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
PUBLISHER among the many options available.
Rukwirwa We also introduce a new column that
Andrea we are sure you will enjoy. “Facts about
EDITOR Rwanda” brings you the most recent
Charles N. historical discovery about our country.
Rwabagina Of course, these are additions to the
ASSOCIATE entertainment content concentrating on
EDITOR our stars you have come to expect from
Jack Romanelli Blink Xtra and Blink Magazine.
PHOTOGRAPHY For our cover model and Tusker Project
John Kimenyi Fame winner Alpha Rwirangira, the sky is
SONG ARTIST TIGO MTN
ART the limit. Soon after he releases his new
Peace Mpamagara 2312 4335
DIRECTOR album this month he plans to visit all major
Timamu Jb Humura 2343 4346
Tony Tet cities on an East African tour. If successful,
Jean Paul Samputu Karibu Mungu 2058 4256
MARKETING Alpha will be the only artist from the
King James Kuko turi kumwe 2193 4291 Rukwirwa region to ever do that.
Kitoko You 1227 4173 Andrea, What happens when a trusted shepherd
Urban Boys Tuza 2077 4254 Banza Frank decides to abandon his flock? Did Meddy
NIBA NIBA Meddy Ubanza Ngukunda 2344 4349
and The Ben do the right thing? Find
Braza Niba Ukunda 2318 4339

http://facebook.com/theblinkmagazine
UKORESHA UKORESHA out how various entertainment icons

http://twitter.com/DaBlinkMagazine
Natty Dread Gigi 2319 4333 feel about that. The Blink Xtra asks the
TIGO MTN Gaby Amahoro 2045 4268 abandoned flock to take heart. There are
Mani Martin Bizashira 1734 4074 many stars in Rwanda and as the young
• • Theogene
Isoko imar' inyota 1729 4065 folks say, ibyiza bir’imbere!
Uwiringiyimana
Kwiandikisha: Kwiandikisha: Tonzi Shima Imana 2030 4214
Over to you, dear reader.
ohereza ijamo ohereza ijamo Jean Paul Samputu Urarunyambitse 2066 4262
Be inspired! Keep your eyes open and…
K8 Afande 2070 4263
“umuziki” “subscribe” Enjoy your outings!
Peace Nakoze iki 2321 4336
kuri 4040. kuri 3788. Masamba Rwagihuta 1088 3017
Rafiki Cyari cijoshe 1790 4130
Andika code Andika code Kitoko Manyobwa 1091 3020
y’indirimbo y’indirimbo Miss Shannel Ndarota 1084 3010
Usa na bikiramariya Kitoko 1845 4093 Charles N. Rwabagina
ushaka, maze ushaka, maze You Kitoko 1843 4173 Editor

E: theblinkmagazine@gmail.com
wohereze wohereze Igikara Dr Claude 1090

Tel: 0788 527 369, 0728 462 900

Remera, Rukili. Zone 10 No. 63

P. O. Box 647, Kigali- Rwanda.

Mazi Magari Mani Martin 1736 4069

www.theblinkonline.com
kuri 4040. kuri 3788. Nakutaka Miss Shannel 3009
Uhite ubona Uhite ubona Ndarota Miss Shannel 3010

BLINK MULTIMEDIA
Igikosi Rafiki 1735
indirimbo yawe indirimbo yawe COVER:
Alpha Rwirangira
PHOTO:
D-Tech Studio
CLOTHES:
His own
 OUT & ABOUT

