Kizz Daniel, Timaya to Headline Giants of Africa Festival 2025 in Kigali
Nigerian music heavyweights Kizz Daniel and Timaya have been announced as the headline acts for the 2025 Giants of Africa Festival Closing Concert, set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda.
The weeklong festival, running from July 26 to August 2, will culminate in a high-energy performance from the Afrobeats stars, as the event returns to Rwanda’s capital for another celebration of youth, music, sports, and culture.
Kizz Daniel, known for his chart-topping tracks and electrifying stage presence, will be joined by dancehall veteran Timaya in a show expected to draw over 20,000 attendees. Their appearance marks a major highlight of the festival, which will also host 320 youth athletes from across 20 African countries.
Founded by Toronto Raptors Vice-Chairman and President Masai Ujiri, the Giants of Africa Festival has evolved into one of the continent’s most impactful youth empowerment platforms. While rooted in basketball, the event now blends sport with music, fashion, and leadership development.
This year’s festival will also feature performances by South African DJ Uncle Waffles, Rwandan artist Kevin Kade, and award-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver at the opening ceremony. Other highlights include youth tournaments, leadership workshops, and the unveiling of Zaria Court—a new multipurpose sports and entertainment complex developed by Ujiri.
Attendees can also expect the Threads of Africa Fashion Show, spotlighting emerging designers from Rwanda, South Africa, Niger, and Cameroon.
Since its inception in 2003, Giants of Africa has built courts and hosted camps in 20 African nations. The 2023 edition attracted over 14,000 guests and generated an estimated $1.5 million for Kigali’s economy – a milestone the 2025 event aims to surpass.
With Kizz Daniel and Timaya set to close the show, the 2025 edition promises to be a powerful tribute to the creativity and resilience of Africa’s youth.
