African music stars to light up Nairobi at Africa Forward concert on May 12

Yemi Alade from Nigeria, Bien Aime Baraza from Kenya, Nandy from Tanzania and Fally Ipupa from Congo among artists expected to perform at the concert /HANDOUT

As high-level discussions continue at the ongoing Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, some of Africa’s biggest music stars are preparing to take centre stage in what organisers describe as a celebration of the continent’s culture, creativity and identity.

The Africa Forward concert, dubbed “Le Concert”, is scheduled for the night of May 12 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena and will serve as the grand finale of the two-day summit bringing together African and European leaders, investors and policymakers.

The show, organised by Trace East Africa, features a star-studded lineup including Fally Ipupa (DR Congo), Yemi Alade (Nigeria), Youssou N'Dour (Senegal), Bien (Kenya) and Nandy (Tanzania). 

Others 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).

The concert comes as the Africa Forward Summit officially got underway in Nairobi on Monday morning, with leaders discussing trade, investment, innovation, climate action and Africa-Europe partnerships.

According to organisers, the concert aims to celebrate Africa’s cultural diversity while positioning Nairobi as one of the continent’s fast-rising cultural capitals.

Ahead of the performances, several artistes shared messages celebrating African identity and unity.

Speaking after arriving in Kenya, Yemi Alade said the summit represented more than just an event.

“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 participating in the continental event while rehearsing ahead of the show.

“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 at 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.

For Tanzania, the inclusion of Nandy and Abigail Chams reflects both established regional influence and the emergence of a younger generation of artistes gaining international recognition.

Abigail Chams also described the event as historic.

“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, bongo flava, rhumba, Afro-pop and contemporary African sounds in front of thousands of music fans in Nairobi.