NAIROBI, Kenya — As high-level diplomatic and economic discussions continue at the ongoing Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, some of Africa’s biggest music stars are preparing to take centre stage in a major cultural showcase celebrating African identity, creativity and unity.
The Africa Forward concert, dubbed “Le Concert”, is scheduled for the night of May 12 at Kasarani Indoor Arena and is expected to serve as the grand finale of the two-day summit bringing together African and European leaders, investors, innovators and policymakers.
Organised by Trace East Africa, the event features a star-studded lineup drawn from across the continent and the African diaspora.
Among the headline performers are Fally Ipupa (DR Congo), Yemi Alade (Nigeria), Youssou N’Dour (Senegal), Bien (Kenya) and Nandy (Tanzania).
Other artistes expected to perform include Savara (Kenya), Jose Chameleone (Uganda), Nomcebo Zikode (South Africa), Abigail Chams (Tanzania), Coster Ojwang (Kenya), Nesly (France/DR Congo), Vegedream (France/DR Congo), and Kader Japonais (Ivory Coast).
Music meets diplomacy in Nairobi
The concert comes as the Africa Forward Summit officially gets underway in Nairobi, with leaders focusing on trade, infrastructure, climate financing, technology, innovation and Africa-Europe partnerships.
Organisers say the concert is intended to complement the summit’s diplomatic agenda by spotlighting Africa’s creative economy and cultural influence on the global stage.
The event also reflects Kenya’s growing ambition to position Nairobi not only as a diplomatic and business hub, but also as one of Africa’s leading entertainment and cultural capitals.
Industry analysts say major international events increasingly incorporate music and cultural programming as African governments and private investors push to expand the continent’s creative industries, which continue to gain global commercial influence through Afrobeats, amapiano, bongo flava and African pop music.
Artistes celebrate African identity
Ahead of the performances, several artistes used the occasion to celebrate African identity and continental unity.
Speaking after arriving in Kenya, Yemi Alade described the summit as more than a political gathering.
“I am live in my second home Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit and it is a movement for Africans,” she said.
“Being African is the core of my existence. It is what I truly love about myself the most. I am African, I am proud and unapologetic about myself,” Yemi said.
Kenyan singer Coster Ojwang also expressed pride in taking part in the continental event.
“I feel proud being an African. I make African music that has a huge African influence. We are here for the Africa Forward Summit, I am so proud and I feel blessed,” he said.
Tanzanian singer Nandy said she was honoured to represent her country during the concert.
“Thank you so much Africa Forward for the unique opportunity to represent my country Tanzania at this festival. Kenya, I’m coming, receive me well,” she said.
Also Read: Lists of Heads of State in Nairobi for Africa Forward Summit
For Tanzania, the inclusion of both Nandy and Abigail Chams highlights the country’s growing influence in East Africa’s music industry as younger artistes continue gaining international recognition.
Abigail Chams described the event as a historic moment for African cultural diplomacy.
“I am honoured to be part of a historic moment, the first Africa-France summit with the presence of heads of state from Africa and Europe,” she said.
The concert is expected to close the summit with performances blending Afrobeats, rhumba, Afro-pop, bongo flava and contemporary African sounds before thousands of fans in Nairobi.
Beyond entertainment, organisers say the showcase is designed to reinforce the role of music, culture and the creative economy in shaping Africa’s global image and strengthening people-to-people connections across the continent and beyond.
