Attendees of the inaugural Silver Gala at Kigali Convention Center lingered past midnight on Sunday, August 8, enjoying an evening of glamour, connections, and support for a noble cause.
The event, which celebrated MTV Award-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver's Sherrie Silver Foundation, highlighted her efforts to support over 660 children in her home country.
The gala drew a diverse crowd, including celebrities, dancers, musicians, actors, fashion models and designers, and politicians.
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The red carpet event, which ran from 5 to 7 PM, featured photo opportunities with booths from Photo Booth Rwanda, adorned with Silver Gala insignia. Guests had ample time to capture memorable moments.
The evening of entertainment included performances by children from the foundation, showcasing traditional and modern dance routines.
One standout moment was a performance of Childish Gambino’s "This Is America," which, combined with the giant LED stage, recreated the video’s energy and excitement.
The evening also featured performances from rising star Boukuru, Alyn Sano, Producer Element, and Kevin Kade.
The show reached its peak when Kevin Kade joined forces with The Ben and Element as the trio performed their hit track "Sikosa,” alongside children from the foundation.
But the Silver Gala was more than just a night of entertainment; it was a fundraising spectacle. Guests contributed through QR code donations and lively auction bidding, all aimed at fueling Sherrie Silver’s inspiring vision.
Reflecting on their progress, Sherrie noted, "As we mark our first anniversary, we’ve empowered 661 youths and children. Many have shown a deep passion for music and dance, and we’re helping them turn these dreams into viable paths for changing their lives.”
"We grew up with parents telling us that arts wouldn’t lead us anywhere, but look around now. We have a room full of successful individuals, including my friend Massamba Intore, who just celebrated 40 years in music. He’s here to show these kids that their dreams are achievable, not just fantasies.”
The Sherrie Silver Foundation aims to establish a Talent Development Centre, a permanent home dedicated to nurturing and supporting children and youth. "This center will feature Rwanda’s first theatre, offering a platform for artistic expression, cultural enrichment, and personal growth,” Sherrie Silver explained.
At the auction, a mint-condition Arsenal jersey signed by the team fetched $3,500, purchased by Women In Leadership.
An original Childish Gambino tour jacket, signed by both him and Willow Smith, was secured for $1,750 by BK Arena. Other highlights included The Ben’s $1,600 bid for a two-night stay at the Africa’s Touch penthouse and a $1,000 purchase by the Women in Leadership Summit for a stay at Umva Muhazi.
Toronto Raptors President and sports entrepreneur Masai Ujiri, Fred Swaniker, Founder of the African Leadership Group and African Leadership University, and Peter Gregory Obi, former Governor of Nigeria’s Anambra State, all shared a unified message about Sherrie Silver at the event.
They emphasized how she is bridging the gap in understanding by demonstrating to African parents that the arts are a viable career and by providing tangible opportunities for the foundation’s children to showcase their talents on the global stage.
The gala concluded after midnight with a cake-cutting ceremony, marking the one-year anniversary of the Sherrie Silver Foundation.
Nightlife is still growing in Rwanda, but one thing was clear: Rwandans, friends of Rwanda, and the global community turned out in style for the evening. The room was filled with glamour, and Sherrie Silver honored her promise by awarding the best-dressed male and female. Musician Bwiza, in Mateo Studio, and designer Olivier Niyitanga, known as Tanga Designs, took home the honors.
Cheers to future Silver Galas—plans are underway to make this an annual tradition.