What started nearly a decade ago as a modest concert series has grown into something bigger--a meeting point for rappers, dancers, graffiti artists, fashion designers and other creatives looking to build beyond Rwanda’s borders.
That evolution will take centre stage in Kigali this week when the I Am Hip Hop Festival returns for its 2026 Regional Edition, bringing together more than 100 artistes and creatives from eight countries for a week of collaborations, workshops and performances.
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The festival, which began in 2017 before becoming a full cultural festival in 2024, will bring together artists from Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, the United States, Nigeria, South Sudan, Kenya and Gabon.
But organisers say the gathering is about more than filling a stage with international names.
For a generation of young creatives whose careers can often depend on informal networks, social media and occasional performances, the festival is positioning itself as a space where artists can meet collaborators, sharpen their skills and create work that can survive beyond the festival itself.
Among the expected outcomes are a regional collaborative album, a streetwear capsule collection concept and a documentary.
The idea reflects a broader reality in Rwanda&039;s hip-hop scene: talent is not necessarily the biggest problem. Access to opportunities, mentorship, professional networks and audiences remains a challenge.
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The organisers, Green Ferry Music, say the regional edition was designed partly to address those gaps.
"As I Am Hip Hop Festival returns with its Regional Edition, we continue our mission of positioning hip-hop as a tool for cultural exchange, professional development, and regional connection,” Green Ferry Music Management said.
"Despite a vibrant youth culture, artists continue to face barriers, including limited opportunities for collaboration, access to facilities, mentorship, and sustainable professional opportunities.”
The festival's programme reflects creative ecosystem ambition.
Alongside rap performances, it will feature breakdancing, graffiti, DJ sets, streetwear and pop-up shops, bringing together different parts of urban culture that are often treated separately.
On August 26, STRIVE, a local clothing and streetwear brand, will join the festival through STRIVE LAB, an open-access experience built around fashion, creativity and community.
The programme will include streetwear activities, creative experiences, a runway and collection launch, live performances and DJ sets.
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The main festival will then take place on August 28 and 29 at the Institut Français du Rwanda, with gates opening at 3pm on both days.
The lineup includes some of Rwanda's established and emerging hip-hop voices, including B-Threy, Racine, Icenova, RoMeo Rapstar, Shmadoek and Prime Mazimpaka alongside artists from across the continent and beyond.
Burundi will be represented by 9KR, Gabon by NHT, Nigeria by Max Prodigy, Kenya by BenaiA, South Sudan by $TiN0 and the United States by Swatara.
Uganda will be represented by graffiti artist and creative lead Eli Jah and BBOY Droplets Flower, who will contribute to the Rwanda-Uganda cultural exchange.
Other performers include Taz, Raiza Biza, Dylack, Slum Drip, White Monkey, Sano Boi, Jay Pac, Long Jay, Poppa, Hunni, Rynax, Josskid, King Pac, Darkello and Big Zed, among others.
The scale marks a notable expansion from the festival's earlier editions.
In July, organisers announced that more than 30 East African acts would take part in the regional edition, with the programme built around collaboration between artists from Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi.
The latest programme has expanded that regional focus to include creatives from eight countries.
Local rappers, bigger stage
One of the festival's clearest attempts to widen access is its open mic programme.
An open call attracted more than 70 rappers seeking an opportunity to perform.
The organisers could not accommodate everyone, but the response itself became a measure of the appetite for platforms among Rwanda's hip-hop community.
"We wanted to create more opportunities for local artists, and the response was encouraging, with more than 70 rappers answering the open call,” Green Ferry Music Management said.
"While we could not accommodate everyone due to the time and resources available, the response shows that Rwanda has a vibrant hip-hop community and strong potential for the future.”
The open mic will begin at 4pm on both festival days, giving emerging artists an opportunity to perform before the main programme gets into full swing.
The public festival will run from 3pm to 11pm on August 28 and 29.
Tickets for the festival are on sale through Green Ferry Music's ticketing platform at Rwf10,000 for general admission while students will pay Rwf5,000.