The "Unavailable" hitmaker, the Nigeria’s award-winning star, David Adedeji Adeleke OON, who is professionally known as Davido during his performance at the closing ceremony of Giants of Africa Festival at BK Arena on Saturday, August 19. All photos by Olivier Mugwiza
The just concluded Giants of Africa Festival 2023, at BK Arena was a memorable one.
The week-long festival that celebrated its 20th anniversary, proved to be a huge success, bringing together 250 youths from 16 African countries to take part in sports, entertainment, and cultural activities among others.
Officially opened on August 13 and ran until August 19, the festival was headlined by big names in the African music industry including Nigeria’s award-winning stars, Davido and Tiwa Savage, Tanzanian Bongo Flava recording artiste Diamond Platnumz, South African songstress Tyla and Rwanda’s very own Bruce Melodie as well as Sherrie Silver, a British-Rwandan choreographer who performed during the official opening of the festival, alongside Massamba Intore.
Graced by President Paul Kagame and Masai Ujiri, Toronto Raptors president and vice-chair and Giants of Africa co-founder, who interacted with youths about the future Africa, the festival was also an opportunity to launch different projects sponsored by Giants of Africa, including, Kimisagara basketball courts, two basketball courts at Agahozo Shalom, and the official groundbreaking of the Zaria Court Kigali, an urban development initiative that focuses on, among others, community, hospitality, sports and culture.
The week-long exercise was full of activities; sports, culture and leisure among others. Some events enthusiasts interpreted the show as "a wonderment festival"
The New Times photo-team covered the whole festival from day one to the closing and captured some pictures that can epitomize the rolling of the festival in the entertainment column.
Below is a pictorial
Nigeria’s award-winning stars, Davido during the closing ceremony at BK Arena on Saturday, August 19.
Some of thousands of revelers who turned up for the concert that marked the closing event of the Giants of Africa Festival 2023.
The sold out concert with a turnout of over 10,000 people convened at the BK Arena speaks volumes to just how mainstream African music and heritage has become over the years
The closing ceremony of the festival took place at BK Arena in Kigali
Nigeria’s award-winning stars, Davido during the closing ceremony at BK Arena on Saturday, August 19. All photos by Olivier Mugwiza
Thousands of revelers turned up for the concert that marked the closing event of the Giants of Africa Festival 2023.
The "Unavailable" hitmaker headlined the sold-out Giants of Africa closing concert at the BK arena, in what music lovers interpreted as a show for the books.
The "Unavailable" hitmaker headlined the sold-out Giants of Africa closing concert at the BK arena, in what music lovers interpreted as a show for the books.
The "Unavailable" hitmaker headlined the sold-out Giants of Africa closing concert at the BK arena, in what music lovers interpreted as a show for the books.
The concert was one for the books
Nigerian Star Davido
Davido entertained the audience with off the chart hits such as Assurance, Electricity and Jowo
Some revelers at the concert
Davido, the "Unavailable" hitmaker during his performance at the sold-out Giants of Africa closing concert at the BK arena, in what music lovers interpreted as a show for the books.
Excited reveller, enjoying music during the concert
Revelers capture some images of the show that attracted over 10000 people
Star David Adedeji Adeleke OON, who is professionally known as Davido during his performance in Kigali
Tiwa Savage
The closing ceremony of the festival took place at BK Arena in Kigali
Tiwa graced the stage at the Giants of Africa Closing Ceremony, through an unforgettable musical extravaganza.
Over ten thousands people enjoy the music during a record-breaking concert as Giants of Africa conclude its festival in Kigali
Nigerian Tiwa Savage headlining the closing concert of Giants of Africa festival
The festival was headlined by big names in the African music industry including Nigeria’s award-winning stars, Davido and Tiwa Savage, Rwandan musician Bruce Melodie and Tyla.
Tiwatope Omolara Savage, known professionally as Tiwa Savage, a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress who has been called the Queen of Afrobeats. Seen here dancing during her performance
Excited revelers, enjoying music during the concert
Tiwatope Omolara Savage, known professionally as Tiwa Savage, a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress who has been called the Queen of Afrobeats. Seen here dancing during her performance
The sold out concert with a turnout of over 10,000 people convened at the BK Arena speaks volumes to just how mainstream African music and heritage has become over the years
Over 10,000 revelers convened at the BK Arena for the closing of GOA Festival 2023
Tiwatope Omolara Savage, known professionally as Tiwa Savage, a Nigerian singer, during the show.
