The BK Arena in Kigali dazzled on the unforgettable night of August 1, 2025, as it hosted thousands for the grand finale of the Giants of Africa Festival 2025. This historic celebration featured mesmerizing performances, state-of-the-art stage setups, vibrant costumes, and an electrified audience.
The event was masterfully organized, blending seamless production with spirited singing and high audience engagement, making it a highlight for fans and performers alike.
Celebrating the richness of African heritage, the Festival gathered 2,000 participants in Kigali, including 320 trainees, 104 coaches, and 126 media professionals for a week of music, sports, and education.
Across the eight-day festival, 118 basketball games brought together teams from 20 countries spanning seven zones. In addition to thrilling sports activities, the event left its mark by constructing three new basketball courts and staging twelve impactful activities promoting unity, education, and fun.
Here are 10 remarkable highlights from the Giants of Africa Festival 2025’s closing concert:
1. The Ben dazzled with piano, guitar, and drum performances
Rwandan music icon The Ben kicked off the night with a unique and multi-talented performance, stunning fans as he played guitar, piano, and drums. This fresh approach captivated the audience.
His special rendition of "Habibi" delighted viewers, enhanced by Miss Rwanda 2021 Grace Ingabire’s mesmerizing choreography. The Ben showcased a level of artistry that reinforced his reputation as a global talent.
2. MC Tino hyped the crowd before The Ben
MC Tino set the perfect stage ambiance, energizing fans with his vibrant engagement as the show’s hype man, paving the way for The Ben’s dynamic performance.
3. Timaya overcame stage mishap
Nigerian superstar Timaya appeared at 8:30 PM but initially struggled with stage equipment, stumbling over lights. His reaction, "Please remove this," showcased resilience as he swiftly got back on track, delivering a memorable performance for his BK Arena debut.
4. Timaya expressed interest in marrying a Rwandan woman
Timaya emotionally praised Kigali’s hospitality during his set, sparking excitement by saying, "I feel like I will marry a Rwandan woman." His unexpected words drew thunderous applause and captured hearts.
5. Kizz Daniel’s humorous moment with Divine Uwa
Performing alongside Rwandan dancer Divine Uwa, Kizz Daniel faced an amusing encounter where he asked for a brief pause to catch his breath, leaving fans entertained and smiling.
6. Warm stage interaction with Kizz Daniel
Kizz Daniel experienced a touching moment as a female fan joined him onstage to chat briefly, with cheers erupting as fans expressed their love for the artist.
7. Sherrie Silver brought vibrancy to Kizz Daniel’s performance
Acclaimed Rwandan dancer Sherrie Silver, known globally for choreographing Childish Gambino’s "This Is America," added her unique flair to Kizz Daniel’s act with bold dance moves and trendy fashion, energizing the crowd.
8. Ayra Starr resolved identity confusion with her electrifying debut
Ayra Starr took the stage amidst initial fan confusion, as some mistook her for South African artist Tyla. She cleared up doubts with her powerful performance of "Bloody Samaritan,” captivating the audience with her bold dancing.
9. Ayra Starr impressed despite playback reliance
Although Ayra Starr performed using playback, her energy-filled choreography and hits like "Away," "My Baby," and "Sability" sparked joy among fans. She expressed heartfelt compliments for Kigali, saying, "Kigali, you are amazing!"
10. Ayra Starr’s quick stage setup delivered excellence
In just 15 minutes, Ayra Starr's stage was perfectly prepared, delivering a star-studded act alongside five dancers. Her bold outfit and accessories augmented her captivating presence as she closed the show.
The grand concert on the night of August 2, 2025, shone as the conclusion of the Giants of Africa festival—a week-long event fostering African unity through music, sports, and culture.
Masai Ujiri, the event’s founder, thanked Rwanda for its warmth and hospitality, concluding, "Africans sing, play, dance, but above all, we build one family without borders."
The Ben shone brightly, both vocally and instrumentally, stealing hearts at BK Arena.
Miss Rwanda 2021 Grace Ingabire partnered with The Ben for an impressive choreographed performance of "Habibi."
The Ben closed with favorites like “Plenty Love,” “Why,” “Folomiana,” and “Sikosa,” leaving BK Arena in high spirits.
The night underscored the collaborative vision of African excellence, echoing through the Giants of Africa Festival 2025—a true celebration of diversity, talent, and unity.