Kigali’s creative and philanthropic elite gathered for the Silver Gala — an evening that fused elegance, artistry, and social impact in a celebration of youth empowerment. Orchestrated by the Sherrie Silver Foundation, the gala delivered a sold-out spectacle that reaffirmed the power of culture as a tool for change.
The event, held at the BK Arena, channelled all proceeds towards the foundation’s initiatives that train and mentor young people in creative arts and entrepreneurship. Founded by Sherrie Silver — the Rwandan-British choreographer renowned for her humanitarian work and her choreography for Childish Gambino’s This Is America — the foundation continues to expand its reach across East Africa through programmes designed to equip youth with practical creative and business skills.
Guests enjoyed a high-energy lineup featuring Chella Boi, Massamba Intore, Chriss Eazy, and Knowless Butera, among other leading artists. The evening was hosted by Eric Omondi and Contact Makeda, who brought humour and flair to the black-tie celebration.
The production, directed by Silver herself, featured choreography by her in-house team, with Rwanda Events Groupmanaging staging and lighting, décor by Centerpiece Group, and dinner service by Kultura: Flavours of Asia. Sponsors including Tianis and Vitalo Water lent their support, reinforcing the event’s professional polish and community backing.
The Designer Competition crowned Icya Cumi as this year’s winner, with judges Ugo Mozie, Jolly Mutesi, and Ifeanyi Nwune commending the finalists for their innovation and craftsmanship. The fashion segment reflected Rwanda’s rising influence in the regional design industry, combining sustainability with bold creativity.
In her address, Sherrie Silver thanked sponsors, performers, and guests for supporting what she called “a night of impact, entertainment, and glamour.” Through her foundation, she continues to “move young people towards greatness,” a vision she first articulated in her Time100 Impact Award interview.
The gala has become more than a fundraiser — it is a statement of Rwanda’s growing soft power and its ability to position culture at the centre of social transformation. The event’s alignment with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 development strategyunderscores how creative industries can serve as both an economic engine and a platform for inclusion.
As the final notes echoed through the arena and guests departed, what remained was the gala’s impact — funding for scholarships, mentorships, and creative training that will shape the next generation of Rwandan leaders. The 2025 Silver Gala reaffirmed that glamour and giving can coexist seamlessly, turning celebration into tangible social change.
