The BK Arena shimmered with elegance on Saturday night, November 1, as Sherrie Silver’s Gala 2025 brought together art, fashion, philanthropy, and African excellence under one roof.
Organized by internationally acclaimed dancer and UN IFAD Advocate for Rural Youth Sherrie Silver, the event aimed to empower young Rwandans through the creative arts while raising funds for her foundation.
From government officials to artists and fashion icons, guests turned the red carpet into a showcase of African creativity and global style.
Co-hosted by Kenya’s Eric Omondi and Rwanda’s Makeda Mahadeo, the gala will air on Trace TV, further amplifying its message of art for social change.
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Beyond the dazzle, generosity took center stage. A charity auction raised $9,750 (about Rwf14.1 million), with bids flying high for luxury hotel stays, gorilla trekking trips, designer pieces, and a Paris Saint-Germain jersey signed by the entire team.
Former Miss Rwanda Jolly Mutesi took home the jersey for $1,000, drawing applause from the crowd.
The top bids included $2,900 for a gorilla trek, $2,000 for a luxury hotel night, and $1,800 for a premium Kiyovu stay, alongside other high-value experiences.
All proceeds will go toward education, health, and welfare programs for more than 800 underprivileged children supported by the Sherrie Silver Foundation.
Believing in youth, the power of art
State Minister for Youth and Arts Sandrine Umutoni praised Silver’s work, calling the gala a testament to what happens when creativity meets purpose.
"This evening shows what’s possible when you believe in youth and invest in the arts,” she said. "Art has become a bridge between history and aspiration — a language that unites generations.”
Taking the stage to a standing ovation, Silver thanked guests for their support and generosity.
"The best part is seeing people come together to give hope to children,” she said. "The funds we raised tonight will change lives through education, health, and empowerment.”
Known for her global collaborations with Vogue, Adidas, and Childish Gambino’s Grammy-winning This Is America, Silver reminded the audience that art is both expression and transformation.
Her statue, originally built by Adidas London to promote gender equity in sports, was displayed at the venue — a symbol of her influence on and off stage.
Knowless Butera opened the show with Nzabampari, followed by Ross Kana, Juno Kizigenza, Chris Eazy, Masamba Intore, and Nigerian artiste Chella, who kept the arena moving late into the night.
Silver herself later joined children from her foundation for a choreographed dance performance that drew one of the loudest cheers of the evening.
The gala also spotlighted East Africa’s fashion scene through a "Best in Fashion” showcase featuring designers from Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Kenya. Icyacumi 1/10 (Rwanda) won the $5,000 grand prize and mentorship with Ugo Mozie (US).
Singer Bwiza was named "Top Female Elegant” in a Matheo Design ensemble, while designer Lee Charm of Charms by Lee won "Top Male Elegant.”
Among the distinguished guests were British High Commissioner Alison Heather Thorpe, UN Resident Coordinator Ozonnia Ojielo, RDB’s Irene Murerwa, Netherlands Ambassador Joan Wiegman, and Nigeria’s High Commissioner Ibrahim Zanna, alongside Rwanda’s entertainment figures DJ Lamper, Miss Jolly Mutesi, and Alex Muyoboke.