When DJ Lamper arrived in Kigali in 2020, it marked more than a return to his roots. It was the start of a mission to help transform Rwanda’s creative industry. Born Eric Livio Lamperti and raised in Italy to a Rwandan and Italian family, Lamper grew up balancing two cultures. That dual heritage fueled his passion for music from both continents and eventually guided him to Afro House. ALSO READ: How Amapiano won the hearts of Rwandan music lovers Today, Lamper stands at the forefront of a new wave in Rwanda’s music and nightlife, with Afro House at its core. “I fell in love with Kigali instantly. It felt like home right away. I saw the opportunities and knew I could do something big here in a shorter time. Africa is the future,” Lamper said in an exclusive interview with The New Times. Already an established DJ in Italy, he returned to Kigali to further his career and contribute to the local music scene. That decision gave birth to Atmosfera, a signature event series that debuted in March 2025 and is now injecting new energy into the city’s entertainment landscape. “It was crazy. I’ve never seen something like that in Kigali. People were dancing on stage, it was pure energy,” Lamper said, describing the inaugural event held on March 29 at Depot 37 in Mundi Center. The goal of Atmosfera, he said, is to connect Afro House with local culture and inspire a movement that redefines Rwanda’s nightlife and sound. DJ Lamper says the response to Afro House in Rwanda has been both surprising and affirming. “I worked hard for it, and it paid off,” he said. “Atmosfera is mainly about Afro House. It’s still something very new here, but people are connecting with it. We’ve seen it.” Afro House, a genre that blends electronic beats with African rhythms, has grown rapidly across South Africa, Kenya, Europe, and the U.S. In Rwanda, though, it remains a fresh sound. “For me, Afro House is the perfect combo,” Lamper said. “It combines my European influences with my African roots. It’s music that connects instantly.” The second edition of Atmosfera returns this Saturday, May 17, with plans to top its debut. The night will feature the premiere of DJ Lamper’s first Afro House track produced in Rwanda, with vocals by rising artist Peace Jolis. Joining the lineup are DJs K’ru and Niny, both of whom impressed crowds during the March kickoff. “This edition is going to be something special,” he said. “It’s going to scream ‘Visit Rwanda.’ With so many people in town for BAL, it’s the perfect time for this event.” At its upcoming edition, Atmosfera is set to evolve from a dance party into a cultural showcase. This time, the event will highlight Rwandan creativity with fashion designers, visual artists, dancers, and immersive experiences that spotlight the country’s talent. The event will also serve as the launchpad for a new dance competition that Lamper hopes will reignite the spirit of competitive dance and provide young performers with both visibility and financial backing. The competition is expected to wrap up in July. “Dancing is huge here. It’s a way to express and connect,” Lamper said. “But opportunities are few, so I want to change that.” For Lamper, curating internationally styled events in Kigali is as much a personal goal as it is a national contribution. From lighting and production to the diverse lineup, every element of Atmosfera at Depot 37 is crafted to elevate the entertainment experience. “We have the venues, the talent, the energy. We just need to implement it right,” he said. Beyond the dance floor, Lamper continues to use social media as a creative stage, filming performances in iconic cities from Paris to Rome and now across Rwanda to spotlight its beauty and artistic spirit. “Coming here allowed me to do what I love while promoting Rwanda,” he said. “That’s everything to me.” Looking ahead, DJ Lamper believes Rwanda has what it takes to become a continental hub for Afro House and nightlife tourism. “This is just the beginning. Atmosfera is going to attract people from all over. The potential is massive. Rwanda is the toughest market, but if you make it here, you can make it anywhere,” he said. With the energy building, the crowds growing, and the music getting louder, the question remains: is Kigali ready to dance its way onto the global stage?
