Lungelihle Zwane, popularly known as DJ Uncle Waffles, delivered a scintillating performance at the opening show of the Giants of Africa Festival 2025 held at Kigali's BK Arena on Sunday night.
The star-studded show also saw thrilling displays by the likes of Rwandan singer Ruti Joel, Kevin Kade, Boukuru, and award-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver.
There were special remarks by dignitaries that were also made throughout the evening, including President Paul Kagame and Giants of Africa Co-Founder Masai Ujiri.
The second iteration of the festival unites 320 boys and girls from 20 African countries to empower community, culture, basketball, education and entertainment over eight days – from 26 July to 2 August 2025.
“Africa needs to believe in the giant that Africa is. Giants grow, they evolve, they stand tall and they believe in themselves. Africa should not and cannot remain lagging behind the rest of the world,” said President Paul Kagame.
He added: “This festival reminds us that the few gathered here, we can ignite the potential of millions across Africa, showcasing their worth and continue to make Africa proud. This shouldn’t just be a slogan, but should be deeds as well, and we are capable of doing just that.”
Photo: President Paul Kagame at the opening show of the Giants of Africa Festival 2025.
The Opening Show included a parade of all 320 festival campers representing Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
“We are so privileged to be back in Kigali to host another Giants of Africa Festival,” said Giants of Africa Co-Founder Masai Ujiri.
“Two years ago, we invited young men and women to this event to inspire change through the power of sport. This year, we are challenging our campers to dream even bigger and embrace the power of a united and borderless Africa. Thank you to His Excellency, President Kagame, First Lady Jeannette Kagame, and the incredible people of Rwanda for welcoming us once again,” he added.
The week-long festival will include programming that will provide campers with the opportunity to discover their potential, forge deep cross-cultural connections, and celebrate their diverse identities while building a network of lifelong friendships.
Photo: Ruti Joel headlined the opening show of the Giants of Africa Festival 2025.
Photo: Kevin Kade headlined the opening show of the Giants of Africa Festival 2025.
In addition to daily youth basketball camps and tournaments, the Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will host events off the courts, such as the International Youth Day Forum presented by ALX, which took place at BK Arena prior to the Opening Show on Sunday.
Hosted by Giants of Africa, the Imbuto Foundation, and the Ministry of Youth, the forum was assembled in recognition of International Youth Day – a global celebration designated by the United Nations.
Approximately 2,000 local Rwandan youth had the opportunity to hear and learn from local and international speakers, including Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and Arts, the Honourable Dr. Utumatwishima Jean Nepo Abdallah, Co-Anchor of Good Morning America Robin Roberts, two-time WNBA All-Star and ESPN Analyst, Chiney Ogwumike, the President and Founder of Solid’Africa, Isabelle Kamariza, and the Co-Founder of the URUKUNDO Initiative, Christelle Uwantege.
Presenting partner ALX, an organisation dedicated to equipping the next generation of digital leaders and innovators on the continent, delivered a powerful roundtable discussion and showcased success stories of entrepreneurs who have graduated from their programs.
Started in 2003, Giants of Africa uses basketball as a tool to empower African youth to ‘Dream Big.’ Through providing mentorship and quality instruction, Giants of Africa encourages youth to develop their leadership potential and provides them with opportunities to learn and grow. The goal is to inspire tomorrow’s African leaders to make lasting change in their communities and around the world.
Photo: Sherry Silver and her foundation perfomed at the opening show of the Giants of Africa Festival 2025.
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