COMING UP Mondays Thursdays KHANA KHAZANA

Kajangwe Ave. Kiyovu
JAMBO JAMBO LAICO HOTEL
+ 250 252 593 500
NINZI HILL
Main boulevard in Kacyiru
U.S EMBASSY CRAFT FAIR NETWORK NIGHT INTERNATIONAL LIVE BAND +250 788 772 087 reservations.umubano@laicohotels. +250 252 587 714
Date: Oct-23rd-2010 Hotel Mille Collines WITH DASHA, PAPY & FRIENDS com
ZAAFFRAIN
Time: 1pm - 4pm
Venue: US Embassy
Contact: +250 252 576 530 Hotel Mille Collines RUE DE L’AKEGERA, KIYOVU HOTEL KARISIMBI CASINOS
Email: info@millecollines.net @ 1730 – 2230h +250 750 344 900 Near Hotel Mille Colline
Donation at the door 2,000 RwF
For more info call : 0788921583 Tuesdays Fridays handee_2009@yahoo.com +250 252 571 528
khazanarwanda@yahoo.com
INSHINGANO Z’UWABABARIWE AFRO FUSION LIVE BAND AFRICAN BUFFET & LOCAL LIVE INTERNATIONAL LA VALLE’E DOUCE
Kizito Mihigo’s Cospel Concert Hotel Mille Collines BAND ARADA Old Airport Rd,
Date: 30th October, 2010 Enjoy Bbq brochettes Kigali Serena Hotel, Minister’s Rd + 250 252 582 981
Venue: Gikondo Parish, Kigali SALSA NIGHT @1830-2300 +250 788 860 968 NEW CACTUS
Papyrus Lounge, LOCAL LIVE BAND BANANA JAM CAFÉ KAYUKIU STREET
@2000 – 2400h Kigali Serena Hotel
Hotel Laico Umubano, +250 252 572 572 CASINO KIGALI
FREE GERMAN MOVIES + 250 252 597 100
@ 1800-2100h NEW MANGAROCA S.A.R.L, Top Tower Hotel, Umuganda Blvd.
BAOBAB + 250 788 387 144
Goethe-Institut PINCHO & PITCHER NIGHT
Nyamirambo
+250 788 306 959
Contact: +250 783 780 037 Hotel Mille Collines, OKAPI HOTEL
Date: Saturday, 30th October KARAOKE @ 1730-2230h
+ 250 252 575 633
LE BELVEDERE
Rue de Muhima CLUBS
Venue: Hidden Palace (former BBQ & Grill RWANDA FOLK MUSIC & + 250 252 574 169 BLACK AND WHITE CLUB
Across from BCR Bank + 250 252 574 413 +250 785 259 60
Royale Villas) Nyarutarama Kacyiru, down the road after PSI DANCE SHOW + 250 252 570 499/ 788 856 226 (M)
Time: 9pm - 5am @ 2100h PANORAMA CADILLAC RESTO & DISCO
Crystal View, Top Tower CHEZ LANDO
Tickets: 5,000 RWF Entry ONLY. Hotel Mille Collines +250 252 511 622
@20:30-23:30h
10,000 RWF Entry + Dinner Wednesdays ICTR St/Airport Rd
+ 250 252 582 050
+ 250 252 576 530 CRYSTAL @ TOP TOWER HOTEL
PASTA GO-AROUND Saturdays CHEZ ROBERT
PAPYRUS LOUNGE Cocktail lounge and restaurant
+250 252 585 555
Hotel Mille Collines AFRO FUSION LIVE BAND KIMIHURURA
Opp Milles Collines Hotel www.toptowerhotel.com
All you can eat! + 250 788 308 970
Hotel Mille Collines + 250 252 575 573
MONGOLIAN NIGHT www.papyruslounge.com PAPYRUS LOUNGE
Enjoy Bbq brochettes CHEZ VENANT
REPUBLIKA LOUNGE Kimihurura
Kigali Serena Hotel, LOCAL LIVE BAND Nyamirambo Rd + 250 788 308 970
Kiyovu, Offf Avenue Des Grand
@1930 – 2200h Hotel Laico Umubano, + 250 252 572 260
Lacs www.papyruslounge.com
