Following three consecutive editions, The Chillest Afterwork summer fest called it a wrap on 8th August 2024 at Norrsken House Kigali.
Launched on June 13th, 2024, this jazzy networking event has, for the last months, garnered hundreds of masses from and around Kigali for vibe-filled evenings of networking sessions.
Like the first two, this month’s edition offered a laid-back ambience. The event brought together entrepreneurs, CEOs, founders, and employees alike, with the main purpose of socializing in a chilled atmosphere, courtesy of DJ Linda’s electrifying tunes, Bistrot de Kigali’s vast array of refreshments and savory snacks by Quick Bites.
This time around, SOHO Eat, a branch of SOHO Training Studio, supplied healthy and non-alcoholic drinks, served by the beautiful couple – Marie Christelle and Yannick Noah.
Speaking to SENS, Marie said there was a need for them to take part in this spectacular event, not because of their business relationship with Vugana–co-organizers of the chillest afterwork, but for the public’s benefit.
“People tend to think eating healthy stops at the gym. However, it goes beyond that. Besides, we are mostly known to be the health club, hence the need to share the cafe side of our enterprise with the chillest audience,” she explained.
The best provider of French wine in Kigali, 12 degrés, was also in attendance, offering their signature drinks to the guests, who throughout the evening were in high party spirits.
Besides new vendors, the giveaway feat at the event was conducted in a ‘new’ way. This time around, instead of Stephane randomly calling out ticket numbers, there was a wheel on AD Pacey screens that was spun for winners to be determined.
In addition, 3 attendees were gifted, as opposed to two and one from the previous editions. Vivian Niyonizere, with ticket number 9 from Her Majesty Cosmetics was the first winner of the night, walking away with a shopping voucher worth 100,000 Rwf from the ‘Be Bold, Beautiful and Majestic’ tagline cosmetic brand.
She was followed by Tara, a renowned city photographer, who earned herself a free whole-day advertisement on all AD Pacey screens.
Awarded by Eagle View Lodge, Albine bagged herself a night for two, inclusive of breakfast and massage at this luxurious lodge.
Speaking to SENS, Stéphane A Marques, Chillest Afterwork co-founder, in a tone of gratitude, said the concept has registered tremendous success since its inception.
“We had three amazing editions this summer with our audience growing every season,” he said. Stéphane added that the first event was attended by 300 people, who increased to 350 and 500 in the following editions respectively.
He further noted that although Thursday marked the last edition of the afterwork festivities, more is still coming from The Chillest World. “We will have another event (not afterwork) to wrap up the summer in style on 30th August at Atelier du Vin starting at 8:00pm,” he stated, urging attendees to secure their early bird tickets from Instagram @chillestworld.
About The Chillest Afterwork
The Chillest Afterwork event is among the many concepts of The Chillest World. The idea, originally held in Brussels, was fronted by Stéphane A Marques and Inès Debets.
On moving to Rwanda last year, the duo decided to rebirth their initiative, primarily as a collaboration with So Far Kigali in what was dubbed ‘The Chillest Sofar’.
“We wanted to create a concept together where we can share the audience and logistics,” noted Inès in an interview with SENS.
In August 2023, Chillest went solo orchestrating an afterwork event–Les Apéros Chill at Onomo Hotel, before moving to Norrsken House Kigali for the June, July and August summer networking editions.
The Inspiration Behind the Concept
After attending a couple of networking events in Kigali, Stéphane found them extremely boring, thus initiating one that aligns with his definition of ‘networking’.
“I have been to many networking events here in Kigali, and they seem pretty boring. People show up with business cards and give them out without talking to each other,” Stephane told SENS after the first summer edition.
He added that as ‘The Chillest’, they believe that to achieve impactful networking, a loosened ambience that allows people to feel comfortable discussing business is vital, thus providing a chill vibe–The Chillest Afterwork.
What Next After the Summer Editions?
In an interview with SENS, Stéphane noted that the afterwork editions will take a month’s break and return in October.
He explained that the break is aimed at allowing the team to venture into other entertainment concepts that will be both visual and audio-centred.
“We will take a short break in September because we are launching a YouTube channel–street views and a Podcast,” said Stéphane.
Inès on the other hand highlighted that albeit taking a break, they will remain open to a variety of concepts, both by The Chillest World or interested partners/ the audience.
Asked what the assemblage should expect upon return, Stéphane hints at an internal discussion that’s going on between the organizers. This includes holding the event (Chillest Afterwork) twice a month instead of once, among other things.
“With every edition, we have been breaking a record in attendance. Therefore, to be able to accommodate everyone, we will be hosting the event twice a month.”
On what keeps them motivated to host this spectacular event, yet attendance comes at no cost, Inès remarked that the loyalty their audience has shown them makes everything worthwhile.
“As The Chillest World, we love people and love hosting events. Curating an event is with no doubt daunting, however, the outcomes make up for it,” she remarked.
In addition, they have earned a lot of meaningful exposure. “People always approach me, Gael and Stéphane saying they know us, but it’s from the screen. Not to mention feedback like I have met a lot of people from coming to The Chillest Afterwork, my network has been enriched and my business is thriving,” thus the need to keep the community engaged.
The Chillest Afterwork season 3 was a joint effort of The Chillest World, in collaboration with Vugana, Araka, Hilight Solutions, Eagle View Lodge, Bistrot de Kigali, SENS Magazine, Her Majesty Cosmetics, Quick Bites, SOHO Eat, Virunga, AD Pacey, 12 degrés, and Norrsken House Kigali.
