Despite the local events market thriving, many of them lack longevity. The arts events market gets trickier each year, with creatives and organisers decrying limited sponsorship.

The current outdoor and indoor events segment completely relies on sponsorship and there are very few companies willing to sponsor events.

“Entrance charges do not cater for all expenses nor sustain the event,” said Joseph Mushyoma of East African Promoters, an events company.

John Bunyeishuri, the founder of Kigali Fashion Week, said getting sponsorship is tricky. He blames it on prejudice by sponsors. Mr Bunyeshuri said the few sponsors tend to want to dictate what and how the events should be run, which affects the craft.

“We are opting for foreign sponsorship, which is why our event has extended beyond the Rwandan borders,” he said.

“Most sponsors tend to monopolise the space,and takeover the work that should be done by the creatives,” said Eric Kirenga, a DJ and founder of Afrogroov, an events and brand company.

Some of the major events that have struggled to make a return are Kigali Up Music Festival, Mashariki African Film Festival, Isaano Music Festival.

The Primus Guma Guma Super Star and the Mutzig Beer Fest, also recently announced a hiatus.