Fashion and Intercultural Exchange at Flavour of 1000 Hills Festival 2024 in Kigali

The vibrant city of Kigali is set to host a groundbreaking event that promises to blend culinary delights, cultural heritage, and cutting-edge fashion. The Flavuor of 1000 Hills Festival 2024, scheduled for August 9-11 at Mamba Club Kimihurura, is poised to become a landmark celebration of Rwanda's diverse talents and traditions. At the heart of this three-day extravaganza lies a unique fashion showcase that is generating buzz among style enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

"Fashion lovers and fashion enthusiasts will enjoy the first-ever outdoor fashion show in Rwanda exclusively for summer, street, and beach clothes. We are calling everyone to join us. Designers, models, exhibitors, and the public audience. The event is made for them," said Alphonse Nsengiyumva, CEO and founder of Supra Events, the creative force behind this innovative festival.

The fashion show promises to be a highlight of the event, offering a platform for both local and international designers to showcase their latest collections. This outdoor spectacle will focus on summer, street, and beach wear, bringing a fresh and vibrant energy to Rwanda's fashion scene. The decision to spotlight these particular styles reflects a growing trend in Rwanda's fashion industry, which is increasingly looking to blend traditional aesthetics with contemporary global influences.

While the Flavour of 1000 Hills Festival 2024 is set to make waves, it builds upon the solid foundation of Rwanda's burgeoning fashion industry. The "Made in Rwanda" initiative has been gaining momentum both locally and internationally, with Rwandan designers and artisans receiving recognition for their unique creations and high-quality craftsmanship.

[PHOTO: Supra Model on the runway during the fashion show in Kigali, 2023]

Nsengiyumva is a strong advocate for the "Made in Rwanda" campaign, recognizing its positive impact on the country's economy. However, he also acknowledges the challenges faced by the industry. "Some people think that Made in Rwanda is only about clothes. Fashion is part of Made in Rwanda, and the government must put more effort to facilitate access to raw materials needed in the fashion industry because it's one of the many challenges," he explains.

Addressing common misconceptions about pricing, Nsengiyumva adds, "Some people say that made in Rwanda clothes are expensive. I do not agree because everywhere, customized clothes are expensive. But there are also cheaper clothes made in Rwanda there in Masoro economic zone where we have mass production."

[PHOTO: Supra Models taking pictures during the fashion show in Kigali, 2023]

While the festival aims to celebrate and promote Rwanda's fashion industry, it also sheds light on some of the challenges faced by local designers and event organizers. Nsengiyumva points out a significant hurdle: "Our fashion industry, designers don't want to pay the fashion show participation fees. I don't know if it is because they don't have the capacity or they do not understand the importance of having fashion shows in Rwanda. But if they don't pay, our models will not be paid, and our fashion shows will not be attractive."

To address this issue and ensure a high-quality event, the festival organizers have set a modest registration fee of $50 for designers wishing to participate in the Flavour of 1000 Hills Festival 2024. According to Nsengiyumva , this fee serves not only as a financial contribution but also as a commitment to the event's success.

While fashion especially #MadeInRwanda takes center stage, the Flavor of 1000 Hills Festival 2024 offers a cornucopia of experiences designed to engage all the senses. Attendees can look forward to food and drink exhibitions featuring both traditional and modern Rwandan cuisine. The event will also feature beach volleyball, table tennis, bowling, and a pool party, ensuring that there's something for everyone.

"The Flavour of 1000 Hills Festival 2024 is a fusion of flavors and fun," Nsengiyumva enthuses. "From food and drink exhibitions, fashion shows to beach volleyball, and kids' amusement activities, there's something for everyone."

The ambitious scale and diverse offerings of the Flavour of 1000 Hills Festival 2024 are a testament to the vision and capabilities of Supra Events. As one of the brands under Suprafamily Rwanda Ltd, Supra Events has quickly established itself as a major player in Rwanda's event management industry.

[PHOTO: Guests during the event in Nyungwe Park organized by Supra Events, 2023]

Founded by Alphonse Nsengiyumva with a passion for elevating events in Rwanda, Supra Events boasts an impressive portfolio. They are the organizers behind Miss Supranational Rwanda, Rwanda Influencer Awards, SupraModel Fashion Show, and Rwanda Universal Personality, among others.

Nsengiyumva's experience extends beyond his own events. "We are not limited to our own events because we are into event management. We have hosted and managed big events at national and African levels like the Rwanda Seed Congress and the 5th African Organic Conference," he says, highlighting the company's versatility and expertise.

[PHOTO: Alphonse Nsengiyumva CEO and founder of Supra Events, the creative force behind Flavour of 1000 Hills Festival]

Supra Events' involvement in the fashion industry stems from a deep-rooted desire to support and nurture young talent. Nsengiyumva explains, "By owning the license of Miss Supranational Rwanda and after analyzing the challenges related to the dresses faced by our contestants when they go to compete at the international level, we decided to support fashion in Rwanda. Second, Supra works mainly with youth. And nowadays, Rwandan youth want to go into fashion and modeling. We are here to support them."

[PHOTO: Winners of the Rwanda Universal Personality 2024 organized by Supra Events]

This commitment to supporting young talent aligns perfectly with the goals of the Flavor of 1000 Hills Festival 2024. By providing a platform for both established and emerging designers, the event aims to foster creativity, encourage cultural exchange, and promote Rwanda's fashion industry on a global stage.

[PHOTO: Supra Model on the runway during the fashion show in Kigali, 2023]

As Rwanda continues to position itself as a hub for creativity and innovation in East Africa, events like the Flavour of 1000 Hills Festival 2024 play a crucial role in showcasing the country's talents and attracting international attention. The fusion of fashion, food, and cultural activities creates a unique experience that celebrates Rwanda's rich heritage while embracing modern influences.

[PHOTO: Supra Model on the runway during the fashion show in Kigali, 2023]

As the countdown to August 2024 begins, all eyes are on Kigali. The Flavour of 1000 Hills Festival 2024 promises not just a feast for the senses, but a glimpse into the vibrant future of Rwanda's creative industries. With its innovative approach to showcasing fashion and culture, this event is set to become a highlight of Rwanda's cultural calendar, attracting fashion enthusiasts, foodies, and culture lovers from across Africa and beyond.

[PHOTO: Supra ModelS during the fashion show in Kigali, 2023]

[PHOTO: Supra Model on the runway during the fashion show in Kigali, 2023]

[PHOTO: Supra Model on the runway during the fashion show in Kigali 2023]

[PHOTO: Supra Models in exploring trip in Nyungwe National Park]

[PHOTO: Supra Model in exploring trip in Nyungwe National Park]

THE RCFS's MEDIA