Behind the Silver Gala: Fashion meets entertainment to uplift Rwandan youth

At the Sherrie Silver Foundation, over 660 children and youths are empowered with the tools, skills, and support they need to build brighter futures, harness their talents, and lift themselves out of poverty. This dedication was evident during a media day hosted by the foundation on Monday, September 2, in anticipation of The Silver Gala, a night of elegance and impact set for Saturday, September 7, at the Kigali Convention Center Auditorium. ALSO READ: Sherrie Silver foundation features celebrities in new commemoration song The event will feature prominent speakers, including Fred Swaniker, Founder of the African Leadership Group and African Leadership University, and The Ben, an award-winning Rwandan musician. Peter Gregory Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State in Nigeria, will also make a special appearance. Children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation will showcase dance performances, while musician Boukuru will take the stage alongside DJs Toxxyk and Sonia who will both entertain the audience with the best tunes from their decks. The two DJs have pledged to provide deejaying lessons to the children in the coming days. The Silver Gala promises an unforgettable evening of fashion, entertainment, and impactful moments, with surprise guest performances. Attendees can enjoy a glamorous night out while supporting a worthy cause, with all proceeds benefiting foundation. ALSO READ: Rwandan choreographer Sherrie Silver directs movement for Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team Founded by MTV Award-Winning Choreographer Sherrie Silver, the foundation is dedicated to helping young people rise above their circumstances and realize their full potential, just as Silver did from humble beginnings to global recognition. The media day also included a visit from renowned traditional artist Massamba Intore. The children at the foundation performed a medley of his hits, to which he responded by joining them in an impromptu performance. “I wasn’t as fortunate as you all are,” Massamba Intore told children at the foundation, reflecting on his journey. “I grew up with a deep love for the arts, especially singing and dancing, but as a refugee in Burundi, no one cared to nurture my talent.” “Refugees are often overlooked, and it is hard to find support. Dancing brings joy, it’s a sport and a wonderful hobby, but beyond that, it’s deeply rooted in our Rwandan culture. I’m incredibly proud of Sherrie; she’s much more than people realize,” he added. Massamba commended Sherrie silver for her impactful initiative which is already changing the lives of children and the society at large. “She’s internationally famous, but the fact that she returned to her motherland to uplift new talent shows how truly patriotic she is. You can earn all the money in the world and travel far, but it takes a kind soul to remember where you came from and to help others along the way,” he said. Speaking to the press prior to the Silver Gala, Sherrie Silver said her foundation is there to stay and eager to extend its impact to more children. The Sherrie Silver Foundation is on a mission to establish a permanent home—a Talent Development Centre that will continue providing crucial support to children and youth, she said. This center will notably house Rwanda's first theatre, creating a space for artistic expression, cultural enrichment, and personal growth. Reflecting on her motivations, Sherrie explained, I don't have any brothers or sisters, so I've always longed for a family. I’ve always loved kids, and I’ve found that many here share a story similar to mine—growing up without a father or feeling unsupported. I wanted to create a place where they could feel the love of family, whether it's from a father figure, a mother figure, or simply a supportive community. When I grew up in the UK, I had access to free singing and dancing classes and free education. But here in Africa, education often comes at a cost. That’s why the foundation ensures that we support these kids' education, so they can pursue their dreams. The Silver Gala inspiration Asked about the inspiration behind the gala, Sherrie revealed that she was inspired by ‘Met Gala’, an event organised by renowned American fashion magazine ‘Vogue’ which she works with. “The fashion is breathtaking, and it raises significant funds for charity—tickets cost $50,000 each! I thought, why don’t we have something like that in Rwanda? A night where people can dress up, look good, and all for a cause. Of course, not at $50,000—nobody would come! But something similar, where we can recognize designers, have a memorable evening, and raise money to support the foundation’s goal of buying land for our center, she said. When it comes to how children are selected to join the foundation, Sherrie smiled and said, How do we find them? They find us. We don’t advertise or put up signs on the street.” “But one child brings their friend, saying, ‘Hey, there’s food here,’ and the word spreads. Then, their friends see them on stage with Kendrick Lamar and think, ‘I want to be on stage with Kendrick Lamar too.’ And that’s how it grows.” Diane Nyiramana, whose child, Denzel Regis Isibo, is among the vocalists at the foundation, spoke on behalf of the parents. She was full of praise for the choreographer’s initiative which is bringing a positive impact to their children. We, parents, are truly blessed. Raising children is a beautiful journey, and when someone steps in to give a child the happiness they deserve, it feels like a blessing from above,” Nyiramana said. “That’s what Sherrie Silver has been for us. Our children used to see their talents as just hobbies, but now, many of them are realizing that these talents can take them to heights they never imagined. All I can say to Sherrie is to keep up the amazing work because it feels like she’s being guided by something greater. Tickets for the Silver Gala are priced at Rwf120,000, which includes a gourmet dinner, drinks, and a seat at a VIP table. For those interested in a more exclusive experience, a table for eight is available for Rwf1 million. This package includes a gourmet dinner, drinks, a VIP gift bag, personal concierge service, and the donation of health insurance for a child. By purchasing a ticket or reserving a table, you’ll be directly contributing to the betterment of hundreds of children’s lives through the Sherrie Silver Foundation. All proceeds from the Gala Dinner will fund the foundation’s programs, which currently empower over 600 children and youth. The dress code is Glitz and Glamour, and to help you find the perfect look, they’ve curated a fashion directory featuring some of Rwanda’s most beloved formalwear designers, complete with their contact information, so you can step into the Silver Gala in style.

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Behind the Silver Gala: Fashion meets entertainment to uplift Rwandan youth