Rwandan music star Mugisha Benjamin, popularly known as The Ben, once again proved his influence and leadership in the country’s music industry by successfully hosting the second edition of his flagship concert, “The Nu-Year Groove.” The highly anticipated event took place on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at BK Arena, Kigali’s premier entertainment venue, drawing a massive crowd of music lovers eager to usher in the New Year through live performances.
The concert was not only a celebration of The Ben’s artistry, but also a strong statement of support for emerging and established Rwandan talent. From the very beginning, it was clear that the night had been carefully curated to showcase diversity, creativity, and unity within the local music scene.
The stage came alive with the opening performance by Yeweeh, a fast-rising artist and producer who has gained significant attention in a relatively short time. As one of the most anticipated performers of the night, Yeweeh delivered an energetic and confident set, performing popular songs such as “Tangote” and “Dizaya.” His stage presence, combined with strong audience engagement, immediately set a high standard for the rest of the show. The crowd responded enthusiastically, singing along and applauding his performance, a clear sign of his growing fan base.
Shortly after, Diez Dolla took to the stage at around 8:12 PM, marking a major milestone in his young career. Known for songs like “Repete,” which he collaborated on with DJ Benda, Diez Dolla showcased both confidence and growth as an artist. Having spent just over a year in professional music, his journey has been impressive, particularly following the release of “Zangalewa,” a song that significantly boosted his visibility.
Addressing the audience, Diez Dolla expressed heartfelt gratitude, noting that it was his first time performing at BK Arena. He openly thanked fans for their support, acknowledging how meaningful the moment was for him. His performance was marked by high energy, smooth delivery, and genuine connection with the crowd, reinforcing his position as one of Rwanda’s promising young artists.
At 8:27 PM, the spotlight shifted to Alto, an artist who has steadily built a reputation for his unique sound and lyrical depth. Alto performed several fan-favorite tracks including “Ntaribi,” “Byambera,” and “Wankomye,” a collaboration with Uncle Austin. This performance marked Alto’s first appearance at a concert of this magnitude, a significant achievement after five years of dedication to music.
Alto, who works with Root Investment, a company associated with Be One Gin, also used the opportunity to promote his newer material such as “Nikosa.” His calm confidence, vocal control, and audience interaction earned him widespread appreciation, with many attendees praising his maturity and artistic growth.
Moments later, at 8:35 PM, Logan Joe took the stage and delivered a compelling performance that reflected both ambition and gratitude. He performed songs like “Treasure” and “Ntiwamvamo,” the latter a collaboration with Kenny K-Shot. Logan Joe expressed joy at starting the New Year by performing at The Ben’s concert, describing the opportunity as both motivating and symbolic.
Beyond his performance, Logan Joe also shared optimism about his future, stating that 2025 had been a successful year for him and that fans should expect even greater projects and musical output throughout 2026. His remarks resonated with supporters who have followed his steady rise in the industry.
The audience at BK Arena included an impressive lineup of artists, media personalities, and national leaders, highlighting the concert’s cultural significance. Among those in attendance were Uncle Austin, Nel Ngabo, Platini P, and Butera Knowless, who attended alongside her husband, producer Clement Ishimwe. Their presence added prestige and reinforced the sense of unity among Rwandan musicians.
The event was also attended by key figures from government and the creative sector, including the Minister of Youth and Arts Development, Dr. Utumatwishima Jean Nepo Abdallah, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe. Their attendance signaled continued institutional recognition of music and entertainment as vital components of Rwanda’s cultural and economic development.
The concert officially began at 8:00 PM and was graced by several notable personalities such as Coach Gael (Karomba Gael), Fally Merci, Junior Giti, Israel Mbonyi, and other respected figures in Rwanda’s creative and entrepreneurial spaces. Their presence underscored the event’s broad appeal beyond music alone.
From a production standpoint, The Nu-Year Groove stood out for its high-quality sound, lighting, and stage management. BK Arena once again demonstrated why it is regarded as a cornerstone venue for major events in Rwanda and the region. The smooth flow of performances and professional coordination contributed to a seamless and enjoyable experience for attendees.
The show was skillfully hosted by RBA journalist Luckman Nzeyimana, whose experience and stage control ensured smooth transitions throughout the night. His confident moderation added professionalism and kept the audience engaged. DJ Flix, one of Rwanda’s most prominent female DJs, also delivered an electrifying set, signaling her determination to enter 2026 with renewed energy and ambition.
Additionally, Anitha Pendo, a seasoned media personality from Kiss FM, played a key role in hosting the event. With years of experience managing large-scale shows, her involvement further elevated the concert’s credibility and execution.
Overall, The Nu-Year Groove was more than just a concert. It was a celebration of collaboration, mentorship, and artistic growth. The Ben’s deliberate decision to give significant stage time to fellow artists demonstrated his commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening Rwanda’s music ecosystem. Rather than centering the night solely on himself, he used his platform to uplift others, a move that earned him widespread respect.
As Rwanda’s entertainment industry continues to expand, events like The Nu-Year Groove play a crucial role in shaping its future. The success of this second edition confirms The Ben’s status not only as a celebrated artist, but also as a cultural leader dedicated to progress, inclusion, and excellence.
0 Comments