The first Move Afrika concert held in Kigali at a sold out BK Arena, December 6, signaled the launch of a five-year incremental tour schedule that will pioneer a world-class music touring circuit across the continent, changing the face of live entertainment in Africa. Festival organisers, through a press release, highlighted different opportunities created for Rwandans in various sectors. Over 70 local singers and dancers participated on the Move Afrika: Rwanda stage, with additional dancers and choreographers contributing to the international broadcast program that will be released early next year. Dancers from the Sherrie Silver Foundation performed alongside Kendrick Lamar during his headline set. Many of them come from disadvantaged backgrounds and impoverished communities, and have used their talents and creativity to lift their families out of poverty. 200 young people aged between 16-21 from four districts were provided an all-expenses paid trip for a front-of-stage Move Afrika experience, courtesy of pgLang. The set and stage design evoking traditional Kitenge fabric designs, was created by Stufish in close collaboration with local artist Dolph Banza. Traditional Agaseke peace baskets, created by 20 artisans from the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, were also repurposed to hang across the stage as dynamic lighting fixtures, creating the centerpiece feature of the Move Afrika: Rwanda stage and showcasing Rwandan creative excellence to the world. Yesterday, Kendrick Lamar’s wife, Whitney Alford, was also seen visiting the women at the center in Nyamirambo. As part of its five-year commitment to Rwanda, Move Afrika is building upon these collaborations to generate long-term opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and foster long-term partnerships that pave the way for more international artists to perform in Rwanda. Move Afrika also partnered with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator in Kigali to recruit, train and upskill 35 young people aged between 18-25, who received on site training and shadowed event teams through the project to gain work experience at a world-class live music event. Local and regional fashion designers were featured as part of a three-day pop-up fashion market during Move Afrika: Rwanda show week, generating economic opportunities for local creatives, fostering job creation, and promoting cultural integration through the vibrant tapestry of African fashion and design. More than 15 filmmakers participated in a marketing and social media masterclass, in collaboration with the Rwanda Film Office and Rwanda Development Board, which provided critical tools to amplify local stories. “We see this event as just the start of a promising journey for our industry,” said Christian Gakwaya, CEO, Rwanda Events Group, a primary Move Afrika: Rwanda vendor. Move Afrika: Rwanda show highlights and performances will form part of a broadcast special, to be released worldwide in early 2024.
