Fans of Kendrick Lamar are gearing up to see the Grammy award-winning US rapper headline Wednesday evening’s Move Afrika concert in Rwanda.
Global Citizen – a charity seeking to aim extreme poverty – has collaborated with Kendrick Lamar’s company pdLang to put on the music event in Kigali.
32-year-old Jules Gahrima, a long-time fan of Lamar, told the BBC he has pulled together a hip-hop-inspired outfit, consisting of “denim pants, a hoodie, and a cap”, to see his idol perform.
“He is one of the best artists of our generation,” he told the BBC.
Lamar will perform after Rwandan artists like Bruce Melodie and Ariel Wayz. Artists from other African countries, such as Tanzanian singer Zuche will also grace the stage.
Black Panther actor Winston Duke will host the event.
The excitement among music lovers in Rwanda is palpable – Mr Gahrima says tickets sold out quickly despite the high price point. A portion of tickets were given away for free via an online draw.
Move Afrika is part of a five-year touring series, curated by Lamar, that is set to expand across the African continent.
Global Citizen said the series “aims to promote health and equity, defend our planet, and create jobs and economic opportunity” on the continent.
It hopes to drive investment by engaging local vendors, agencies, artists, and crews, as well as providing opportunities.
Mr Gahrima hopes the inaugural concert on Wednesday will “open doors for other global artists” to come not only to Rwanda but to other African countries too.
Source: BBC