Contact: +250 252 597 100 @ 1800 – 2100h DE’LICES AT TOP TOWER HOTEL + 250 252 504 PLANET CLUB
LOCAL LIVE BAND + 250 252 585 555
Hotel Laico Umubano Sundays www.toptowerhotel.com
SELECT BOUTIQUE HOTEL
+250 755 300 331
KBC Place
+250 788 683 043
Alpha’s debut album “ONE @ 18:00 – 2100h SUNDAY CURRY @ LA PISCINE DIPLOMAT www.selectboutiquehotel.com
AFRICA” expected this October Contact: +250 252 593 500 POOL BAR Kigali Serena Hotel
SKY HOTEL HEALTH CLUBS/
with an album launch and EA tour Hotel Mille Collines + 250 252 597 100
Main road to Nyamirambo
DOWN TOWN RESTAURANT +250 788 300 323 GYMS/POOLS
1 Revolution Ave CERCLE SPORTIF
+ 250 788 500 073 M + 250 788 841 375 (M) ITALIAN Gym, swimming
RESTAURANTS + 250 252 505 805 + 250 788 722 087 SOL E LUNA Boulevard de la Revolution,Kiyovu
gardenroyal@yahoo.com downtown.Kigali@gmail.com Main airport road +250 252 597 100
CHINESE GREAT WALL CHINESE GORILLA (LE DOS ARGENTE’) +250 252 583 062 HOTEL MILLE COLLINES
ALINK CHINESE CLUB RESTAURANT + 250 252 501 717 Gym, tennis, swimming
Rugando St, Kimihurura + 250 788 503 111 HAVANA CLUB
LOCAL +250 252 576 530
+250 788625529/ Kacyiru Road AFRIKABITE
SHANGHAI RESTAURANT LALCO UMUBANO
qingri@sina.com Salsa music played Kimihurura
Kajangwe Ave, Kiyovu Gym, tennis swimming
BEIJING TANGREN RESTAURANT +250 252 510 440 + 250 788 685 184
+ 250 788 599 995/ 788 905 936 Blvd. de l’Umuganda
Remera, Airport rd. Katie@nizette.org
shanghairestaurantkigali@hotmail. HEAVEN RESTAURANT & BAR +250 252 593 500
+250 783011583/ + 250 252 500 234 THE MICKEY MOUSE
com NYARUTARAMA TENNIS CLUB
KIGALI PAPARAZZI PROM tangren-restaurant@hotmail.com + 250 788 674 366/ 788486 581 (M) Tel: +250 788357600
Gym, tennis
Date: 12th November FLAMINGO CHINESE ETHIOPIAN HOT RACKS KIGALI
+250 722998991
+250 252 587 009
Time: 8:00pm/20h00 RESTAURANT LALIBELA RESTAURANT Rue du lac Mpanga, Kiyovu EXECUTIVE CAR WASH
RAFIKI HEALTH CLUB
Venue: Danico Villa, Kimihurura Remera Tél : 0785 071 648 Next to RRA building
Gym
Kacyiru 3rd road from La +250 788 300 333 + 250 785 191 155 CHEZ JOHN
IRIS HOTEL +250 252 510 388
Colombiere near Save the Finaflamingo1@yahoo.fr +250 252 571 678
Children ROYAL GARDEN RESTAURANT
INDIAN Near EU Delegation
KARIBU RESTAURANT
ICE AND SPICE + 250 788 753 656
Fee: 5,000Rwf Single Kiyovu, opp the National Bank of +250 252 501 793
+250 788 513 496 ISIMBI HOTEL
Couple: 7,000Rwf Rwanda + 250 252 572 578, 572 581/93
4 5
 RESTAURANT REVIEW
Sophisticated, intimate luxury
SELECT BOUTIQUE HOTEL
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
6
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: info@selectboutiquehotel.com
website: www.selectboutiquehotel.com
 ONE on ONE

