Rwandan singer Nirere Shanel, popularly known as Miss Shanel, has sparked a fresh debate on social media after discouraging people from attending Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema’s upcoming concert in Kigali, citing concerns over safety and the recent enforcement of dress standards at entertainment events.
Shanel made the remarks in response to a social media post promoting Rema’s concert, scheduled to take place at BK Arena.
“Don’t go there, that place is not in a good state,” Shanel wrote.
Her comments came amid heated online debate over measures introduced at recent entertainment events to prevent people considered to be improperly dressed from entering venues.
The enforcement has particularly drawn criticism from some women, who argue that restrictions on what they wear at concerts interfere with their personal freedoms.
Shanel has also criticised the way the measures were implemented, but her decision to discourage people from attending Rema’s concert has added a new dimension to the controversy.
Some social media users accused her of portraying Rwanda negatively and argued that the measures should instead be viewed as an effort to uphold cultural values and standards at public events.
One user, identified on X as The Charly, criticised Shanel’s remarks and argued that she should support efforts to preserve Rwandan culture.
“Shane… what has happened to you? Others are trying to preserve culture, and now you are tarnishing the image of the entire country over mistakes that have already been explained and apologised for,” the user wrote.
Another user, Jackar Philipe, also challenged Shanel, writing: “Have you started opposing Rwanda’s good initiatives because you don’t want people to stop dressing inappropriately?”
Other users defended Shanel, arguing that criticism of problems in the country should not automatically be interpreted as opposition to Rwanda.
A user identified as Baby said discussing problems in the implementation of a policy did not amount to rejecting the country.
“Talking about what did not go well does not mean that we hate our country. Do not mix things up; we love our country to the point of being ready to die for it,” the user wrote.
The controversy follows the Diamond Platnumz Experience held in Kigali, where some concertgoers were reportedly prevented from entering because their clothing was considered inappropriate.
The incident generated widespread reactions online, particularly from women who questioned whether concert attendees should be denied entry based on their choice of clothing.
The debate intensified after videos circulated on social media showing a woman who was reportedly arrested by police in connection with her clothing.
The manner in which she was handled also attracted criticism and prompted calls for clarification from authorities.
The Rwanda National Police said it had become aware of the incident and was following up on the matter. Police said officers found to have acted improperly would face disciplinary measures and receive guidance on appropriate conduct.
The issue has since developed into a broader discussion about the balance between personal expression, cultural values and standards of conduct at public entertainment events.
Shanel’s remarks have added to that debate at a time when Rema’s Kigali concert is attracting significant public attention.
The Nigerian singer is scheduled to perform at BK Arena on September 5, with the concert forming part of the entertainment programme surrounding this year’s Kwita Izina celebrations.
The controversy surrounding Shanel’s comments has therefore shifted part of the public conversation from the concert itself to questions about dress expectations, enforcement and individual rights at entertainment venues.
For some social media users, the issue is about protecting cultural standards and ensuring appropriate conduct at public events. For others, the recent incidents raise questions about how such standards are enforced and whether enforcement measures respect the rights and dignity of concertgoers.
Miss Shanel’s intervention has placed her among the public figures contributing to that debate, with social media reactions divided between those supporting her criticism and those accusing her of going too far.
The discussion is expected to remain part of the public conversation as Rwanda prepares for Rema’s performance at BK Arena.
