All the music stars who performed at the just concluded Giants of Africa festival had one thing to say, that the show was 'one for the books'. Last week, Rwanda hosted the week-long festival, for its 20th anniversary, which proved to be a massive success. ALSO READ: Davido, Tiwa Savage close Giants of Africa festival in style For many, though, it was all about the artistes who performed during the one-week festival, from Nigeria’s award-winning stars, Davido and Tiwa Savage, Tanzanian Bongo Flava recording artiste Diamond Platnumz, South African songstress Tyla, to Rwanda’s very own Bruce Melodie. Here's what each of them had to say during and after the event. Bruce Melodie In an interview with The NewTimes, Rwandan superstar Bruce Melodie stated that meeting President Paul Kagame was the highlight of his experience. I know he values hard work, and I hope he is as proud of us as we are of him! he said enthusiastically. In his own words, he took to X, You know your work is done when the greatest African leader notices. Thank you, HE, Bruce Melodie said, tagging the President to the post. You know your work is job well done when the greatest African leader notices. Thank you HE @paulkagame Thank you @mars_jiri Africa has giants! Today was one show to remember. One for the book .@giantsofafrica pic.twitter.com/pXqiNTaejJ — Bruce Melodie (@BruceMelodie) August 19, 2023 ALSO READ: Bruce Melodie thrilled by crowd's reception, Presidential encounter at Giants of Africa He also complimented Masai Ujiri, co-founder of Giants of Africa and president and vice-chairman of the Toronto Raptors, saying, Africa has giants! Today was one show to remember. One for the books. He also conveyed his satisfaction at the enthusiastic reception from the crowd. Diamond Platnumz Diamond Platnumz, who was highly lauded by social media users for his humble gesture of removing his cap when greeting Rwanda's president, didn't hold back in voicing his excitement, after his performance at the Giants of Africa Festival's opening ceremony. ALSO READ: How the Giants of Africa opening ceremony unfolded Thank you Mr. President @paulkagame, for your decisive leadership and the warm welcome your country extended during my visit to Rwanda. Apart from having a tight schedule, your love for the youth and your determination to promote the arts and sports sectors was evident as you joined us yesterday. Your commitment to fostering cultural exchange and promoting the arts is truly inspiring. Thank you for your gracious hospitality and for creating an environment that encourages collaboration and growth. We look forward to continuing to strengthen the bond between our countries, our artistic communities, and sports welfare. We appreciate your generosity, from the Rwandan people to us, guests. Truly, Africa takes pride in you. With heartfelt gratitude, he posted on his Instagram page. Tyla The crowd seemed to warm up to South Africa's Tyla, a rising star and one of Spotify's emerging artistes, thanks to her unique dance moves and enticing vocals. In an interview with The NewTimes, she declared that she had fallen in love with Rwanda and that she will definitely return. I love Rwanda. Everything is beautiful, she explained. Davido Davido, probably the most anticipated of all, appeared rushed after his performance at the closing ceremony, most likely racing to catch a flight to his next show, Afro Nation in Detroit. He still took the time to tell Masai Ujiri, who had just given him a Giants of Africa customized jersey, You're the best. We follow you, we love you. ALSO READ: President Kagame meets Davido ahead of Giants of Africa concert Kigali Rwanda!!! Im short of words the love was too much!!! SZN ... Detroit we on the way — Davido (@davido) August 19, 2023 The Nigerian music sensation also met President Paul Kagame at Urugwiro Village on Friday, August 18, prior to his Saturday performance, which was his third in Rwanda, following the 30 Billion Concert in 2019 and the Liberation Concert in 2014. Tiwa Savage The Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress, Tiwa Savage, also known as the Queen of Afrobeats, had made it a point to keep her thoughts to herself. However, Tiwa Savage, who performed last on the lineup, said on stage, undoubtedly overwhelmed by the crowd's enthusiasm, that the show was very intimate for her. I expected to be exhausted from the jet lag, but the energy in this room and the love are incredible. Allow me to make this even more intimate, she said, before performing one of her hits, 'Somebody’s Son', a collaboration with popular artiste Brandy that had the audience singing along, line after line.
