Giants of Africa Festival 2025 returns to Kigali this August, uniting youth from 20+ African nations for sports, culture, and star-powered concerts. Icons like Didier Drogba, Chris Tucker, and Candace Parker headline this week-long celebration.
The eagerly awaited Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will host 320 young participants from over 20 African countries. These youth will converge in Kigali for a remarkable week of basketball, entertainment, cultural exchange, and community activities. The festival is expected to attract more than 20,000 attendees.
Masai Ujiri, the festival’s visionary founder, said in a press release, “We want to keep our children dreaming.” He added, “As someone who grew up on this continent, I understand their challenges and dreams. Their talent and intellect are extraordinary. This festival is about showing them the way forward and inspiring them to dream bigger.”
The festival opens with a sensational concert starring DJ Uncle Waffles, a celebrated South African DJ; Sherrie Silver, an MTV Award-winning dancer; and Kevin Kade, a gifted musician and songwriter.
Throughout the week, vibrant performances and events will lead to a finale featuring Nigerian musical legends Kizz Daniel and Timaya.
Global luminaries will also grace the festival, including Chris Tucker, an internationally acclaimed comedian known for the "Rush Hour" series, and his ability to bring joy and unity through his humor.
Didier Drogba, iconic African footballer and former Chelsea FC star, will attend, highlighting his role as a UN Peace Ambassador.
Robin Roberts, the esteemed anchor of "Good Morning America," is set to inspire with her commitment to women’s rights and health advocacy.
Candace Parker, a WNBA basketball superstar and ESPN analyst, will share her insights on sports and empowerment.
Michael Blackson, the witty Ghanaian-American comedian, known for celebrating African lifestyles and supporting education, is another key guest.
Hollywood actor Boris Kodjoe, famous for roles in "Soul Food" and "Station 19," will advocate for youth and gender equality.
Chiney Ogwumike, a Nigerian-American WNBA player and ESPN personality, will energize the festival with her voice for women and youth in sports.
These global icons will share transformative stories and inspire the next generation of African leaders.
The festival’s main activities will unfold at prominent Kigali venues, including BK Arena, Amahoro Stadium, Petit Stade, the Paralympic Gymnasium, and the newly designed Zaria Courts.
The Zaria Courts, a creation of Masai Ujiri, bring together an 80-room hotel, basketball courts, event spaces, a soccer field, gym facilities, and leisure zones. The courts will be officially unveiled during the festival.
Key Programs and Highlights:
- Threads of Africa Fashion Show: Celebrating African creativity with designers like Hortense Mbea (Afropian), Alia Baré (Alia), and Nyambo (Masa Mara).
- International Youth Day Forum: In collaboration with Imbuto Foundation, MINUBUMWE, and ALX, this forum promotes learning and dialogue among African youth and experts.
- Women’s Community Outreach Program: Dedicated to empowering women and girls through education, skill-building, and leadership development.
Since its establishment in 2003, Giants of Africa has impacted over 20 African countries by building basketball courts and organizing youth camps. When the festival first came to Rwanda in 2023, it drew 250 youth from 16 nations and drove over $1.5 million into Rwanda’s economy.
Tickets for the grand opening and closing concerts go on sale starting May 8, 2025, at 9:00 AM local time.
This year's festival participants represent countries including Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Benin, Gabon, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, D.R. Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Botswana, and South Africa.
About Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa:
Launched in 2013, Giants of Africa is dedicated to unlocking the potential of African youth through basketball, leadership development, and empowerment. Its founder, Masai Ujiri, a revolutionary figure in basketball and a key NBA member, envisioned this impactful initiative.
Masai Ujiri, who won the NBA Executive of the Year award in 2013, started his basketball career in Nigeria and has risen to become a globally influential sports leader.
Masai Ujiri, founder of Giants of Africa and celebrated NBA executive.
DJ Uncle Waffles, South Africa’s leading DJ, will headline the festival’s opening concert.
Sherrie Silver, the internationally renowned dancer, will bring her vibrant energy to the festival.
Kevin Kade, a rising musical talent, is among the artists performing at the festival.
The Ben, Rwanda’s music icon, will captivate festival attendees with his performances.
Nigerian star Kizz Daniel returns to Kigali to deliver unforgettable music performances.
Timaya, one of Africa’s musical greats, is part of this dynamic festival.
Football legend Didier Drogba is one of the star attractions at this year’s Giants of Africa Festival.