The inaugural Move Afrika concert, which took place on December 6 at the packed BK Arena in Kigali, marked the commencement of a five-year phased tour plan. This ambitious initiative aims to establish a top-tier music touring circuit throughout Africa, revolutionizing the landscape of live entertainment on the continent.

In a press release, the festival organizers underscored the diverse opportunities that have been generated for Rwandans across various sectors.

More than 70 singers and dancers from the local community took part in the Move Afrika: Rwanda stage. In addition to them, extra dancers and choreographers played a role in shaping the international broadcast program set to debut in the early part of next year. Notably, dancers affiliated with the Sherrie Silver Foundation shared the stage with Kendrick Lamar during his headline performance. A significant number of these performers hail from underprivileged backgrounds and economically challenged communities, demonstrating how their skills and ingenuity have been instrumental in improving the financial circumstances of their families.

A group of 200 young individuals aged between 16 and 21 from four districts were treated to an all-expenses-paid trip, courtesy of pgLang, to experience the Move Afrika event from a front-of-stage perspective. The stage, featuring designs inspired by traditional Kitenge fabric, was meticulously crafted by Stufish in collaboration with local artist Dolph Banza. To enhance the visual spectacle, traditional Agaseke peace baskets, crafted by 20 artisans from the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, were repurposed as dynamic lighting fixtures, becoming the focal point of the Move Afrika: Rwanda stage and showcasing the creative excellence of Rwanda to a global audience.

Notably, Whitney Alford, Kendrick Lamar’s wife, visited the women at the Nyamirambo center during this event.

In alignment with its five-year commitment to Rwanda, Move Afrika aims to build on these collaborations, creating lasting opportunities for local entrepreneurs and establishing enduring partnerships that open doors for more international artists to showcase their talents in Rwanda.

Afrika Move collaborated with the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator in Kigali to enlist, educate, and enhance the skills of 35 individuals aged 18-25. These young participants underwent on-site training and shadowed event teams during the project, gaining valuable work experience at a top-notch live music event.

Local and regional fashion designers took center stage in a three-day pop-up fashion market as part of Move Afrika: Rwanda show week. This initiative not only created economic opportunities for local creatives but also contributed to job creation and cultural integration through the vibrant mosaic of African fashion and design.

Over 15 filmmakers actively engaged in a marketing and social media masterclass, organized in collaboration with the Rwanda Film Office and Rwanda Development Board. This program equipped them with essential tools to enhance the visibility of local stories.

Christian Gakwaya, CEO of Rwanda Events Group, a key vendor for Move Afrika: Rwanda, expressed optimism about the event, stating, “We see this as just the beginning of a promising journey for our industry.”

The highlights and performances from the Move Afrika: Rwanda show will be featured in a broadcast special set to be released globally in early 2024.