The Basketball Africa League (BAL) finals which concluded at BK Arena in Kigali, proved that Rwanda is truly a country to visit. The weeklong continental basketball event attracted world celebrities who were mostly spotted at the courtside of the games and parties around the town. The New Times highlights some of the biggest celebrities who attended the BAL finals in Kigali. Dave Chappelle American comedy icon Dave Chappelle watched Saturday’s BAL final that left Angolan giants Petro de Luanda crowned champions of BAL 4 after beating Al Ahly Ly 107-94 on Saturday, May 31, at BK Arena. The celebrated movie actor and standup comedian had earlier performed in Kigali during a VVIP event that was held at Kozo restaurant on May 30. It was the comedian’s first ever trip and first performance in Rwanda. Pearl Thusi Sithembile Xola Pearl Thusi, a South African actress, model, and presenter, is also among big names that witnessed the closing game of BAL playoffs in Kigali. Thusi is known for her roles as Patricia Kopong in the BBC/HBO comedy-drama series The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Dayana Mampasi in the ABC thriller Quantico and Samkelo in the romance film Catching Feelings. She also starred in popular drama series Queen Sono. Thusi was also in Rwanda last year for BAL season 3. Joakim Noah Noah is a two-time NBA All-Star, 2014 First team all-NBA center and Defensive Player of the Year, and the 2015 winner of the J. Walker Kennedy award for citizenship. Upon his retirement, he invested in NBA Africa and has since been named as BAL ambassador, highlighting his vision and commitment to helping grow the sport across the continent. Noah is among familiar figures that have often attended BAL finals in Kigali since tournament’s debut in 2021. Bien Aime Kenyan star Bien Aime Baraza, also former member of boy band Sauti Sol, was spotted at courtside with Rwandan music investor Coach Gael. Bien Aime is the only former member of Sauti Sol who is still making waves in the music industry after his first solo album ‘Aluta Why Are You Topless’ topped charts. He is also said to be working with some Rwandan artistes and producers. Adekunle Gold The Nigerian Afro-pop musician is the only foreign musician to have performed at the BAL playoffs in Kigali. The AG Baby hit maker performed during the opening ceremony of the 2024 BAL playoffs at BK Arena on May 24. The 36-year-old singer, who is a member of the famous Kosoko royal family of Lagos, is married to Simi, one of the best female artistes in Africa. Boris Kodjo Famous actor Boris Kodjo was also present at some of BAL playoffs games in Kigali. He is a German actor and former model best known for his roles as Kelby in the 2002 film Brown Sugar, the sports-courier agent Damon Carter on the Showtime drama series Soul Food, Dr. Will Campbell on CBS's Code Black and a recurring character on FOX's The Last Man on Earth. Victoria Kimani Kimani also in attendance at the 2024 BAL third place and final games at BK Arena. The Kenyan singer, songwriter, and entertainer previously signed to the Nigerian record label Chocolate City. Her debut album was released in 2016. She has appeared in the film 7 Inch Curve. Eudoxie Mbouguiengue Eudoxie Bridges, wife to famous rapper Ludacris, was also in Kigali for the BAL playoffs. Born and raised in Gabon, the 38-year-old model and philanthropist comes from humble beginnings in the West Central African region where she was reared in impoverished circumstances while enduring various forms of abuse. Euxodie told The New Times that she will return to visit Rwanda with her husband Ludacris and their children.
