The Rwanda School of Creative Arts & Music has entered into a new partnership with KariBeau Lounge in Kicukiro—one of Rwanda’s rising entertainment hotspots—creating a weekly performance platform for students to showcase and refine their musical talents.
In addition to gaining valuable stage experience, the students are also paid for their performances.
The collaboration aims to address a long-standing challenge faced by young musicians: limited opportunities to perform before a live audience.
Previously, students had few chances to test their stage presence, crowd control, and overall performance technique outside the classroom.
According to the school’s Director General, veteran reggae artist Mighty Popo (Jacques Murigande), the partnership serves as an internship-style learning experience meant to bridge the gap between classroom training and real-world practice.
“It’s a paid internship for the students that ushers them into the real world of making money. It also sharpens their skills in stage management, band coordination, vocal delivery, and fan engagement, while allowing them to receive direct feedback from the audience,” Mighty Popo said.
“The fact that they are compensated for their work makes the experience even more meaningful.”
He noted that performing every week gives students far more practice time than the occasional gigs they previously relied on—an essential step toward mastering the craft of live performance.
Representing KariBeau Lounge, Patrick Murenzi said the initiative is rooted in a desire to support Rwanda’s growing creative industry by giving young musicians a professional stage.
“We have the space, so why not help our brothers and sisters in school by giving them a night to test their capabilities in front of people?” Murenzi said. “Being a musician means facing cameras, stages, and audiences—skills you can only learn through experience.”
He added that the partnership is mutually beneficial, as live music remains a major attraction for the lounge’s expanding customer base.
During one of the recent showcases, a visibly impressed customer expressed astonishment at the level of talent on stage.
“These kids are amazingly talented. I’ve been here twice, and I can tell you this country is blessed with talent—oh my goodness,” he said.
Beyond group performances, each student is given a chance to express their individual creativity—whether through solo guitar sessions, drum performances, or presenting their own original songs.
This approach has boosted students’ confidence and helped them discover their unique artistic identity.
“It’s my first time performing for a new audience apart from my fellow students, and I’m so thrilled,” said Sandrine, one of the performers. “At first I was scared, but I can tell you I’ve gained a new audience—and so much more to learn.”
Keza Camilla Nonna who is a graduate of this academic year revealed that, the partnership is a major stepping stone toward professional growth.
“Platforms like this help young musicians learn from mistakes made on stage, and understand that as an artist, you express what’s inside you—not what people expect,” she said.
Established music star Deejay Pius, who attended one of the showcases, also praised Camilla’s vocal abilities during her performance.
“Its a good platform for young musicians fresh from school to usher them into the industry,” says Deejay Pius
KariBeau Lounge is more than just a bar and restaurant—it features a cigar lounge, an art gallery where visual artists can exhibit and sell their work, and a state-of-the-art digital golf course that has become a favorite among Kigali’s nightlife crowd.
The new collaboration further strengthens its position as one of the city’s key hubs for creative expression.
