Kigali, Rwanda | 21 August 2026 – Global Afrobeats star Rema will headline the Kwita Izina Concert at BK Arena in Kigali on Saturday, 5 September 2026, bringing one of Africa’s biggest music stars to Rwanda for the culminating entertainment event of this year’s Kwita Izina celebrations.

The concert will take place a day after the 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony, scheduled for Friday, 4 September in Kinigi, Musanze District, under the theme “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future.”

Kwita Izina is Rwanda’s flagship celebration of mountain gorilla conservation, bringing together conservationists, communities, global leaders, partners and visitors to recognise the country’s conservation progress and the role of sustainable tourism in supporting communities living around its protected areas.

Following the Naming Ceremony in Kinigi, the celebrations will continue in Kigali on Saturday evening, with Rema taking the stage at BK Arena for a major night of music and entertainment.

The award-winning Nigerian artist has emerged as one of Africa’s leading global music stars, reaching audiences around the world through Afrobeats hits including Calm Down. He will be joined by a line-up of Rwandan and regional performers, including Kivumbi King, with additional artists to be announced.

Irène Murerwa, Chief Tourism Officer at the Rwanda Development Board, said:

“Kwita Izina is a celebration of conservation, but also of Rwanda’s culture, people and the progress we continue to make together. We are excited to welcome Rema to Kigali for what promises to be a great night at BK Arena. We invite Rwandans, visitors and music fans from across the region to join us on 5 September as we bring this year’s Kwita Izina celebrations to a memorable close.”

The Kwita Izina Concert will bring together music fans from Rwanda and across the region, adding a major cultural and entertainment experience to a week celebrating Rwanda’s conservation journey, tourism offering and communities.

The concert also reflects Kigali’s growing profile as a destination for major international entertainment and live events, complementing the wider programme of activities taking place around the 21st Kwita Izina.

Further details on tickets, additional performers and event access will be announced through official channels.

EVENT DETAILS

• Event: Kwita Izina Concert featuring Rema
• Date: Saturday, 5 September 2026
• Venue: BK Arena, Kigali
• Headline Artist: Rema
• Opening Acts: Local performers to be announced in due course.

About Kwita Izina

Kwita Izina is Rwanda’s annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony inspired by the centuries-old Rwandan tradition of naming children soon after birth. Since becoming an official annual event in 2005, the ceremony has named 438 mountain gorillas, celebrating Rwanda’s conservation achievements while highlighting the important role of communities and partners in protecting one of the world’s most endangered species.

Today, Kwita Izina has evolved into one of the world’s leading conservation events, bringing together conservationists, researchers, policymakers, business leaders, tourism stakeholders and visitors from around the world to celebrate Rwanda’s unique conservation model.

Follow Kwita Izina on Instagram and X and visit www.kwitaizina.rw for more information.

For media inquiries, please e-mail: communications@rdb.rw