Africa-Press – Rwanda. The Giants of Africa 2025 festival, held in Kigali, was a week-long celebration of African culture, sports, and unity, drawing visitors from across Africa and the world.
One of the festival’s biggest highlights was the grand unveiling of Zaria Court, a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue located near the revamped Amahoro Stadium, inaugurated by President Paul Kagame and Masai Ujiri.
The festival was a vibrant mix of entertainment, sports and fashion, and community engagement activities.
The community-driven Umuganda initiative in Gatenga marked the opening of the festival, the came the Threads of Africa Fashion Show which drew fashion enthusiasts at Zaria Court to celebrate African heritage through fashion.
Basketball enthusiasts were also treated to an All-Star Game at Zaria Court, showcasing some of Africa’s finest talents in basketbal.
The festival’s closing event brought the week to a thrilling end with electrifying performances from Nigerian trio Timaya, Kizz Daniel and headline act Ayra Starr as well as Rwanda’s very own The Ben.
Additionally, the GOA Basketball Camp on August 3 at Rafiki Club in Nyamirambo brought together 50 young athletes from 20 African countries, all aged 12 to 17, for a day of skill-building and mentorship led by LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard who was joined by President Paul Kagame and Giants of Africa Co-founder Masai Ujiri.
Through the lenses, TNT photographers Olivier Mugwiza and Dan Gatsinzi covered the week-long festival, capturing the essence of Africa’s sports, fashion, and spirit of unity.
Zaria Court Kigali unveiling
President Paul Kagame and Giants of Africa Co-founder Masai Ujiri unveil Zaria Court in Remera, Kigali on July 28. Photo by Dan Gatsinzi
Rwanda’s Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire, Masai Ujiri, President Paul Kagame and Zaria Court project co-sponsor Andrew Feinstein pose for a photo during the official unveiling of the facility on July 28.
Kagame and Ujiri sat for an interaction session during the official inauguration of Zaria Court in Remera, Kigali. Photo by Dan Gatsinzi
Masai Ujiri, his wife Ramatu Ujiri and their three kids during the official inauguration of Zaria Court in Kigali on Monday, July 28
Some Giants of Africa delegates interact at the official opening of Zaria Court.
International Youth Day
Rwandan musician Chriss Ezy performs during the International Youth Day at BK Arena on July 27
The Giants of Africa’s International Youth Day attracted more than 2,000 participants at BK Arena
The International Youth Day featured a host of entertainment activities from African performers
Minister of State for Youth and Arts Sandrine Umutoni was among officials who attended the International Youth Day on July 27
Participants during Giants Of Africa 2025: International Youth Day at BK Arena in Kigali on July 27. Photos by Olivier Mugwiza
Threads of Africa fashion
South Africa-based Rwandan fashion designer Masa Mara showcased his collections at the Threads of Africa fashion show in Kigali on August 1
Models walk down the stage during the Threads of Africa fashion show at Zaria Court on August 1
The Threads of Africa made its debut in Giants of Africa festival as part of celebrating African heritage through fashion
A host of models queue the stage inside Zaira Court Kigali for a catwalk during the Threads of Africa fashion showcase
South Africa-based Rwandan fashion designer Masa Mara showcased his collections at the Threads of Africa fashion show in Kigali on August 1
Giants Of Africa Festival: Umuganda in Gatenga Sector
Giants of Africa delegates participating in Umuganda
Giants of Africa festival delegates joined residents in Gatenga Sector, Kicukiro District for the monthly Umuganda community service on July 26
Giants of Africa Co-founder Masai Ujiri was also among delegates who participated in Umuganda on the opening day of the GOA festival
Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire and Kenyan funnyman Crazy Kennar participated in Umuganda activity alongside other Giants of African delegates
GOA2025: Closing concert
Ayra Starr left her mark on her first performance in Kigali at the GOA Closing Concert on Saturday, August 2
Dancers lift Ayra Star up during her performance in Kigali
Nigerian star musician Ayra Starr is crowed by a group dancers on stage during her first performance in Kigali on Saturday, August 2-Olivier Mugwiza
BK Arena was packed to full capacity as musicians Ayra Starr, Kizz Daniel, Timaya and The Ben performed at the GOA Closing Concert on Saturday, August 2
Kizz Daniel also had a good performance on the Giants of Africa closing concert
It was probably Kizz Daniel’s first time performing before such a big crowd in Kigali
Timaya on stage during the GOA closing concert at BK Arena on Saturday, August 2
An already entertained music reveler cheers to the artist on stage during the Giants of Africa closing concert
Timaya on stage during the GOA closing concert at BK Arena on Saturday, August 2
Giants of Africa Camp – Club Rafiki
President Kagame joins Giants of Africa Co-founder Masai Ujiri, and two-time NBA Champion Kawhi Leonard at Rafiki Club on Sunday, August 3. Photos by Village Urugwiro
Some basketball coaches lead the sessions at the basketball camp at Club Rafiki.
Some 50 basketball prospects from different parts of Africa attend Kwahi Leonard’s basketball camp at Club Rafiki located in Nyamirambo, Kigali
Kagame, Leonard and Ujiri watch on as a young basketball camper prepares to shoot
President Paul Kagame joined Los Angeles Clippers power forward Kawhi Leonard during a basketball camp at Club Rafiki
Kagame, Leonard and Ujiri watch on as a young basketball camper prepares to shoot
GOA 2025: All Stars game
Rwanda’s Kayijuka dribbles past a Senegalese opponent during the final of the GOA basketball tournament. He was named tournament MVP
Basketball teams from 20 countries parade inside BK Arena during the official opening of Giants of Africa festival on July 27-Olivier Mugwiza
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