Beyond BAL: 10 can’t-miss events happening in Kigali this weekend

The Basketball Africa League is back in Kigali, but this time the spotlight is on the conference games, not just the playoffs. The week ahead promises a full slate of sports, entertainment, and community events to light up the city’s social calendar. But BAL isn't the only thing in town. For those looking beyond the court, here are 10 standout events to check out this week, from nightlife and kids’ activities to leadership talks, dance showcases, and art experiences.’ ALSO READ: King Promise vows to deliver 'five-star performance' at BAL Nile Conference Amapiano & Brunch It’s all the BAL excitement. Keep the energy going with Amapiano & Brunch at Atelier du Vin this Saturday, May 17. The event blends a daytime brunch with an official BAL after-party, running from noon till late. A Rwf50,000 brunch ticket covers both experiences, but if you’re only coming for the afterparty, entry is Rwf15,000. Expect good vibes, great music, and the perfect wind-down or turn-up, depending on your mood. Mwan’engo, Lango Kabhula Exhibition Visual artist and performer Lango Kabhula brings an immersive sensory experience to L’Espace this Friday, May 16, starting at 6 p.m. His latest work, Mwan’engo, blends installation, ritual, and animist cosmology into an evocative exploration of ancestral memory. Known for work rooted in ritual practice and spiritual embodiment, Kabhula transforms the gallery into a living archive. Through visuals, soundscapes, and performance, he invites audiences to engage with indigenous knowledge systems while challenging colonial narratives. The exhibition becomes more than art; it is a space for healing, resistance, and deep reflection. ALSO READ: Strictly Soul back to Kigali as Akio Kawahito’s R&B movement expands Juno Kizigenza Unplugged Juno Kizigenza, one of Rwanda’s breakout Afro Pop stars, is marking five years in music with a special unplugged performance this Friday, May 16, at the Francophone Cultural Centre. The evening promises live music, storytelling, and a more intimate side of the artist who quickly rose to fame with hits like Nazubaye, Away, Please Me, and Kizigenza. Born in Kicukiro in 2001, Juno began his musical career at 19 with support from Bruce Melodie and has since earned a wide fan base across generations, thanks to his multilingual lyrics and genre-blending sound. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show wraps by 9 p.m. sharp. Entry is Rwf10,000. According to Juno, this performance is especially for his day-one fans. Atmosfera Second Edition If you’re into Amapiano and Afro House, head to Mundi Center at Depot 37 this Saturday, May 17, for the second edition of Atmosfera, Rwanda’s own homegrown afro house showcase. DJs Lamper, Arthur, Niny, and K’Ru are set to bring the energy, while singer Peace Jolis adds a special live performance. Dancers Shakira Kay and Zawadi Stan are also lined up for the night. The party kicks off at 7 p.m. and runs until late. Tickets are Rwf15,000 at the door and Rwf25,000 for VIP access. Love & Care: A Mother’s Workshop For something a little more grounded, this Saturday also brings an intimate and supportive space for mothers at The Circle (108 KG 5 Ave). Clinical psychologist Christella Ishimwe will guide a workshop designed to nourish the emotional and mental well-being of parents. With reflections, shared stories, and practical self-care strategies, the session invites mothers to reconnect with themselves and one another. Whether you're new to parenting or deep in the journey, this Rwf10,000 workshop offers both calm and community. Le Samedi de Domi This Saturday, May 17, Le Samedi de Domi returns with a conversation centered on how Rwanda has addressed post-genocide challenges through indigenous solutions and innovative technologies. The event will highlight the critical role of social sciences in the country's reconstruction process. Guest speakers include Dr. Jean-Pierre Karegeye, Director of Transdisciplinary Research at the Organisation of Southern Cooperation, and Dr. Charles Mironko, an anthropologist and consultant to the African Union Commission. The discussion begins at 3:30 p.m. at the Mundi Center. Sato Passport at Kana Lounge DJ Kan of Ruffcuts DJz teams up with DJ Ever for this weekend’s Sato Passport party at Kana Cocktails & Lounge. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, with a blend of continental beats, cocktails, beer, and pizza specials. Kana Lounge is located on the second floor of KABC. The Malcolm X Centennial Summit This Saturday, May 17, Nature Kigali will host a powerful gathering to mark 100 years since the birth of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, better known as Malcolm X. For those unfamiliar with his legacy, the summit offers a rare chance to learn about a figure who stood for truth, courage, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom for Black and African people across the world. The event is more than a commemoration. It is a space for reflection, imagination, and action. The day will feature a film screening, live performances, and thought-provoking speakers, all aimed at exploring what liberation means today. An Economic Empowerment Marketplace will also be part of the day’s lineup, offering opportunities to support local businesses and initiatives. The event is free with RSVP and open to the public. Sunday Brunch at Taste by Villa Kigali For a relaxing Sunday in the hills of Rebero, Taste by Villa Kigali offers an elegant brunch experience with sweeping views and refined cuisine. Guests can expect thoughtfully prepared dishes, carefully curated drinks, and a setting designed for tranquility. The next edition takes place this Sunday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with brunch priced at Rwf50,000 for adults and Rwf30,000 for children over 5. Reservations are encouraged via villakigali.com/tablereservation. The venue is located at KK 30 Avenue in Rebero. Choreography Workshop With Adonis Nébié Renowned dancer and choreographer Adonis Nébié is leading a nine-day intensive workshop in Kigali that dives deep into the relationship between memory, body, and movement. The program is designed for a select group of participants who are ready to translate personal stories into powerful physical expression. Through storytelling, improvisation, and choreographic structure, dancers will explore everything from composing original movement phrases to interpreting presence and performance. The sessions will include daily group and solo creative labs, culminating in a public showcase on May 24. The workshop runs from Friday, May 16, through May 24 at L’Espace (11 KG 28 Ave). Participation is free, but slots are limited. The New Times brings you the latest on Kigali’s entertainment scene and breaking news. Stay ahead of the weekend with our curated event picks, and get real-time updates by following us on social media.

Entertainment

Beyond BAL: 10 can’t-miss events happening in Kigali this weekend