The EGOT-winning artist, known for his chart-topping hits, performed a selection of fan favorites like “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 expressed.
Before hitting the stage, Legend took a moment to connect with emerging Rwandan musicians, listening to their stories, learning about their journeys, and sharing his own experiences as a successful artist and producer.
A Celebration of Music, Advocacy, and Local Talent
Move Afrika: Kigali highlighted not just international stars but also the rising talents from Africa’s dynamic music scene. Local artists Bwiza and DJ TOXXYK brought the energy, performing against a backdrop of creative pieces crafted by local designers and artisans.
The entire lineup and atmosphere emphasized the concert’s goal of uplifting Africa’s emerging creative sectors and providing a global stage for the continent’s remarkable talent. Launched in 2023, Move Afrika aims to create a top-notch international music touring circuit across Africa, focusing on driving economic growth, enhancing infrastructure, and building local capabilities in host cities. By boosting the continent’s creative industries, the initiative seeks to create local jobs, develop essential skills training, and encourage youth entrepreneurship, positioning Africa as a major player in the entertainment world and a global destination.
This year, Move Afrika: Kigali really ramped up its efforts to involve local talent. Teaming up with the global production company Done and Dusted and the Rwanda Events Group, they boosted the local crew hiring from 75% in 2023 to 90% in 2025. Plus, Move Afrika expanded its partnership with the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, training 50 young individuals to help with the event and gain hands-on production experience, giving them essential skills for their future careers.
All the performers at Move Afrika shows, including the headliner John Legend, volunteer their time, highlighting their dedication to social impact by giving young Africans and the continent's emerging creative industries a platform.
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| Juno Kizigenza, Nel Ngabo, Angel Umutoni, John Legend and Clement Ishimwe attend Global Citizen’s Move Afrika: Kigali at BK Arena on February 21, 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda. | Getty Images for Global Citizen |
During his performance, Legend fully embraced Rwandan culture, showcasing local fashion by wearing custom pieces from Kigali-based designers Moshions and Tanga.
While in Rwanda, Legend also took the time to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where he learned about and reflected on the heartbreaking history and victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi during the civil war. Around 800,000 people lost their lives in that tragic 100-day period before peace was restored, marking a dark time in the country’s history. Reflecting on his visit, he shared, “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 Forward to Lagos
Move Afrika is solidifying its reputation as a premier pan-African touring circuit featuring international artists, as it broadens its reach from East to West Africa. The upcoming event in this year’s tour will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on February 25, showcasing an exceptional performance by Legend alongside local talents Simi and DJ Consequence.
By blending top-tier entertainment with regional artistry and unmatched creativity, Move Afrika is illustrating how music and artists can drive meaningful change. With his influential presence, Legend emphasized the evening's purpose and highlighted the transformative power of music, both in performance and beyond.