For a second time, Masai Ujiri’s Giants of Africa Festival is set to light up Kigali, Rwanda with a powerful fusion of basketball, music, fashion, and community empowerment. Running from July 26 to August 2, 2025, this year’s festival features a blockbuster lineup that bridges continents, cultures, and generations—all in the name of youth leadership and unity.
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Powerhouse entertainers and pro athletes
Among the newly announced highlights is Nigerian pop sensation Ayra Starr, who will perform at the festival’s highly anticipated Closing Concert on August 2. She joins Afrobeats heavyweights Kizz Daniel and Timaya, promising an electrifying finale to a weeklong celebration. Rwanda’s own Alyn Sano will also take the stage during the inaugural Threads of Africa Fashion Show on July 31, blending local artistry with pan-African flair.
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The Opening Show on July 27 is just as star-studded, with performances from South African DJ Uncle Waffles, MTV VMA-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver, and Rwandan stars Kevin Kade, Ruti Joël, Boukuru, and Chriss Easy.
On the sports front, two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard joins the festival to mentor youth, unveil a new basketball court at St. Ignatius School, and host a clinic for 50 young athletes in one of Kigali’s most underserved communities. He’ll be joined by celebrity guests such as Robin Roberts, Chiney Ogwumike, Didier Drogba, Michael Blackson, and Boris Kodjoe, adding even more depth and inspiration to the experience.
Uplifting the next gen
At its heart, Giants of Africa remains about uplifting the next generation. The 2025 edition will welcome 320 young athletes from 20 African nations, gathering for a week of intensive basketball training, leadership development, and cultural exchange. It builds on the success of the inaugural 2023 festival, which drew over 14,000 spectators and contributed an estimated $1.5 million to the local economy.
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Founded in 2003 by Masai Ujiri, the non-profit is a platform for youth empowerment rooted in the power of sport. With court-building projects, mentorship programs, and an expanding global reach, Giants of Africa continues to demonstrate how basketball can transcend barriers and change lives.
Tickets for the Opening Show and Closing Concert are available now at www.goafestival.org, where fans can also learn more about VIP packages and other community initiatives.
