Celebrated Burundian singer Jean-Pierre Nimbona, popularly known as Kidum, has confirmed that he will perform in Kigali on September 6, 2025.
The legendary artist—renowned for timeless hits such as Amosozi—last graced the Kigali stage on February 14, 2025, during a Valentine’s Day concert at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (Camp Kigali). That event, organized by singer Babo under Horn Entertainment, featured fellow artists including Alyn Sano and Ruti Joel.
Speaking to InyaRwanda, Kidum revealed that his upcoming concert will take place at Copenhagen in Kicukiro, where he will headline the show with his full band of instrumentalists and backup vocalists.
This performance follows the release of the video for his latest single, Nta Bwoba. Introducing the track, Kidum said he drew inspiration from 2 Timothy 1:7, quoting:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. Not by might, not by power, but by the Holy Spirit of God.”
Although not primarily a gospel artist, Kidum expressed his belief that he may one day be called to serve God through music alone. He explained that gospel themes often flow naturally into his compositions—whether about love or social encouragement—like “a divine arrow from heaven.”
He also extended his gratitude to his collaborators on Nta Bwoba, including Joel Houghton, Bob Pro, Ello G, Sheila Kanja, Dieudonne Hamisi, and Kinyunda Saidi.
Reflecting on his decades-long career, Kidum once told Kigali audiences that his longevity in music stems from passion, discipline, and avoiding the “studio-only” approach. He likened his craft to running a restaurant: “Cleanliness, good food, and excellent service keep customers coming back. My music is clean, without vulgarity, and the service I give my audience is of the highest quality.”
Kidum’s extensive discography includes albums such as Yaramenje (2001), Shamba (2003), Ishano (2006), Haturudi Nyuma (2010), and Hali Na Mali (2012). He has also delivered memorable collaborations, including Birakaze with Alpha Rwirangira, Haturudi Nyuma with Juliana, Mbwira with Marina, and Nitafanya with Lady Jaydee, among many others.
Now aged 50, Kidum remains one of the Great Lakes Region’s most respected voices, celebrated for his mastery of love songs and his powerful performances in Kirundi, Kinyarwanda, Swahili, and other languages. Though based in Kenya for many years, he is still regarded as one of Burundi’s greatest musical exports.
Kidum is no stranger to Rwanda, having thrilled audiences at multiple shows over the years. Before his 2025 Valentine’s Day concert, he performed at the Kigali Jazz Junction “Lovers Edition” on February 24, 2023, and earlier at the September 2019 Jazz Junction, which also featured Nigerian star Johnny Drille and Rwandan singer Sintex.
With his upcoming Copenhagen show, Kigali fans are once again eagerly awaiting the soulful voice and electrifying stage presence of one of Africa’s finest performers.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
