Billed as an old school and R&B night aimed at a more mature crowd, the event is positioning itself as the city's first locally-owned concept of its kind.
Hosted by MC Zuba Mutesi and featuring DJs Ssese and K'Ru, the party promises a soundscape of classic hip-hop and R&B, catering to revellers who came of age during the golden eras of the '90s and 2000s.
According to the organisers, what sets Spin the Block Africa apart is not just its musical offering, but its homegrown roots.
In a scene where similar events are largely foreign-run, organisers SEEV Africa and Intore Entertainment say they're carving out space for local creatives and supporting the local economy.
"Spin the Block Africa is about building something rooted in Rwanda, with local DJs, hosts, and a long-term vision," Paul Atwine, founder of SEEV Africa, told IGIHE.
Events like Strictly Soul, Rhythm and Brunch, Old Skool Brunch, and Reminisce have drawn sizeable followings in Kigali in recent years. Atwine says Spin the Block Africa is a homegrown alternative.
The plan, he added, is to host Spin the Block Africa at least four times a year, with potential to expand across the continent.
While it remains to be seen how the Kigali audience will respond, the organisers are betting on nostalgia and a sense of local pride to draw the grown and groovy crowd in.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
