Organisers of the ‘I Am Hip Hop Festival’ (IAHHF) 2025 have promised to deliver an even more explosive celebration of hip-hop culture, building on the success of last year's maiden edition. The two-day festival, whose performers are exclusively rappers, is slated for July 4-5, at Institut Français, Kimihurura. Organised by Green Ferry Music, Kigali’s renowned record label known to have played a big role in shaping young hip hop stars, the festival is the only one of its kind in Rwanda, offering a unique mix of live concerts, breakdancing battles, graffiti showcases, DJ sets, streetwear exhibitions, and pop-up shops among others. With the event fast approaching, organisers are putting the final touches on what promises to be a legendary experience. The festival team is currently finalizing and coordinating rehearsals to ensure every performance exceeds expectations. We're in the final stretch. Currently locking in the festival lineup and mapping out rehearsals to ensure every performance is nothing short of legendary,” one of the organisers told The New Times. “The inaugural IAHHF 2024 set an incredibly high bar, delivering an event packed with energy, culture, and unforgettable moments that resonated deeply with both fans and artistes. It only met its ambitious goals but established a foundation for something even more spectacular,” he added. Following last year's successful spotlight on legendary BMX photographer Olivier Weidemann from France, IAHHF 2025 will this time welcome world-renowned graffiti and painter Pablito Zago to the mix. The overwhelming positive response from attendees and performers has fueled the organisers’ determination to elevate the 2025 edition to new heights. Organisers have curated a fresh, dynamic roster designed to surprise fans and create a more inclusive festival experience. The carefully selected performers promise to deliver the unexpected while staying true to hip-hop's authentic roots. “Attendees can expect far more than just musical performances,” said the member of the festival organising team. “IAHHF 2025 promises a nonstop explosion of hip-hop culture featuring Interactive rap workshops led by industry professionals, dance performances showcasing various hip-hop, Live graffiti art demonstrations and installation, streetwear pop-ups featuring emerging and established brands and multiple cultural activations celebrating hip-hop's rich heritage.” While final scheduling details are being finalized, organisers revealed that each day will feature carefully curated performances designed to maintain sky-high energy levels throughout the event. The lineup includes Barick music, Bulldogg, Afrojiggy, AY, Big zed, Jay C, Chaka Fella, De Boy Gama, DJ Black, Thedicekid, Sano Boi, DJ Samish, Hollix, G-llain, Hunni, DJ Gulain, Josskid, White Monkey, Taz, Ngaara, Nzeythegreat, Racine, Pogatsa, Redink, Romeo Rapstar, Rosh Knight, DJU Griffin, P-Fla, Icenova, Underworra, Kingz Band and Zeo Trap. I Am Hip Hop festival originated from a series of concerts dubbed I Am Hip Hop.” First held on July 8, 2017, the event was at the time organized by rapper Prime Mazimpaka and Green Ferry Music. The event ran for eight seasons, taking place at different locations around Kigali City, witnessing remarkable growth, with artistes demonstrating unparalleled creativity and gaining widespread recognition.
