After a dazzling debut last year, The Silver Gala returns for its second edition which will take place at BK Arena on November 1. Organisers shifted the event from Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), hoping to stage a much bigger and more glamorous event which will once again fuse fashion, entertainment, and philanthropy. Founded by globally renowned choreographer and creative activist Sherrie Silver, The Silver Gala is not just a night of red-carpet glamour, but a platform that raises funds to support youth empowerment through the Sherrie Silver Foundation. Proceeds from tickets and auctions go toward initiatives that nurture creative talent and education for young Rwandans. Reflecting on the inaugural edition, Silver said she was proud of how well it captured her vision. “We achieved what we envisioned for the first year from quality of the rooms to the decorations, the fashion people tried. It was nice to see that and of course, there are things to improve because many people didn’t even know what a gala was, but we succeeded in telling our story and highlighting the foundation,” Sherrie Silver told The New Times. This year, the high-profile event expands in both scale and ambition, with preparations underway. “The entertainment this year is very special. We’ve already started rehearsing. It’s still a gala where everyone will have dinner and sit at a table, but the experience will be much grander.” The star-studded lineup includes Masamba Intore, Butera Knowless, Chriss Eazy, Ross Kana, and Sherrie Silver Foundation performers, with a special appearance by fashion executive Ugo Mozie. The night will be hosted by Eric Omondi and Makeda Mahadeo. In addition to the main event, The Silver Gala introduces the Best in Fashion Designer Competition, inviting designers from across East Africa to showcase their creativity. The competition offers a $5,000 cash prize, mentorship from Ugo Mozie, a one-year internet package from Canalbox, and a partnership with the Sherrie Silver Foundation. Seven finalists will present their designs at the gala under the creative direction of Nyambo Masa Mara. Explaining the inspiration behind the gala, Sherrie said it was rooted in her experience attending the Met Gala abroad. “I experienced the Met Gala and felt like we needed something like that in Rwanda. Even though it’s glamorous, it raises money for charity. For us, it’s not about making money — it’s about supporting the foundation and the community,” she said. With this year’s dress code theme being “Tropical Elegance”, Sherrie encourages guests to embrace vivid colors and sophistication. “We want people to interpret the theme in their own way — colorful, green, but elegant. No sandals or shorts. We want people to really dress up and enjoy it,” Sherrie added. Tickets for the Silver Gala are priced at Rwf120,000, which includes a gourmet dinner, drinks, and a seat at a VIP table. For those interested in a more exclusive experience, a table for eight is available for Rwf1 million. By purchasing a ticket or reserving a table, you’ll be directly contributing to the betterment of hundreds of children’s lives through the Sherrie Silver Foundation. All proceeds from the Gala Dinner will fund the foundation’s programs, which currently empower over 600 children and youth.
