In the heart of Rwanda, under Kigali‘s twinkling lights and city skyline, guests arrived at the Africa Soft Power Gala & Awards night held at Kōzo.
The black carpet featured a dazzling mix of vibrant colours and bold African outfits. Forget fancy tablecloths – the decor was a love letter to Africa, its rich fabrics and handcrafted centre-pieces whispered stories of the continent’s vibrant cultures…
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Award-winning actress and director, Nyokabi Macharia, a Netflix regular you might know from “Big Mouth” and “Country Queen“, took the stage as the host. Her infectious warmth and electric energy set the mood for a night alive with joy and glamour.
This event represents the power we hold as Africans to shape and influence our continent’s narrative.
Declared by Mary Edoro, Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy at BellaNaija, these passionate words were a powerful reminder to all in the room – “we are here to amplify African voices, celebrate the continent’s rich diversity, and celebrate African excellence”.
The night unfolded beautifully as dancers adorned in colourful attire and intricate beadwork, performed the Intore dance filling the room with rhythmic energy. Their movements, a captivating blend of grace, passion, and power, told stories passed down through generations.
Soon, enthusiastic guests joined the performance. This joyous exchange further set the tone for a truly special evening.
Boukuru delivered a breathtaking performance
Bathed in a warm spotlight, Rwandan singer, Christiane Bukuru, professionally known as ‘Boukuru’, took center stage.
Since venturing into ‘Classic Soul’ a relatively new genre in Rwanda, Boukuru has continued to deliver stellar performances at home and abroad. From the opening notes, she captivated the audience. Language and cultural divides dissolved as guests connected with the music, creating a feeling of joy and unity among all present.
Kezem’s Rwandan Narrative, Ejiro Amos Tafiri’s Regal Reverie, and K’tsobe’s Timeless Treasures
The fashion show runway was a vibrant showcase of African creativity excellently curated by Odae Bood, founder of Project Sufuri.
Rwandan brand Kezem stood out with a powerful narrative woven seamlessly into his pieces. The designs were an ode to Rwandan heritage, with bold signature print patterns, cow horns, and cow patches dominating the pieces.
K’tsobe, another Rwandan talent, added a touch of ethereal beauty to the fashion show with jewellery crafted from natural materials. The creations, paired with pieces from Kezem, were made from seeds, wood, horn, silver, and gold, and inspired by diverse cultures around the world. The collection was the perfect finishing touch to a magnificent display of African creativity and excellence.
Ejiro Amos Tafiri, from Nigeria, showcased a beautiful collection of textures and fabrics reminiscent of African royalty. With a delicate balance, Ejiro’s designs illustrated Africa’s rich heritage, while maintaining a modern flair that resonated with the audience. Each piece celebrated the strength and timeless elegance of African women.
Illume Glam Photo Studio photographers were also present to document every colourful moment – from the red carpet, performances, and striking fashion show, to the heartfelt conversations and connections between guests.
Honouring Innovators and Trailblazers
The prestigious Africa Soft Power Awards was the highlight of the evening, recognizing innovators propelling Africa forward in various fields. From inspiring innovators, environmental stewardship, and diaspora engagement, to transformative leadership, the awards celebrated the incredible leaders excelling across a broad range of sectors and fields.
Nkiru Balonwu, Chief Executive of Africa Soft Power Group, affirmed that Africa Soft Power is committed to celebrating and elevating the voices of thought leaders and organizations propelling Africa’s advancement.
This year’s award recipients were:
- ASP Award for Environmental Stewardship. Recipient – The Republic of Kenya (received by Amb. Janet Mwawasi Oben, High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to Rwanda)
- ASP Award for Transformative Leadership. Recipient – Uche Ofodile, CEO, MTN Benin
- ASP Award for Diaspora Engagement and Representation. Recipient – Abdul Karim Abdullah, CEO, Afrofuture Fest
- ASP Award for Systems Change and Women’s Leadership. Recipient – H.E. Dr. Joyce Banda, Former President of Malawi
- ASP Award for Excellence in Leadership & Service. Recipient – HRH Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha
- Remarkable African Women’s Leadership Award. Recipient – Clare Akamanzi, CEO, NBA Africa
As the second edition of the Africa Soft Power Gala and Awards came to a close, the infectious beats of top-rated Rwandan DJ Fiston filled the air, beckoning guests to dance the night away. It was a fitting finale to an evening illustrating the power of African creativity, excellence, and the continent’s global influence.
See more pictures from the event below:
Credit: @eeloom for @africasoftpower