Kigali is set to host the much-anticipated Giants of Africa Festival 2025, running from July 26 to August 2. This week-long event will bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African countries and is expected to draw over 20,000 spectators for a celebration of basketball, music, culture, fashion, and leadership training.
Founded by Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors, Giants of Africa (GOA) is a pan-African youth empowerment movement. It uses basketball as a tool to inspire, educate, and make a positive difference in lives across the continent.
One of the key highlights of the 2025 festival will be the official launch of Zaria Court. This new, dynamic multi-purpose facility in Kigali will serve as a long-term space for community development and talent growth. “We wanted to create a space where sport meets culture, where talent is nurtured, and where young people can see what’s possible,” Masai Ujiri on the vision for Zaria Court.
The facility includes a basketball court, event spaces, retail outlets, a gym, a five-a-side football pitch, and outdoor public areas, along with an 80-room hotel and sports bar.
The festival’s activities will take place across several venues in Kigali, including BK Arena, Amahoro National Stadium, Petit Stade, Paralympic Gymnasium, and the newly unveiled Zaria Court.
Participants and spectators at the festival will enjoy performances from a diverse lineup of music stars from various African countries. Confirmed artists include:
- Uncle Waffles from South Africa, known for her Amapiano sound, is performing at the opening show.
- Timaya and Kizz Daniel from Nigeria will headline the closing concert.
- The Ben, one of Rwanda’s popular artists, is also performing at the closing concert.
- Rwandan artists Kevin Kade and Ruti Joel, and Boukuru will perform during the opening show.
- Chriss Eazy, a Rwandan singer, is set to perform at the International Youth Day Forum.
- The Sherrie Silver Foundation, led by international Rwandan choreographer Sherrie Silver, will showcase dance and African culture during the opening show and throughout the week.
This diverse lineup aims to create a unique celebration, blending music, culture, and youth empowerment from across the African continent.
“This festival is about more than basketball,” Masai Ujiri said. “It’s about showing young Africans that they can dream big and achieve great things.”
The Giants of Africa Festival 2025 is poised to be a significant event, showcasing the transformative power of sport and culture to uplift and unite African youth. Tickets and more information are available at GOAFestival.org.
