The beauty about public holidays is; despite the day being locally/internationally recognised, the decision to celebrate remains an individual choice. In Uganda where I hail from for instance, 26th January is NRM Liberation day. Do ‘we’ (the youth) commemorate the day? No. Why? Mainly political reasons (that I wouldn’t want to indulge in at the moment).
Similarly, 14th February every year is globally acknowledged as Valentine’s day. And although certain assumptions have announced the day as a universal way to show love to everyone who holds a special place in your heart, St. Valentine’s ‘romantic’ letter to the girlfriend ahead of his execution cut deep, propelling the day a ‘lovers’ day.
History has it that during the reign of Emperor Claudius II of the Roman Empire, young men were outlawed from marrying so as to serve in the army. “unmarried men made better soldiers than those with wives and families,” believed the Emperor. A priest at heart, St. Valentine defied these orders, secretly performing marriage ceremonies. He was later uncovered and sent to jail where he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter–leaving her a letter signed, ‘your valentine’ before his execution.
Nevertheless, not everyone gets to celebrate the day, especially if they are affiliated to the single status.
This year however, unlike the ones before, single people residing in Kigali had something to look out for–the love pitch. Held at SUD Kigali on 15th, February, 2025, the event brought a fresh and exciting approach to matchmaking. The concept, simple yet daring, had attendees with single friends pitch them to a room full of potential partners, basically taking on the role of Cupid.
Renowned media personality Fola Folayan was among the single people who were pitched. Her friend, adorned in a baby doll dress and a laptop in hand, took to the stage, making an entire powerpoint presentation of who Fola is. Information included her photos, occupation, likes and dislikes, and what she was looking for in a partner.
Other interesting pitches were made by Lynn who praised her male Anglophone friend for being a ‘big spender’, urging all the single girls to shoot their shot.
Vishaal too was pitched to the open-minded crowd who were relishing the lively ambiance as they savored on an array of delicacies and special cocktails. His pitch however received a fair amount of booing from female attendees who were overheard asking if he was looking for a caretaker instead of a partner.
“Vishaal wants a clever, good looking lady,” announced his friend. “She has to be intelligent,a good cook and must know how to wash,” she stressed.
Similarly, Chance Uwase’s pitch had her male counterparts nod horizontally in disagreement. She was pitched by a friend who described her as an aspiring model, hustler, God fearing, and always smart young lady. Uwase was interested in a man over the age of 35, loves to travel, is passionate, and clean. But most importantly, not a Rwandan.
Communication specialist Anna Njoki gave the event a more exciting twist when she pitched herself. “All my friends have failed me so I will pitch myself,” she remarked, confidently stating the qualities she’s looking for in a partner.
Anna said she had spotted her ‘Mr.perfect’ the moment she arrived hence pitching herself to give him a greenlight to approach. She however changed her mind about him when he started smoking, searching for other handsome men since the evening was still ‘young’.
Beyond the stage, attendees mingled, exchanged numbers, and grooved to electrifying music which was a blend of Afro beats and contemporary music.
According to Lidia Solomon, she organized the event because she is single and searching, besides being an entrepreneur involved in diverse businesses.
Asked if there will be another edition soon, Lidia said: “the first edition has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, proving that singles in Kigali are eager for new, interactive ways to meet potential partners.
