The Oldies Festival is set to make a grand return to Kigali on December 6, 2025, promising an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and nostalgia. Held at Kigali Universe, the festival will feature some of Rwanda’s most acclaimed DJs, including DJ Ira, DJ RY, and DJ Karim, alongside the highly anticipated debut of Symphony Band, which promises a fusion of classic and contemporary sounds. Anita Pendo will host the event, bringing her expertise both as a DJ and cultural influencer to the stage.
Organizers have designed a ticketing structure to make the festival accessible to all music enthusiasts. General admission tickets are priced at 10,000 Rwandan francs, VIP access at 20,000 Rwf, and premium tables at 200,000 Rwf. This approach reflects the festival’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that attendees from diverse backgrounds can experience Rwanda’s vibrant entertainment culture.
Symphony Band’s first appearance at the festival is expected to be a highlight of the evening. Known for blending timeless classics with contemporary rhythms, the band will guide audiences through a musical journey that celebrates the golden eras of music while maintaining relevance to today’s soundscape. Festival-goers can anticipate a performance that reconnects them with the nostalgia of past decades while engaging with modern musical innovation.
Festival organizer Basile Uwimana highlighted that the 2025 edition will focus on promoting women in entertainment. Historically, the festival featured predominantly male DJs and stage hosts. This year, the lineup includes female DJs and a female host to ensure women are visibly and meaningfully represented in the event.
Uwimana explained, “Since the start of the Oldies Festival, most DJs and MCs were men. This time we want to change the narrative by creating space for women. We will feature female DJs, and our main host will also be a woman. It’s important to celebrate the contributions of women in entertainment and give them the spotlight they deserve.”
The previous edition, held on July 26, 2025, also at Kigali Universe, attracted a large audience and showcased Rwanda’s love for retro music, fashion, and cultural expression. That event celebrated participants who excelled in classic-themed attire, highlighting the intersection of music and fashion. Notable winners included Clapton Kibonge, a well-known figure in Rwanda’s film industry.
Beyond live performances, the Oldies Festival provides a rich cultural experience. Panel discussions explore the history of Rwandan music, sessions on vintage fashion demonstrate the evolution of style, and exhibitions showcase local artists, designers, and illustrators. These activities position the festival as a multidimensional cultural event that celebrates Rwanda’s artistic heritage while encouraging learning and creative engagement.
Globally, similar festivals bring generations together to relive memories, honor artistic traditions, and explore the evolution of music and fashion. Attendees often dress in classic styles, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia and cultural expression. Kigali’s Oldies Festival continues this tradition, becoming one of the most anticipated cultural gatherings in the region.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract over a thousand attendees, creating a dynamic environment where music, fashion, and performance intersect. With DJs, live bands, panels, and exhibitions, the festival underscores the growing influence of Rwanda’s entertainment industry and its ability to host events that appeal to both local audiences and visitors from across East Africa.
The event’s focus on inclusivity and gender representation marks a significant evolution in Rwanda’s cultural scene. By providing a platform for female talent, the Oldies Festival sends a clear message about the importance of equality in entertainment while also inspiring a new generation of artists and performers.
Kigali Universe, the festival’s chosen venue, has become a central hub for large-scale events in Rwanda. Its capacity and state-of-the-art facilities ensure that attendees can enjoy high-quality sound, lighting, and stage design, enhancing the overall festival experience. Organizers emphasize that creating a welcoming and immersive environment is as important as the performances themselves.
As the countdown to December 6 continues, excitement is building among fans, artists, and cultural enthusiasts. Social media channels are already buzzing with updates on the lineup, ticket availability, and special features of the 2025 edition. The festival’s blend of music, culture, and fashion positions it as a must-attend event in Rwanda’s entertainment calendar.
The Kigali Oldies Festival not only celebrates nostalgia but also fosters creativity, cultural exchange, and community engagement. By honoring the legacy of classic music while embracing contemporary trends, it strengthens Rwanda’s identity as a vibrant hub for arts and culture in East Africa.
With its diverse lineup, gender-inclusive programming, and unique blend of music and cultural activities, the Oldies Festival 2025 promises to be a landmark event, drawing both longtime fans and newcomers eager to experience the rich heritage of Rwandan entertainment.
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