEZ JOHN+250 252 571 678KARIBU RESTAURANT+250 252 501 793
NINZI HILLMain boulevard in Kacyiru+250 252 587 714
CASINOS
CASINO KIGALITop Tower Hotel, Umuganda Blvd.+250 788 306 959
CLUBSBLACK AND WHITE CLUB+250 785 259 60CADILLAC RESTO & DISCO+250 252 511 622CRYSTAL @ TOP TOWER HOTELCocktail lounge and restaurant+250 252 585 555www.toptowerhotel.comPAPYRUS LOUNGEKimihurura+ 250 788 308 970www.papyruslounge.comPLANET CLUBKBC Place+250 788 683 043
HEALTH CLUBS/GYMS/POOLSCERCLE SPORTIFGym, swimmingBoulevard de la Revolution,Kiyovu+250 252 597 100HOTEL MILLE COLLINESGym, tennis, swimming+250 252 576 530LALCO UMUBANOGym, tennis swimmingBlvd. de l’Umuganda+250 252 593 500NYARUTARAMA TENNIS CLUBGym, tennis+250 252 587 009RAFIKI HEALTH CLUBGym+250 252 510 388
ThursdaysINTERNATIONAL LIVE BAND WITH DASHA, PAPY & FRIENDSHotel Mille Collines@ 1730 – 2230h
FridaysAFRICAN BUFFET & LOCAL LIVE BANDKigali Serena Hotel,@1830-2300LOCAL LIVE BANDHotel Laico Umubano,@ 1800-2100hPINCHO & PITCHER NIGHTHotel Mille Collines,@ 1730-2230hRWANDA FOLK MUSIC & DANCE SHOWCrystal View, Top Tower @20:30-23:30h
SaturdaysAFRO FUSION LIVE BANDHotel Mille CollinesEnjoy Bbq brochettesLOCAL LIVE BANDHotel Laico Umubano,@ 1800 – 2100h
SundaysSUNDAY CURRY @ LA PISCINE POOL BARHotel Mille Collines
+ 250 788 500 073 M+ 250 252 505 [email protected] WALL CHINESE RESTAURANT+ 250 788 503 111SHANGHAI RESTAURANTKajangwe Ave, Kiyovu+ 250 788 599 995/ 788 905 [email protected]
ETHIOPIANLALIBELA RESTAURANTRemera+ 250 785 191 155
INDIANICE AND SPICE+250 788 513 496
COMING UPU.S EMBASSY CRAFT FAIRDate: Oct-23rd-2010Time: 1pm - 4pmVenue: US EmbassyDonation at the door 2,000 RwFFor more info call : 0788921583INSHINGANO Z’UWABABARIWEKizito Mihigo’s Cospel ConcertDate: 30th October, 2010Venue: Gikondo Parish, Kigali
Date: Saturday, 30th OctoberVenue: Hidden Palace (former Royale Villas) NyarutaramaTime: 9pm - 5amTickets: 5,000 RWF Entry ONLY.10,000 RWF Entry + Dinner
KIGALI PAPARAZZI PROMDate: 12th NovemberTime: 8:00pm/20h00Venue: Danico Villa,Kacyiru 3rd road from La Colombiere near Save the ChildrenFee: 5,000Rwf SingleCouple: 7,000Rwf
Alpha’s debut album “ONE AFRICA” expected this October with an album launch and EA tour
6
Less than 30 minutes from Kigali international airport and a similar distance from the City centre lies what is considered to be one of Kigali’s premier establishments - a true outlier within the hotel industry. Select Boutique in the suburb of Nyarutarama is regarded as Rwanda’s “most exclusive, intimate and distinct luxury hotel.” I tend to concur.
Driving up the road that leads to the hotel; one pictures perhaps an isolated resort given the dusty stretch of road coupled with the somewhat haphazard signs. On arrival however, it becomes obvious that it will live up to it’s boutique hotel rating. It is an architectural delight, evoking a country villa or manor. The cobblestone driveway leads to a large, beautiful terrace that gives off a traditional flavour with a colonial twist. Inside, the theme moves graciously into a contemporary interior style and design. The inside doubles up as an a la carte restaurant with an impressive wine lounge and seven guest rooms.
