The first two days of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Nile Conference, currently underway at BK Arena in Kigali, have attracted an array of global celebrities and notable personalities eager to witness the best of African basketball. The Nile Conference tipped off on May 17 and runs through May 25, featuring high-energy halftime shows with special performances from both local and international music acts. Leading the celebrity presence is American television star and former Miss Teen USA 2010, Kamie Crawford, who was spotted at the VIP suite during APR’s matchup against South Africa’s Made By Basketball (MBB). Crawford is best known for her work as a former co-host of Catfish: The TV Show until 2024. She also hosted Season 9 of Are You the One? on Paramount and Season 6 of MTV’s Ex on the Beach, in addition to running her popular relationship advice podcast, Relationsht. Also in attendance was renowned Kenyan rapper Octopizzo, founder of the C.B.O. and youth empowerment group Y.G.B. (Young, Gifted, and Black). He was seen courtside during the opening day of the Nile Conference on May 17. Local celebrities have also been turning out for the conference games in full force. YouTuber Cheymuv, singer Juno Kizigenza, Miss Rwanda 2020 Naomie Nishimwe and her well-known Mackenzie sisters, choreographer Cherrie Silver, fashion influencer Kate Bashabe, Isimbi Model, France Mpundu, Miss Rwanda 2012 Aurore Umutesi Kayibanda, radio personality Luckman Nzeyimana and former Miss Rwanda contestant Shanita Umunyana and Claudine Muyango, among many others. The New Times’ photographers, through their lenses, captured different pictures of celebrities flocking courtside and other VIP seats at the BAL Nile Conference taking place at BK Arena.
