Excitement is in the air; the vibrant energy is already setting in as the Giants of Africa Festival (GOA) nears. Final touches on the spectacular BK Arena are ongoing as the stage is being laid out for what is expected to be a one-of-a-kind event to mark the 20th anniversary of GOA. For many, it is all about the artistes who are going to be performing during the one-week festival, from Nigeria’s award-winning stars Davido and Tiwa Savage, Tanzanian Bongo Flava recording artiste Diamond Platnumz, South African songstress Tyla, to Rwanda’s very own Bruce Melodie, and others but the celebration is much more than just music. For obvious reasons, all eyes are on the opening ceremony, which will take place at BK Arena this Sunday, from 4-6 p.m. Take note of the time. It is not your usual concert. The Giants of Africa Festival will kick off with an opening ceremony celebration honouring the 250-participating youth from the 16 different African countries, in what will be a fusion of sports, entertainment and culture. The event will feature a parade of the athletes and musical performances by Diamond Platnumz, Sherrie Silver, and Massamba Intore. The GOA festival, which unfolds from Sunday, August 13 - 19, promises to be an unforgettable week of unity, empowerment, and sheer celebration to mark two decades of dedication to nurturing African youth through sports, education, and culture. Christian Intwali, working with Intore Entertainment, as the local co-organiser, said people should expect a unique festival, different from any event they’ve known. What people should expect is different types of setups, from what we are used to, he said, adding that everything will be different, from the unique stage setup to innovative decorations and branding. You can see that people invested their ideas in this, and it looks way different from what they were used to, Intwali added. He said that the evening will also feature inspirational speeches from captains of the sports industry, including high-profile leaders and sports moguls. Before all the festivities in the BK Arena, another highlight of the day will be the unveiling of a new basketball court at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. The court, a testament to Giants of Africa's commitment to youth empowerment through sports, will serve as the canvas upon which dreams are woven. But the festival is not just about the game; it's about igniting dreams and fostering connections. A basketball clinic led by GOA coaches will be conducted at the brand-new court to teach skills and discipline to the next generation of Rwanda’s aspiring sportsmen and women. Amid the grandeur, the Dream Big leadership and educational session will take centre stage where distinguished individuals from diverse fields will share insights, stories, and wisdom to inspire the continent’s youth. But it goes without mentioning that it will certainly be Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz and Rwanda’s Intore Masamba, Bruce Melodie and Sherie Silver, who will set the stage on fire with spectacular performances to cap the day. We are expecting an amazing event on Sunday,” Intwali said, adding that the evening's concert will be the perfect crescendo to a day of learning and celebration, calling on young people to prepare Day 2: Education and Inspiration - August 14 The festival's second day, Monday August 14th, will be back to serious business with the On-Court Basketball Skills Development Camp, featuring 250+ boys and girls from the 16 participating countries continuing, led by GOA’s NBA coaches and personnel. The afternoon will be the “Dream Big Leadership and Educational Session” for Youth Campers at BK Arena This ‘lunch and learn’ style event will bring together the campers to hear from key industry leaders in the world of sports, entertainment, politics and business as they share compelling stories and insights. The format will be casual and approachable allowing campers to ask questions and participate in the conversations. Day 3: Skill and Thrill - August 15 On August 15, the festival deepens its connection with the sport of basketball. Youth campers will demonstrate their newly honed skills on the court, guided by GOA's NBA coaches and personnel. The BK Arena will witness a fusion of athleticism, teamwork, and determination as these young athletes give their all. Another Dream Big session will take place, ensuring that attendees leave with not only improved basketball skills but also a renewed sense of ambition. Day 4: The Heart of Competition - August 16 As the festival progresses into August 16th, the anticipation will reach a crescendo with the commencement of the Boys and Girls Basketball Tournament. Teams representing their countries will engage in fierce competition, navigating the court with skill and strategy. The day's intensity is balanced by the final Dream Big session, ensuring that as the sun sets, campers are equipped with the tools to pursue their dreams beyond the festival's borders. Day 5: A Triumph of Talent - August 17-18 August 17 and 18, will bring the climax of the tournament, as teams vie for supremacy in the Boys and Girls Basketball Tournament. The BK Arena is expected to be transformed into an arena of cheers and camaraderie, as young and aspiring basketball players battle it out on the court. The festival's spirit of unity will be as vibrant as ever, and as night falls, the Championship & All-Star Games will take the stage, showcasing the culmination of talent and teamwork by the young players from across the continent. Day 6: Community and Celebration - August 19 In a fitting tribute to Rwanda's commitment to communal responsibility, August 19 is dedicated to the monthly communal work—Umuganda. Participants will join Rwandans in Umuganda, embodying the festival's broader message of collective action. And as the sun sets on the final day of the festival, a symphony of musical talent will grace the stage, as Davido, Tiwa Savage, Tyla, Bruce Melodie and more will come together for the closing concert. It is a climax many are looking up to, with the continental stars expected to fill up the Remera-based sports facility and as Intwali puts it, you don’t want to miss out. Get your tickets before it is too late. Giants of Africa, co-founded by Toronto Raptors’ president Masai Ujiri and supported by the NBA, in 2021 announced a 100-court investment in the infrastructure of basketball throughout Africa under the “Built Within” initiative. It is under this physical infrastructure initiative that several basketball courts will be unveiled in Rwanda, including at Kimisagara Youth Centre, to add to already existing ones. President Paul Kagame and the First Lady are expected to grace some of the activities which stretch over eight days.
