Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr and NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard have officially joined the growing list of high-profile names slated to appear at the Giants of Africa Festival 2025, set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 26 to August 2.

Organizers announced that the weeklong festival will bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African countries, drawing more than 20,000 spectators for an unforgettable celebration of basketball, music, fashion, education, and community development.

Ayra Starr to Close the Festival with a Bang

Ayra Starr, one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising global Afrobeats stars, will headline the closing concert on August 2, delivering what promises to be an electrifying performance. She will share the stage with Afrobeats heavyweights Kizz Daniel and Timaya, rounding out the festival’s week of top-tier musical performances.

Meanwhile, the festival will launch with an explosive opening concert on July 27, featuring renowned South African DJ Uncle Waffles, who has taken the global Amapiano scene by storm. The show will also include a special performance by MTV VMA-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver, famed for her work on Childish Gambino’s This Is America.

Adding to the regional flair, Rwandan artists Kevin Kade, Ruti Joël, Boukuru, and Chriss Easy will showcase local talent on the festival’s opening weekend, bringing a dynamic fusion of African rhythms and youth energy.

Kawhi Leonard to Mentor Youth and Launch Basketball Projects

In an inspiring move, Kawhi Leonard, a two-time NBA champion and current LA Clippers forward, will participate directly in festival activities. He will take part in mentorship sessions with young athletes, open a new basketball court at St. Ignatius School in partnership with Giants of Africa, and conduct a youth basketball clinic for 50 kids at Club Rafiki, one of Kigali’s most underserved neighborhoods.

Leonard’s involvement underscores the festival’s mission of using sports as a tool for transformation and youth empowerment across Africa.

Fashion, Culture, and Celebrity Appearances Galore

The 2025 edition of Giants of Africa will also feature the debut of the Threads of Africa Fashion Show on July 31, celebrating the continent’s fashion heritage and innovation. Rwandan vocal powerhouse Alyn Sano is scheduled to perform at the event, adding a musical touch to the runway show.

Throughout the week, Kigali will host a range of celebrity appearances and inspirational talks, with confirmed guests including:

• Robin Roberts, anchor of Good Morning America

• Chiney Ogwumike, WNBA star and ESPN analyst

• Didier Drogba, Ivorian football legend

• Michael Blackson, Ghanaian-American comedian

• Boris Kodjoe, actor and philanthropist

Each will contribute to various festival components, ranging from youth workshops and mentoring sessions to community outreach and social impact discussions.

The Vision Behind Giants of Africa

Founded by Masai Ujiri, President and Vice Chairman of the Toronto Raptors, Giants of Africa is a non-profit dedicated to empowering African youth through basketball and holistic development. Ujiri, a former professional player himself, has long championed the role of sports in creating opportunity, unity, and purpose for African youth.

Ujiri recently appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and Good Morning America to highlight how the festival not only celebrates African talent but also fosters meaningful development across the continent.

“We want to empower youth, unite communities, and drive transformative change in Africa through basketball, culture, and opportunity,” Ujiri said during his interviews. “This festival is a manifestation of that vision.”

Empowering the Next Generation

Giants of Africa has evolved into a pan-African initiative with active programs across multiple countries, offering camps, leadership development, infrastructure projects, and scholarships. The festival in Kigali is the culmination of years of grassroots work and growing continental impact.

In addition to games and entertainment, the 2025 festival will include educational sessions focusing on topics like leadership, entrepreneurship, gender inclusion, and social responsibility, giving participants tools for success beyond the basketball court.

Kigali to Host Africa’s Largest Basketball and Culture Festival

With a blend of sporting excellence, musical performance, fashion innovation, and global celebrity support, the Giants of Africa Festival 2025 is poised to be one of the biggest African youth events of the year. Kigali’s state-of-the-art venues and vibrant cultural scene make it an ideal backdrop for the festival’s ambitious goals.

This year’s edition reinforces the message that Africa’s youth are not just future leaders—but present-day changemakers, deserving of the stage, the spotlight, and sustained global investment.

As July 26 approaches, all eyes will be on Kigali—and the next generation of African greatness that will be on full display.