MTN, one of Rwanda's leading mobile phone network operators, has been in competition with Rwandatel for customers and popularity over the past few months. Last week, Rwandatel hosted a concert for the world-renowned Sean Paul. This week it was MTN's turn to woo the crowds with the hugely popular Mr. Lova Lova, AKA Shaggy.
The gig was played at Kigali's Amahoro ('Peace') Stadium in Remera. Tickets ranged from FRW 2,000 (£2/$4) standing back, to FRW 10,000 (£10/$20) standing front and FRW 20,000 (£20/$40) VIP Platinum Ticket.
Concert Atmosphere
The stage itself was set on the grass outside the main stadium and was packed to the brim with fans, even the President was in attendance. The concert was scheduled to start at 7:00pm with a number of local acts, including the Rwandan coga-style singer Rafiki, Miss Shanel and Uganda's Peter Miles warming up the stage. By 9:30 the atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation as a long-coated, baseball-capped Shaggy stepped on to the stage and launched straight into song.
Shaggy Appeals to Security
There was a tense moment a few minutes in when overzealous Rwandan security guards tried to move the crowds back on the standing front side of the stage by hitting them with batons. Shaggy stopped the show to appeal to the guards to stop beating the crowd, saying "You're only making it worse. Everybody relax."
Despite the short outburst of violence the concert continued otherwise unmarred with fans waving their arms in the air, singing along and, at one point, lighting up their mobile phones and holding them up as beacons in the night.
Shaggy Sings to Rwanda
Throughout the gig he covered all of his signature tunes including Mr Boombastic, It Wasn't Me, Bona Fide Girl, Hope and Repent. One of the highlights was a duo of Would You Be, performed with Toni Gold, one half of the reggae act Brian & Toni Gold.
With a cheeky smile, Shaggy played up to the audience keeping them on tenterhooks for an encore. Teasing them by pretending to go home, he returned for yet another packed hour of great music, finally ending the event around 12:30 with an extremely well received tribute to Bob Marley, including his classics Iron, Lion, Zion and Stand Up For Your Rights.
MTN's Event Management
Some criticism was levelled at the VIP area for being overcrowded with seating when most people wanted to dance, and for tickets claiming 'drinks included' when people were being charged at the bar, however the overall feel of the crowd was that it was a well organised event with a great atmosphere. Fans dispersed quickly and without incident after the event, extremely satisfied with the night's entertainment.
