For two unforgettable days, Gahanga Cricket Playground transformed into the heartbeat of East Africa’s entertainment scene as hundreds of revelers from across the region gathered for the inaugural Spinny & Friends festival, a celebration of music, fashion, culture and human connection.
From the roar of luxury cars at the entrance to electrifying performances by some of the region’s biggest stars, the event delivered an experience that many attendees described as one of Rwanda’s finest summer parties.
Long before the music took over on the festival’s second day, fans crowded around giant screens to watch the FIFA Club World Cup final, where Spain defeated Argentina after extra time. The football excitement seamlessly transitioned into an evening of non-stop entertainment as DJs and musicians took over the stage.
The festival’s grand finale belonged to DJ Spinny, who made one of the most talked-about entrances of the weekend by arriving at the venue aboard a helicopter. Welcomed by deafening cheers from thousands of fans, the celebrated DJ rewarded the crowd with an energetic set that kept revelers dancing until late into the night.
Speaking to Taarifa after the show, Spinny revealed that he hopes to make the festival a permanent fixture on Rwanda’s entertainment calendar.
“Rwanda is my home. There’s nothing better than making your people feel good and connecting the world through parties. I’m thinking of making this an annual event. It’s in the plans,” he said.
The music lineup featured some of the region’s most celebrated performers.
Rwandan superstar The Ben closed the artists’ performances in spectacular fashion, sending fans into a frenzy with a selection of his biggest hits. Although his set was brief, it left the audience asking for more.
Singer-songwriter Mike Kayihura captivated the crowd with a live-band performance, receiving thunderous applause as fans sang along to every word.
Ugandan sensation Elijah Kitaka thrilled music lovers with his chart-topping songs, while rising star Utah Nice, best known for his collaboration with Chriss Eazy on My Mind, delivered an energetic performance that further elevated the festival atmosphere.
The party was equally driven by an impressive lineup of DJs. DJ Alisha had the crowd dancing with seamless mixes, while her stage presence and charisma added to the electric atmosphere throughout the evening.
Hosting duties were handled by the ever-energetic Miss Muyango, whose lively interaction with the audience, dance moves and charisma kept the crowd engaged between performances.
One of the most emotional moments of the festival came when DJ Spinny paused his set to pay tribute to the late Rwandan musician Yvan Buravan. Playing Buravan’s hit Big Time, Spinny described the late singer as a close friend and wished him eternal peace, prompting thousands in attendance to sing along in a touching moment of remembrance.
The festival also highlighted Rwanda’s growing reputation as a regional entertainment and tourism hub.
Visitors traveled from Kenya, Uganda and beyond to be part of the experience.
“I came from Nairobi just to enjoy the party, and trust me, it was worth it,” said Nyashiki Doreen from Kenya. “The people, the food, the culture, the mingling and, of course, the security made this my best summer show ever.”
Naomi Mbabazi, who traveled from Kampala with a group of 20 friends, echoed similar sentiments.
“We came as a group just to enjoy the two-day party, and we’re really thrilled by how well everything was organized. Spinny should definitely make this an annual event because it brings people from all walks of life together.”
Outside the music, the festival doubled as one of the biggest fashion showcases of the summer.
The red carpet became a runway as partygoers stepped out in carefully curated designer outfits, stylish dresses, tailored trousers, statement accessories and luxury footwear. Bold colours, elegant summer looks and high-end streetwear dominated the evening, with celebrities, influencers and models ensuring fashion was just as much a headline as the performances on stage.
Among those spotted enjoying the festivities were Ugandan star Azawi, rapper Bushali, Masamba Intore, Jules Sentore, Muyoboke Alex leading models and several prominent personalities from Rwanda’s entertainment industry.
The venue’s parking area reflected the event’s premium appeal, with an eye-catching display of luxury vehicles ranging from Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons and SUVs to Rolls-Royces and other high-end cars.
As the music faded and the final performances came to an end, one thing became clear: Spinny & Friends had evolved beyond a concert into a regional celebration of music, fashion, tourism and culture.
With fans already calling for another edition and Spinny confirming plans to make it an annual event, the festival has all the ingredients to become one of East Africa’s signature summer entertainment experiences.
