Kigali — It blossomed into an evening full of color. Athletes paraded into the arena, adorned in the traditional garb of their respective countries, with some sporting face paint and enthusiastically waving. Strains of Afrobeats music piped over the loudspeakers, intermingling with occasional announcements from the emcees' microphones. Dancers donning ornate costumes and headpieces added to the exhilaration by clapping and raising their arms in the air. The audience, a mix of chic people in slip dresses, tube tops, and cargo pants, filled rows upon rows of seats that extended far into the vast expanse of the BK Arena.
If you've taken a leisurely walk through downtown Kigali within the past couple of weeks, chances are you've come across at least one poster or billboard featuring the Giants of Africa. In a city that revels in its abundance and keen appreciation for variety, it's only fitting to play host to an event that thrives on being exceptional.
Some years back, Masai Ujiri, who is a co-founder of Giants of Africa and also holds the positions of Vice-Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, found himself sharing a meal with acquaintances, President Kagame among them. While the organization itself was formally established around 20 years ago in 2003, it was during that dinner, as Masai recalls, that "this journey truly began for him.” When the Rwandan president attended an All-Star game in 2016, he inclined his head and asked Masai, "How do you get an arena like this? How much does it cost to bring an arena like this to Africa?’ Twelve months later, there was an arena.” He had regarded that as a trailblazing, unbelievable momentum shift for Africa. Masai said that "sports is put aside. It's put aside all the time.” But, "here, we have a leader who has not only encouraged us to gather these exceptional athletes, dancers, and entertainers, but has also turned this into a symbolic gesture for Africa.”
The youthful participants let out excited shrieks and enthusiastic hoots to express their impressed endorsements.
"I know we're celebrating 20 years, but every time I talk to a visionary leader, like his Excellency, we always talk about the next 20 years,” Masai said. "We always talk about the future, and that's what we're looking at right here. This youth, this youth right here are the future of Africa.”
Back then, it's possible that Masai didn't anticipate that the discussion from seven years ago would manifest into what we bore witness to yesterday. Then again, perhaps he did.
Now Masai’s Giants of Africa festival, labeled a "week-long celebration of basketball, education, culture, and entertainment,” promised to unite more than 250 youth from 16 of the countries that the foundation has visited across Africa. And as colorful waves of light cascaded through the stadium, including one that emanated from the stage and transformed into a colossal spinning globe, it was evident that the organizers were actively reiterating the key themes of the festival—vibrant diversity and cultural harmony.
As an illustration, consider a group of basketball players from Cameroon dressed in green and white attire, a combination that presents a cultural amalgam by incorporating hues from both the Nigerian flag and the Littoral region of Cameroon. The Nigerian contingent featured a bit over a dozen members outfitted in the same matching green and white ensembles modeled after the Yoruba people. Injecting the scene with energy is the spirited representation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), their confident presence resonating positively with the audience. In stark contrast, Rwanda's procession conveyed a somber tone, both in demeanor and color palette, as they marched hand in hand in a straight line. These are just four out of the multiple groups of athletes who are embodying a predominantly homogeneous portrayal of Africa at the festival. The roster of participating countries includes Tanzania, South Sudan, Mali, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Botswana, Senegal, and Morocco.
Masaamba Intore, Rwanda's revered traditional musician, delivered a performance that not only outshone the dynamism of the Rwandan athletes but also carried a more profound impact and allure. His vocals, clear and concise, harmonized seamlessly with the melodious cadence of the drums. Sherrie Silver, a distinguished choreographer of Rwandan-British origin, captured the spotlight alongside her team, who, as noted by a Times journalist, truly "understood the assignment.” Of course, this meticulous execution left me wanting more.
A collective, prolonged inhalation swept through the air. And then, the central focus emerged – the prominent draw, which I assumed is a significant factor behind the sold-out tickets: the international music sensation, Diamond Platnumz. The crowd moved in unison, either swaying rhythmically or rocking back and forth, in accordance with the artist's choice of hit songs to perform. Hot you see was hot.
Beyond just the festival, though, Kigali thrives on revelry. Three years in this country have taught me that Rwanda is a place where there's always something happening. The nation's efforts to showcase its impeccable efficiency, strong security culture, and allure as a tourist destination are yielding tangible results. These gatherings not only serve as a cornerstone of the economy but also embody the city's spirit of celebration. As President Kagame eloquently expressed in his speech, referring to the gathering of talented Africans in the country, "We are united as brothers and sisters. I am a part of you, and you are a part of me."
And our fortune, as Africans, is far from running out. In fact, the good days keep coming.