Renowned Rwandan musician Bruce Melodie and DJ Niny will headline performance at the highly-anticipated Professional Fighters League (PFL) semifinals slated for October 18 in Kigali. The performance is part of a groundbreaking multi-year partnership between PFL and Afro Nation, the world’s leading Afrobeats festival brand, aimed at merging elite mixed martial arts with African music and culture. ALSO READ: Why Rwanda is a top destination for events, conferences The development kicked off with major entertainment integrations led by Afro Nation United at PFL Africa’s inaugural events in Cape Town and Johannesburg. It will culminate in the PFL Africa Finals this December, following the highly anticipated semifinals in Rwanda, where both Bruce Melodie and DJ Niny are set to headline live performances. “This is about more than the fight or the festival — it’s about culture, identity, and global visibility,” said Elias Schulze, General Manager of PFL Africa, in a statement. “Afro Nation has built a global platform for African music. PFL Africa is building one for African sport. Together, we’re creating something truly transformative,” he added. ALSO READ: PFL Africa in Kigali: A knockout moment for East Africa's MMA dreams Each event combines top-tier Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition with curated after-parties, live shows, and immersive fan experiences that bring Afro Nation’s signature festival energy into the PFL arena. Afro Nation CEO Obi Askia echoed the sentiment, saying, “Whether it be across music, sport, fashion, or culture, our mission is to champion the best of our continent. This partnership is just the beginning of an ambitious program designed to celebrate African excellence on a global stage.” This marks the first time a professional MMA league has partnered with an international music festival brand — an unprecedented crossover that redefines how sport and entertainment are delivered across Africa. Beyond the continent, the partnership extends to Afro Nation’s global stages, with PFL Africa featuring at festivals in Portugal, London, and Tenerife. Both organizations will also collaborate on joint media projects, sponsorships, and talent development programs to empower rising athletes and artists across borders. Supported by Helios Investment Partners, PFL Africa launched in 2025 with a four-event season featuring 32 athletes from 14 African nations.