The menu, from its wide variety of gourmet starters to sumptuous entrees, is certainly not for light pockets. Prizewinning chefs prepare the exquisite menu featuring European/French cuisine. Clearly, with that kind of sophistication, this restaurant caters to those who can
afford it. The menu, unlike the servers, was bilingual, offering broccoli soup, salmon with lemon pieces, chicken sweetened and soured with pineapple and ginger just to name but a few. The dessert was a tasteful array of cake and ice cream.
Accommodation at Select is what you would expect given the upscale restaurant and the boutique nature of the hotel. The rooms are modern yet give off an ancient ambience. They are spacious with a relaxing décor that betrays a quirky environment.
Select Boutique Hotel is a good option amongst many in Kigali. It is for those who know exactly what they want in style, privacy and class. Most importantly, however it is for those who can afford .
It has a website that answers any questions a potential guest may have and lists all of the hotel’s amenities.
Kigali- Rwanda B.P. 6909+250 0252580809+250 0577300331(M)email: [email protected]: www.selectboutiquehotel.com
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Sophisticated, intimate luxurySELECT BOUTIQUE HOTEL
8 9
We’re sitting at The Blink offices trying to think of who really deserves to grace the cover of this magazine after our intended cover model, Meddy,
decided to go after the American dream.
Alpha, Diplomat, Urban Boys, Kitoko and other names pop up but after thoroughly going through our criteria of talent, determination, hardwork and professionalism, 24-year-old Alpha Rwirangira, who seems to have a way of winning, emerges as the top choice; two great songs and videos which are collabos with two prolific East African artists plus a soon-to-be released album titled “One Africa” and a complementing East African tour ... the Tusker Project fame winner seems to be unstoppable!
Alpha was recently denied a visa to the U.S. He says it was intended for his own personal travel reason but it seems a certain daily publications’ reporter decided to create her own version of the story, saying he was going to perform in the U.S.
COVER STORYHow have you been?It’s not been easy though many of my fans don’t know that. As you know, I didn’t take up the contract with South African label Gallo Records like fellow TPF winners so it means I’ve been doing most of my music projects all by myself. Some haters have been making a lot of noise too, claiming that I was not worth winning but that doesn’t distract my progress at all.
Why did you reject the recording deal with South Africa’s Gallo Records unlike your TPF predecessors?I didn’t want to jump into things due to excitement because it’s South Africa or something. I looked far ahead and asked myself, in five years where do I want to be? Is this contract going to take me where I really want? I knew by taking my own way it’d be kind of risky because I’d spend a lot of money in the studio and stuff like that but I guess it’s better this way because I can predict the outcome of my actions. The decisions I take are not mine alone. I usually consult with my dad, manager and those whose thoughts I respect.
ONE on ONE
I’ve noticed you’ve been busy lately. Two outstanding singles with complementary videos already out...Yeah, I’ve been very busy working on my debut album “One Africa” which consists of 10 very enthusiastic tracks. The two songs “songa mbele” and “come to me” will both be featured in the album. I’m also planning an East African tour to promote the album this October starting with Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania then South Africa. I’m honoured to be working with a new local company that will help me realize some of my goals.
Speaking of songs, there’s one with Tanzanian AY and another with Ugandan Bebe Cool. Is this an effort to attract an East African crowd?Well, you could say that. I don’t want to sound too ambitious but on the other hand I don’t limit myself. I will spread my music as far as I can.
Tell us more about the album?It is a mixture of gospel, love songs and reggae. It has a little bit of everything so everyone can pick something out of it. I have also tried to harmonize our three main languages; Kinyarwanda, English, and Kiswahili. I have done collabos with Christian (TPF 3 contestant), Spaxx (Family Squad), Princess Priscilla and other artists. Producers include Pastor P, David (future records) and Junior.
What is the inspiration behind this album?My main inspiration for this album is God and that‘s why I have three gospel songs. Life of course has an influence in the album.
