Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr and NBA star Kawhi Leonard have been confirmed as part of the high-profile line-up for the Giants of Africa Festival 2025, set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 26 to August 2.
The festival, a flagship initiative of the Giants of Africa Foundation, will bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African countries and welcome over 20,000 spectators for a week-long celebration of basketball, culture, education, and entertainment.
Ayra Starr is slated to headline the closing concert on August 2, joining an impressive roster of Afrobeat stars that includes Kizz Daniel and Timaya. The music performances will serve as the cultural highpoint of the festival, which blends sport with artistic expression to inspire and empower African youth.
BET Award Winning International Act Ayra Starr
The Threads of Africa Fashion Show, debuting on July 31, will showcase African style and creativity. Rwandan artist Alyn Sano will take the stage as part of the fashion showcase, adding a touch of local flair to the continental celebration.
The festival kicks off on July 27 with an electric opening concert featuring South African DJ sensation Uncle Waffles and MTV VMA-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver. Rwandan acts Kevin Kade, Ruti Joël, Boukuru, and Chriss Easy are also confirmed to perform, setting the tone for a vibrant week of activity.
Joining the festival’s all-star cast is two-time NBA champion and LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, who will take part in several community-based initiatives.
Leonard will mentor youth participants throughout the week, Open a new basketball court in collaboration with Giants of Africa at St. Ignatius School, and Host a basketball clinic for 50 underserved local youth at Club Rafiki, one of Kigali’s most vibrant but under-resourced communities.
Other notable guests expected at the festival include:
Robin Roberts (Good Morning America host) Chiney Ogwumike (WNBA player and ESPN analyst) Didier Drogba (Ivorian football legend) Michael Blackson (Comedian and philanthropist) Boris Kodjoe (Hollywood actor and humanitarian)
Founded by Toronto Raptors president and former player Masai Ujiri, Giants of Africa is a non-profit organisation focused on empowering African youth through basketball and life skills development. The festival is a culmination of the organisation’s efforts to build community, spark potential, and drive meaningful change across the continent.
Ujiri recently appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and Good Morning America, where he spoke about the festival’s transformative impact and his long-standing mission to equip Africa’s next generation with tools for success—both on and off the court.