COVER STORY
How have you been? I’ve noticed you’ve been busy lately. Two
It’s not been easy though many of my fans don’t outstanding singles with complementary
know that. As you know, I didn’t take up the videos already out...

W
e’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.
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.
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
io
Stud

could see people’s reaction when I did sang. The

same used to happen during my high school days
h
Tec

and students, according to me, are the hardest

• D-

crowd to impress .if they don’t like you they’ll let

you know. This confirmed that I had something.
TOS

So I think I would still have pursued my dream

PHO

even though it wouldn’t have been that easy but

8 12 9
 FEATURE FEATURE

Alpha Rwirangira - Miss Jojo - Artist

Artist You can’t judge the situation
I guess they were tempted while you don’t know the real
and gave in. This will reason behind their actions
definitely have a negative but speaking as an artist, I
effect on us (artists) and think they’ve really damaged
may be one of the reasons our image and people won’t
This year is not turning out as one of the best for the local trust us as they have before.
I was denied a visa.
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. Nasty Lee – Music promoter
I cannot throw the first stone at Diplomat - Artist
Meddy (Medard Ngabo) and The Ben (Ben Mugisha) left them, however, their actions, at Life can be a bit tricky
the country for the USA on July 2, after being invited by the a time when they were at their sometimes and you
Rwandan International Network Association. They were peak in the music industry was never know what is
expected to return on July 28 but never did. Meddy has not setting a good example right for you till you do
denied these claims saying his visa is for six months while no for future generations ... many a mistake. On an artist
comments have yet been heard from The Ben. There have young people look or looked perspective, what they
been no reports as to where the two artists are but rumours up to them but now ... I remain did might ruin the trust
have them in hiding near Ottawa, Canada, or somewhere in puzzled to what that “American the government had on
the US. Meddy updated his new location to Brooklyn, New dream” really means? I wish us thus hinder future
York, on his facebook account while his counterpart The Ben them well though! collaboration.
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 Columbus
for further studies abroad. That is three main artists in a - Upcoming
span of just three months. The Blink hit-squad gathered Gospel artist
views specifically about the Meddy and The Ben issue from What they did
different artists. was selfish. They
didn’t think
of the impact
Miss Shanel - Artist Rafiki – Artist Kitty - Upcoming artist their actions
Everyone can be a victim I’m not well informed Musically speaking, they have lost their purpose. would have on
of a similar situation. I about the whole story It will be very difficult for them to pursue their other artists.
think it might be better to be able to place a musical career considering the hardships Artists should be
for them to improve fair judgement but they’ll go through trying to fit in a different patriotic people.
musically out there but it’s obvious that some environment and even getting a studio to record
what they did wrong is trust between us and their music.
abusing the agreement the government has
they had with the been lost due to that
responsible parties. incident.
Riderman - Artist
I don’t want to judge
Andrew Cole them because anyone
Christian Rwirangira - Pacson - Radio - Upcoming is entitled to his own
TPF 3 contestant/ artist presenter/ Artist artist personal decision
As a fan and artist, I don’t The music industry They had but speaking as an
think it was a good way to especially on the R&B everything artist, I think it will
leave. Now I think it won’t scene is grieving. The here. I’m sure affect the relationship
be easy for other artists two artists leaving many artists artists have established
to get visas to perform is a really big blow. wished to be with the government. To
abroad. They left a bad Even for us hip hop in their shoes. get such opportunities of
image for other Rwandan artists we now don’t I don’t support performing abroad will be
artists. On the other hand have The Ben for our their actions at all. a problem.
I think it’s good for their chorus hook up.
personal life.

10 11
 FACTS ABOUT RWANDA
COVER STORY

9 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.
no
y - f t . Bru Any special lady in your life?
cco Ahhhh! I think that’s kind of personal. As an artist I don’t
Did you know that all the Bantu speakers that are now scattered r av ie-M naire - Love think it’s relevant but when I decide to buy
1. T rs–billio ihanna someone a ring, I’ll definitely invite you
in East Africa roamed in Rwanda for centuries after having Ma m ft. R for the engagement party.
e
entered the country through a 15-km wide entry point? mine ou Li
2. E e Way Y eleone in’
To understand this, you first need to take a trip from the southern end of Lake Tanganyika and Th e Cham kie–Go
follow the western shore, moving northwards up to its northern end. There, you will notice that r. Jos t Jac
the crocodile infested Rusizi River that meanders through a huge valley created an additional 3. D agenda F
At r–
Tyge
physical boundary to the lake.
n f t
O rown
ris B
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 C h
4. uces uka
continuing further north, only to be obstructed by the deep Lake Kivu up to a place called Sake,
e o u hind vune
D les–K s–Im
ow All Star
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 K n
possible for the Bantus to have access to East Africa through any other point because from Sake 5. cson ft ld Yuh
a o t
going northwards up to Lake Albert, there are a series of active volcanoes such as Nyiragongo
6. P ptian–H ilson–Go
and Nyamuragira, the Rutchuru River that flows to Lake Edward and then the Semliki River which y H
7. G . ft. Keri –
Ross
flows from Edward to Lake Albert.
. I
8. T ur Back ichael
This argument is confirmed by the current names of certain hills, lakes and rivers, e,g, Lake
Yo jo Ft M a
iss Jo
Muhazi or Nyabarongo River. Both names have no meanings in the Kinyarwanda language but
You kund

PHOTO • D-Tech Studio

9. M oked on nza ngu
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 Ho y–Uba
edd
10. M
in our beloved country?
Source: Tim NJOROGE

12 13
 PARTING SHOT

Additional photos by Kigali Paparazzi

1 2

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-shirts
5. Up and coming R&B trio The Track posing backstage at Jack
6 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
14