Ghanaian Afrobeats star Gregory Bortey Newman, popularly known as King Promise, has promised a five-star performance at the opening of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Nile Conference scheduled for Saturday, May 17 at BK Arena in Kigali. ALSO READ: APR to face Nairobi City Thunder in Nile Conference opener The ‘Terminator’ hitmaker arrived in Kigali on Wednesday night, May 14, where he will headline entertainment for the opening game between home side APR Basketball Club and Nairobi City Thunder. Speaking to The New Times shortly after his arrival at Kigali International Airport, King Promise said, “My fans should expect a five-star performance. I’m looking forward to meeting new people on the ground and connecting at the BAL.” “It’s a significant opportunity to be part of such a major showcase on the African continent,” he added. ALSO READ: Which basketball events will be hosted in Rwanda this year? This marks the singer’s second time performing in Kigali. Ahead of his performance, he expressed his excitement about exploring more of the city and learning about Rwanda’s pop culture. “I’m excited to be here. It’s my second time in Kigali, and I’m looking forward to the good weather,” he added. King Promise returns to Rwanda fresh off a triumphant showing at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards, where he was named Artiste of the Year. He also took home awards for Afropop Song of the Year with Paris, Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste of the Year, and Album of the Year for True to Self. During the Nile Conference, King Promise will share the stage with top Rwandan musical talents, including Ariel Wayz, Kivumbi King, and rising rapper Kid from Kigali. Rwandan side APR is among four teams vying for two spots up for grabs to qualify for the BAL Playoffs which will take place in Pretoria, South Africa in June. The other contenders include Al Ahly Tripoli (Libya), Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya), and Made In Ball Basketball (South Africa). Launched in 2019, through a partnership between the NBA and FIBA, the Basketball Africa League has quickly grown into a premier platform for showcasing top-tier basketball talent across the continent.
