Kigali was the place to be this past weekend as global superstar John Legend performed live for the first time in Rwanda, delivering an unforgettable experience that captivated the crowd.
On February 21, 2025, Legend took center stage as the headliner for the Move Afrika tour, an exciting initiative led by Global Citizen to create a Pan-African music circuit and amplify Africa’s creative industries. The concert at BK Arena was completely sold out, with the audience treated to an extraordinary night of music, culture, and celebration.
Throughout the evening, John Legend serenaded the crowd with his iconic hits such as “Ordinary People” and “All of Me.” His performance, however, was only part of the larger narrative of the night—a celebration of Rwanda’s growing cultural and creative scene.
Local talents like Bwiza and DJ TOXXYK brought vibrant energy to the stage, showcasing the depth and talent emerging from Rwanda. This added another layer to the evening, proving that Rwanda is not only a beautiful destination but also a thriving hub for artistic expression.
In an unforgettable moment, Legend himself wore an all-white outfit designed by the celebrated Rwandan brand Moshions, spotlighting the country’s fashion scene on a global stage.
The concert was far more than just entertainment; it was an illustration of the potential within Africa’s creative industries. The event highlighted key investments in areas such as technical production, security, event rigging, and fashion—sectors that are helping shape Rwanda’s rapidly growing creative economy. Notably, 90% of the crew for the Kigali event were local professionals, a significant increase from 75% in 2023. This reflects Rwanda’s expanding expertise in hosting large-scale international events and its growing role in the global cultural arena.
One of the most significant highlights of the night was the exclusive premiere of Art Behind the Artist, a documentary that tells the story of Move Afrika’s mission to empower and elevate African talent. The documentary showcased how the tour is helping redefine Africa’s position in the global entertainment industry, creating job opportunities for young creatives and fostering long-term investments in the arts.
As the tour moves on to Lagos, Nigeria, on February 25, the powerful impact of Kigali’s edition will continue to resonate
The concert also brought a deep sense of pride and admiration for Rwanda’s leadership. The presence of President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame in the audience was a powerful testament to their commitment to positioning Rwanda as an international leader in culture and creativity. The palpable sense of unity and respect for President Kagame reflected the significant strides Rwanda has made in transforming into a vibrant center for global events and innovation.
In a continent where such expressions of collective appreciation for leadership are not always commonplace, the energy of the night stood as a living testament to Rwanda’s success and its vision for the future.
Move Afrika is not just a music tour; it’s a transformative movement that is reshaping Africa’s entertainment landscape. As John Legend’s incredible performance in Kigali highlighted, the journey of Move Afrika is only just beginning—and the future promises even more groundbreaking moments for the continent’s creative industries.