With your current track record, you seem to be a very hardworking artist. What drives you?First and foremost, it’s God that drives me because I don’t believe I can do it alone. Secondly, my work, for that’s what I am, that’s what feeds me so that automatically drives me.
I’ve been meaning to ask this for a while now. Would you still have pursued your dream as an artist if you didn’t contest or win TPF 3?I used to be a member of the church choir and I could see people’s reaction when I did sang. The same used to happen during my high school days and students, according to me, are the hardest crowd to impress .if they don’t like you they’ll let you know. This confirmed that I had something. So I think I would still have pursued my dream even though it wouldn’t have been that easy but PH
OTO
S • D
-Tec
h St
udio
10 11
This year is not turning out as one of the best for the local music industry. Two of the most promising R&B artists, Meddy and The Ben, decided to ditch their budding musical career and chase the American dream.
Meddy (Medard Ngabo) and The Ben (Ben Mugisha) left the country for the USA on July 2, after being invited by the Rwandan International Network Association. They were expected to return on July 28 but never did. Meddy has denied these claims saying his visa is for six months while no comments have yet been heard from The Ben. There have been no reports as to where the two artists are but rumours have them in hiding near Ottawa, Canada, or somewhere in the US. Meddy updated his new location to Brooklyn, New York, on his facebook account while his counterpart The Ben changed his to Los Angeles, California. The incident was likely linked with Tusker Project Fame Winner, Alpha Rwirangira’s recently denial of a visa to the U.S.
Hip hop artist K8, aka Kavuyo, also recently left the country for further studies abroad. That is three main artists in a span of just three months. The Blink hit-squad gathered views specifically about the Meddy and The Ben issue from different artists.
Pacson - Radio presenter/ ArtistThe music industry especially on the R&B scene is grieving. The two artists leaving is a really big blow. Even for us hip hop artists we now don’t have The Ben for our chorus hook up.
Christian Rwirangira - TPF 3 contestant/ artistAs a fan and artist, I don’t think it was a good way to leave. Now I think it won’t be easy for other artists to get visas to perform abroad. They left a bad image for other Rwandan artists. On the other hand I think it’s good for their personal life.
Miss Shanel - ArtistEveryone can be a victim of a similar situation. I think it might be better for them to improve musically out there but what they did wrong is abusing the agreement they had with the responsible parties.
FEATURE
Rafiki – ArtistI’m not well informed about the whole story to be able to place a fair judgement but it’s obvious that some trust between us and the government has been lost due to that incident.
Alpha Rwirangira - ArtistI guess they were tempted and gave in. This will definitely have a negative effect on us (artists) and may be one of the reasons I was denied a visa.
Columbus - Upcoming Gospel artistWhat they did was selfish. They didn’t think of the impact their actions would have on other artists. Artists should be patriotic people.
Andrew Cole - Upcoming artistThey had everything here. I’m sure many artists wished to be in their shoes. I don’t support their actions at all.
Miss Jojo - ArtistYou can’t judge the situation while you don’t know the real reason behind their actions but speaking as an artist, I think they’ve really damaged our image and people won’t trust us as they have before.
Kitty - Upcoming artistMusically speaking, they have lost their purpose. It will be very difficult for them to pursue their musical career considering the hardships they’ll go through trying to fit in a different environment and even getting a studio to record their music.
Riderman - ArtistI don’t want to judge
them because anyone is entitled to his own
personal decision but speaking as an
artist, I think it will affect the relationship
artists have established with the government. To get such opportunities of performing abroad will be a problem.
Nasty Lee – Music promoterI cannot throw the first stone at them, however, their actions, at a time when they were at their peak in the music industry was not setting a good example for future generations ... many young people look or looked up to them but now ... I remain puzzled to what that “American dream” really means? I wish them well though!
Diplomat - ArtistLife can be a bit tricky sometimes and you never know what is right for you till you do a mistake. On an artist perspective, what they did might ruin the trust the government had on us thus hinder future collaboration.
