Ayra Starr, Kawhi Leonard Headline Giants of Africa Festival 2025

The Giants of Africa Festival 2025, scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 26 to August 2, has just gotten a major boost with the addition of Nigerian pop sensation Ayra Starr and LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard to its impressive lineup.

The festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations and over 20,000 spectators for a week-long celebration of community, culture, basketball, education, and entertainment.

Ayra Starr is set to perform at the festival’s closing concert on August 2, alongside other Afrobeats stars Kizz Daniel and Timaya.

The event’s opening show on July 27 will feature performances by South African DJ Uncle Waffles and MTV VMA-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver, as well as Rwandan artists Kevin Kade, Ruti Joël, Boukuru, and Chriss Easy. Local Rwandan artist Alyn Sano will also perform at the festival’s inaugural Threads of Africa Fashion Show on July 31.

Kawhi Leonard, a two-time NBA champion, will not only be part of the festival’s all-star lineup but will also be mentoring youth campers, opening a new basketball court at St Ignatius School in partnership with Giants of Africa, and hosting a special clinic for 50 local youth at Club Rafiki in one of Kigali’s most underserved districts.

The festival will also feature other celebrity guests, including Robin Roberts, Chiney Ogwumike, Didier Drogba, Michael Blackson, and Boris Kodjoe. Giants of Africa, the non-profit organization behind the festival, aims to empower African youth through basketball.

Its founder, Masai Ujiri, has been vocal about the festival’s impact, recently appearing on The Kelly Clarkson Show and Good Morning America to discuss how it unites communities and drives transformative change across the continent.

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