Internationally acclaimed musician John Legend delivered an electrifying performance at the Move Afrika concert in Kigali, Rwanda, defying calls to boycott the country over political concerns.
The concert, organized by Global Citizen, marked the second edition of the pan-African initiative and drew a massive crowd of over 10,000 fans at BK Arena on February 21, 2025.
Performing in Rwanda for the first time, Legend expressed his deep appreciation for the country and its people. "I am so happy to be here," he told the crowd. "We arrived in Kigali this morning, and even before seeing you all, I could feel the warmth and beauty of this city." The concert was graced by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, further cementing the event’s significance.
However, Legend’s participation was met with controversy. On February 7, 2025, he received a letter from the Human Rights Foundation, urging him to cancel his Kigali performance due to allegations that Rwanda supports the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nigerian artist Tems, scheduled to perform in Rwanda on March 22, 2025, had previously canceled her concert over similar concerns.
In an interview with BBC, Legend acknowledged the pressure but remained resolute in his decision. "Yes, I saw the letter. They asked me not to perform," he said. "But I believe in the mission of Move Afrika, and I didn’t want to stray from that." He also emphasized that while he may not always agree with political leaders, that should not translate into punishing an entire nation.
"I don’t think we should punish the people of Rwanda, or any country, just because we disagree with their leaders," he stated. "Music is about love, unity, and bringing people together." His words resonated deeply with the Rwandan audience, who cheered him on throughout the night.
The Move Afrika initiative is more than just a concert—it’s a movement aimed at boosting Africa’s creative industries. The Kigali event alone created thousands of jobs, with 90% of the workforce being Rwandan. From lighting and sound engineering to event management, the concert highlighted Rwanda’s growing expertise in large-scale event production.
Hugh Evans, co-founder of Global Citizen, praised the impact of the event. "Building a world-class touring platform in Africa is no small feat," he said. "What we witnessed in Kigali was historic, and it will leave a lasting impression on Rwanda’s youth."
Following the success of the Kigali edition, Move Afrika will head to Lagos, Nigeria, on February 25, 2025. With its growing influence, the initiative continues to position Africa as a global hub for music, culture, and economic opportunity.
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