Nigerian pop star Ayra Starr and LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard have joined the star-studded lineup for the 2025 Giants of Africa Festival, set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 26 to August 2.
The week-long festival will host 320 young athletes from 20 African countries and draw over 20,000 spectators to celebrate basketball, culture, education, community, and entertainment.
Ayra Starr is slated to perform at the closing concert on August 2, alongside top Afrobeats artists Kizz Daniel and Timaya.
The festival’s first-ever Threads of Africa Fashion Show, scheduled for July 31, will feature a performance by Rwandan singer Alyn Sano.
The opening ceremony on July 27 promises to kick off the week with high energy, showcasing performances from South African DJ Uncle Waffles, MTV VMA-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver, and Rwandan talents Kevin Kade, Ruti Joël, Boukuru, and Chriss Easy.
NBA Star Kawhi Leonard Joins the Movement
Two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard will contribute to the youth-focused initiative by mentoring participants, unveiling a newly constructed basketball court at St Ignatius School, and leading a clinic for 50 young athletes at Club Rafiki, located in one of Kigali’s underserved communities.
Star-Studded Guest List
Other high-profile guests confirmed for the festival include Robin Roberts, Chiney Ogwumike, Didier Drogba, Michael Blackson, Boris Kodjoe, among others.
About Giants of Africa
Founded by NBA executive and former player Masai Ujiri, Giants of Africa is a non-profit organisation committed to empowering African youth through basketball.
Ujiri recently appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and Good Morning America, where he spoke about the festival’s power to unite communities and inspire transformative change across Africa.
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