Known for his groundbreaking Afro-House music events, particularly the Atmosfera series, Lamper's mission is to elevate Rwanda's entertainment landscape and showcase its rich cultural heritage to the world.
"Originally from Milan, I moved here almost three years ago, and now I call Rwanda home," Lamper shared in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, emphasizing the fusion of both cultures that deeply influences his musical work.
Lamper's love for music began at a young age, though it wasn't until later in life that he discovered his true calling as a DJ and producer.
In 2018, DJ Lamper graduated with a tourism degree but chose to pursue music mixing instead. Since then, he has performed at various venues in Milan, the economic capital of Italy, as well as in France, Spain, China, Rwanda and more.
For him, each day is filled with creativity and excitement. "I wake up and, honestly, I don't get much sleep because I work at Lemon. So I gather as much energy as I can," he laughs. "After waking up, I take a shower, finish my playlist, and do some last-minute edits if needed. I make sure everything is set for the day's event."
His dedication to his craft extends beyond his personal routine. "If we have a special guest, I might go pick them up; otherwise, I head straight to Mundi, where the event takes place. My team is always ready, and I communicate with them throughout the day to ensure everything runs smoothly," he explains.
With the help of his assistant and stage manager, Lamper ensures that the artists and lineup are well-managed, and that the venue is prepared for the show.
The vision behind Atmosfera
Atmosfera, Lamper's flagship event series, represents the realization of a long-held dream.
"I have always wanted to bring Afro-House music to Rwanda and make it mainstream here. It's already a huge genre worldwide, and I wanted to fuse it with Rwandan sounds to create something truly unique," Lamper explains.
His goal is to create an Afro-House sound that feels distinctly Rwandan, while showcasing local talent alongside global influences.
"Afro-House is a huge genre internationally, and I want to promote Rwanda's music scene, which is rich with talented singers, DJs, and artists," Lamper says. "I am here to give my contribution and push Rwandan entertainment to the international stage."
Despite the challenges posed by Rwanda's competitive entertainment industry, Lamper has managed to stand out.
"Rwanda's entertainment scene is tough. There are many DJs, but few spots to perform," he admits. "To make a name for myself, I had to do something different. That's why I started shooting videos in iconic places around Rwanda. This helped me get noticed and build my recognition."
For Lamper, authenticity has been key. "People started recognizing my unique approach, and that's how I started building my brand," he explains.
Advice for the youth and the future of Atmosfera
As a role model for many young Rwandans, Lamper shares valuable advice: "Never give up. Entertainment can be tough, but consistency is key. Whether you're winning or not, you must always keep pushing. If you stay consistent and professional, you can make it."
Looking ahead, Lamper has ambitious plans for Atmosfera. "In five years, I want Atmosfera to be a global event that showcases one culture to the world. Starting next year, we are planning to take it to different countries," he says. "The ultimate goal is to fill up a stadium with people enjoying this Afro-House experience."
For Lamper, the mission extends beyond hosting events. It's about creating a movement that transcends borders, bringing people from all over the world together to celebrate music, culture, and unity.
His work with Atmosfera has not only redefined Kigali's nightlife but also introduced Rwandan culture to an international audience, fostering a sense of unity and self-expression through music.
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Rania Umutoni