Masai gives a jersey to Tiwatope Omolara Savage, known professionally as Tiwa Savage, a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress who has been called the Queen of Afrobeats.
Nicknamed Queen of Afrobeats , Tiwa Savage was one of the most anticipated singers to hedline the show. Captured here dancing with Masai and his family
Nigerian music sensation Tiwa Savage during her first-ever performance in Rwanda.
Musician Tiwa Savage who was performing in Rwanda for her first time cheers with her supporters at BK Arena
Masai Ujiri, Toronto Raptors president and vice-chair and Giants of Africa co-founder and his family join Tiwa Savage on the stage
Nicknamed "Queen of Afrobeats " Tiwa Savage was one of the most anticipated singers to hedline the show. Captured here dancing with Masai and his family
Thousands of revelers turned up for the concert that marked the closing event of the Giants of Africa Festival 2023.
The concert was attended by thousands of revelers at BK Arena
The Closing ceremony of the week-long festival
South African songstress Tyla
Tyla graced the audience with one of her popular hits "Water” which not only created space for her to exhibit her impressive vocal prowess but also her alluring dance moves, all of which the audience was excited about.
Some of thousands of revelers who turned up for the concert that marked the closing event of the Giants of Africa Festival 2023.
The sold out concert with a turnout of over 10,000 people convened at the BK Arena for the closing of GOA Festival 2023
South African songstress Tyla interacts with her fans who were requesting another round. Flanked by dancers, Tyla's performance was a convincing one.
The concert sponsored by Spotify Africa and Drakes OVO, the concert went down in history as one of the most attended events to take place at the BK Arena.
Revelers capture some images of the show that attracted over 10000 people
Tyla and dancers graced the audience with one of her popular hits "Water” which not only created space for her to exhibit her impressive vocal prowess but also her alluring dance moves, all of which the audience was excited about.
Masai Ujiri, Toronto Raptors president and vice-chair and Giants of Africa co-founder gifted a jersey to South African songstress Tyla during her performance
Tyla graced the audience with one of her popular hits "Water” which not only created space for her to exhibit her impressive vocal prowess but also her alluring dance moves, all of which the audience was excited about.
Melodie made his way to the stage immediately after the slideshow, receiving a warm and loud welcome from fans chanting "YuHuu” one of his go to expressions for excitement.
Melodie performed fans' favorite hits like Katerina, Saa Moya, Ikinyafu, and Ikinya that excited the audience
Melodie performed fans' favorite hits like Katerina, Saa Moya, Ikinyafu, and Ikinya that excited the audience
Melodie performed fans' favorite hits like Katerina, Saa Moya, Ikinyafu, and Ikinya that excited the audience
As he concluded his performance, Bruce Melodie was gifted a custom Jersey from Masai Ujiri, president of the Toronto Raptors and co-founder of Giants of Africa.
Bruce Melodie was gifted a custom Jersey from Masai Ujiri,
Some revelers at the concert
The festival was headlined by big names in the African music industry including Nigeria’s award-winning stars, Davido and Tiwa Savage, Rwandan musician Bruce Melodie and Tyla.
Members of the Giants of Africa festival organizers during a celebration as they conclude a week-long exercise
Masai Ujiri, Toronto Raptors president and vice-chair and Giants of Africa co-founder and the team of organizers thank all participants for the accomplishment of the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali
Excited while dancing, members of the Giants of Africa festival organizers during a celebration as they conclude a week-long exercise
Excited while dancing , members of the Giants of Africa festival organizers during a celebration as they conclude a week-long exercise
Members of the Giants of Africa festival organizers during a celebration as they conclude a week-long exercise
According to some revelers, the show was ranked the record-breaking one in Kigali
Masai Ujiri, Toronto Raptors president and vice-chair and Giants of Africa co-founder and the team of organizers thank all participants for the accomplishment of the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali
Some of thousands of revelers who turned up for the concert that marked the closing event of the Giants of Africa Festival 2023.
Being some of Africa’s best Afrobeats artistes, Tiwa Savage and Davido headlining the Giants of Africa Festival closing concert, making it one of the most anticipated events in the city.
Giants of Africa festival orginzers pose for a group photo during the closing ceremony at BK Arena on Saturday, August 19. All photos by Olivier Mugwiza