Move Afrika made a triumphant return this past weekend to Kigali, delivering a stunning night of music and citizen-led advocacy hosted by John Legend in front of a sold out crowd at BK Arena.
The EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum artist and producer performed a setlist studded with some of his greatest hits, including “Ordinary People,” “Green Light,” and “All of Me.”
“I am so proud to be here, my first-ever performance in Kigali, in East Africa, and in Rwanda. We are here tonight because we love you. Because we want to celebrate music and love because we feel connected to you,” Legend said.
Before he took the stage, Legend took time to meet with upcoming Rwandan musical talent to hear their stories, learn more about their experiences, and share insights from his journey to becoming an award-winning producer and artist.
A Celebration of Music, Advocacy, and Local Talent
Move Afrika: Kigali showcased not only global superstars, but also rising stars among Africa’s vibrant music landscape. Local artists Bwiza and DJ TOXXYK also electrified the stage, which was set against a backdrop of creative works put together by local designers and artisans.
The lineup and setting all underscored the concert’s mission to elevate Africa’s emerging creative industries and provide a global platform for the continent’s incredible talent. Launched in 2023, Move Afrika is a long-term effort to establish a world-class international music touring circuit throughout Africa, with an aim to drive economic investment, expand infrastructure, and build local capacity within host cities. By catalyzing the continent’s creative industries, the goal is to generate local jobs, develop essential skills training, and foster youth entrepreneurship opportunities to position the continent as an entertainment powerhouse and global destination.
This year, the production of Move Afrika: Kigali focused on stepping up its efforts to engage local talent. In collaboration with global production company Done and Dusted and the Rwanda Events Group, this year’s concert increased the proportion of local crew hired from 75% in 2023 to 90% in 2025. Additionally, Move Afrika expanded its partnership with the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, training 50 young people to support the event and provide hands-on production experience to equip them with valuable skills needed to enhance their future careers.
All performers at Move Afrika shows – including headline act John Legend – are unpaid and donate their time to the cause, underscoring their commitment to social impact by sharing the spotlight to platform young Africans and the continent’s nascent creative industries.
Mobile Clinic Brings Essential Services to Kimisagara
Global Citizen, in partnership with the Rwandan Ministry of Health, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, and Imbuto Foundation, launched a mobile clinic initiative to expand access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. On February 15, the Maison des Jeunes Youth Centre in Kimisagara, Nyarugenge hosted health education, screenings, and services, all free to the community. Lots of Global Citizens came out to take part in activities, including HPV DNA self-sampling tests, interactive discussions on sexual health, workshops on decision-making, mental health assessments, and breast self-exams. The initiative increased awareness and access to essential health services, particularly for youth and underserved populations.
Creative Fellows Film Workshop: Empowering African Storyteller
On February 19, Kigali became the creative heartbeat of Africa as aspiring filmmakers gathered for the Creative Fellows Film Workshop, a high-energy collaboration with the Rwanda Film Office and the Rwanda Development Board. Now in its second year, this hands-on workshop explored "The Business of Film," equipping filmmakers with critical industry knowledge, from crafting compelling pitches to navigating the complexities of film financing. The excitement peaked during a high-stakes pitch-a-thon, where participants showcased their healthcare-themed short film concepts to industry heavyweights, including Global Citizen Chief Growth & Marketing Officer, Caralene Robinson. The event wasn’t just about storytelling — it was about giving African filmmakers the keys to the global stage.
John Legend in Kigali
During his performance, Legend fully embraced and celebrated Rwandan culture, fashion, and its local creative economy by wearing custom designs by Kigali-based fashion houses Moshions and Tanga.
Also while in Rwanda, Legend made time to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where he learned about and emotionally reflected on the tragic history and victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi during the country’s civil war. An estimated 800,000 people were killed during the roughly 100-day long genocide before peace could finally be re-established, marking one of the darkest chapters in the country’s history. Remarking upon his visit, he said “We were sad, we were crying, we were angry, we were heartbroken. But we were also educated.” He added, “We can do better, but part of it is through learning through the past.”
Looking Ahead to Lagos
Cementing its status as a pan-African touring circuit headlined by international artists, Move Afrika is expanding its footprint from East to West Africa. The next stop on this year’s tour is Lagos, Nigeria on February 25, promising another show-stopping performance by Legend along with local artists Simi and DJ Consequence.
By fusing world-class entertainment with local talent and unparalleled creativity, Move Afrika is proving that music and artists can be a catalyst for change. Lending his star power, Legend reinforced the evening’s mission and demonstrated the power of music, both on and off the stage.