FEATURE
1312
1. Travie-Mccoy-ft. Bruno
Mars–billionaire
2. Eminem ft. Rihanna - Love
The Way You Lie
3. Dr. Jose Chameleone
Atagenda Ft Jackie–Goin’
On
4. Chris Brown ft Tyger–
Deuces
5. Knowles–Ko uhinduka
6. Pacson ft All Stars–Imvune
7. Gyptian–Hold Yuh
8. T.I. ft. Keri Hilson–Got
Your Back
9. Miss Jojo Ft Michael Ross–
Hooked on You
10. Meddy–Ubanza ngukunda
I’m sure I’d have gone far because I believe I had and still have what it takes.
You insist on performing live which is not the trend with other local artists. Are you trying to send a message?I enjoy playing live music; it’s more real. I feel like lip syncing dictates your stage performance yet as an artist you’re supposed to be in total control. Like at times you may want to stop and talk or sing with the crowd but you can’t. I also want to grow professionally. My recent performance at the Pan African Dance Festival (FESPAD) was very nice (according to me), I really enjoyed myself. It wasn’t perfect but it made me feel that I can improve. I encourage fellow artists to practice playing live music it’s very necessary.
We have just concluded our presidential elections. Did you vote?Yes of course. I’m a responsible citizen.
The fourth edition of Tusker Project Fame (TPF 4) is just around the corner. Do you think Rwandan contestants stand a chance this time round?I’ve been receiving calls for advice from people who want to follow in my footsteps and I always encourage them. They only need confidence, that’s all.
Any special lady in your life?Ahhhh! I think that’s kind of personal. As an artist I don’t
think it’s relevant but when I decide to buy someone a ring, I’ll definitely invite you
for the engagement party.
COVER STORY
9
FACTS ABOUT RWANDA
To understand this, you first need to take a trip from the southern end of Lake Tanganyika and follow the western shore, moving northwards up to its northern end. There, you will notice that the crocodile infested Rusizi River that meanders through a huge valley created an additional physical boundary to the lake.
This means that any itinerant from the Western shores of Lake Tanganyika and Rusizi River who wished to venture into the present day Tanzania or Burundi had no option other than continuing further north, only to be obstructed by the deep Lake Kivu up to a place called Sake, near Goma. It is here that they must have passed, entering the present day Rwanda through Busasamana, a 15-km stretch between Lake Kivu and the impenetrable volcanoes. It is not possible for the Bantus to have access to East Africa through any other point because from Sake going northwards up to Lake Albert, there are a series of active volcanoes such as Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira, the Rutchuru River that flows to Lake Edward and then the Semliki River which flows from Edward to Lake Albert.
This argument is confirmed by the current names of certain hills, lakes and rivers, e,g, Lake Muhazi or Nyabarongo River. Both names have no meanings in the Kinyarwanda language but are similar to ‘omukhatsi ’ or ‘omukazi’ which mean a woman in Kenya and Uganda respectively, while ‘abarongo’ or balongo which are only used outside Rwanda have the same meaning in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Isn’t this enough proof that all abakhatsis and balongos once lived in our beloved country?
Did you know that all the Bantu speakers that are now scattered in East Africa roamed in Rwanda for centuries after having entered the country through a 15-km wide entry point?
PHO
TO •
D-T
ech
Stud
io
Source: Tim NJOROGE
3
6
5
1
4
2
14
PARTING SHOT
1. Faycal performs at his album launch in Butare at the National University of Rwanda.
2. Canadian based Rwandan artist Frankie Joe entertaining fans during a recent gig in Calgary, Canada.
3. K8 Kavuyo poses in front of one of America’s biggest music label - Island Def Jam recording offices in New York.
4. The Blink Crew rocking special edition designer Blink t-shirts5. Up and coming R&B trio The Track posing backstage at Jack
B’s album launch party in Ruhengeri.6. Gospel songstress Aline Gahongayire sings her heart out
during a performance at Faycal’s album launch in Butare
Add
ition
al p
hoto
s by
Kig
ali P
apar
azzi
