Ubumuntu Arts Festival, one of Africa’s leading social events, is scheduled to open its 11th annual edition in Rwanda’s capital Kigali attracting a host of artists from across the world.
The week-long festival will kick off from July 14-20 at the magnificent Kigali Genocide Memorial Amphitheatre including other key venues.
“Ubumuntu is more than a festival—it’s a calling,” says Hope Azeda, Festival Curator and Founder. “It’s a call to remember our shared humanity, to tell the stories that hurt and heal, and to stand together in truth and empathy,” said Hope Azeda, a Rwandan theatre director and peace-builder.
Azeda told Taarifa in a zoom interview on Thursday, “Every performance, every conversation, is a step towards collective healing and transformation.”
According to Azeda, the festival is expected to attract artists from over 30 countries and becoming a venue for global reflection on peace, justice, and human dignity.
Ubumuntu Arts Festival established in 2015, was born out of a deep desire to use the arts as a catalyst for healing.
Azeda explains that “Ubumuntu,” is a Kinyarwanda word meaning “being human,” it captures the spirit of a festival rooted in empathy, storytelling, and social justice.
Here is what to expect on Day One (July 14 Mental Health Day)
The day will focus on raising awareness about mental health, with special attention to the challenges faced by artists and creatives.
Attendees can expect interactive workshops, performances, and open discussions aimed at reducing stigma and promoting emotional well-being.
Memory Caravan (Day two)
This moving outreach initiative takes the festival beyond Kigali to honor survivor communities affected by the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Through storytelling, artistic performances, and healing activities, the Memory Caravan seeks to amplify voices often left unheard and fosters intergenerational dialogue.
Cultural Diplomacy Unconference (July 16-17)
A unique, informal convening of global artists, cultural diplomats, policymakers, and thought leaders, the Unconference explores how arts shape global understanding and policy.
This space prioritizes human stories, shared learning, and imaginative problem-solving.
Music is Humanity & Ikaze Night (July 17)
A concert full of energy and hope, celebrating the unifying power of music. Featuring performances from African and international artists, this evening offers uplifting rhythms, powerful lyrics, and a collective reminder that music is a universal language of peace.
Ubumuntu Classic (July 18–20)
Held nightly at the Kigali Genocide Memorial from 6:00 PM to 10:00PM, this grand finale series will showcase a carefully curated selection of global performances.
Through theatre, dance, spoken word, and multimedia, artists will engage with themes of memory, identity, resilience, and hope.