The I Am Hip Hop Festival is set to return to Kigali with a refreshed regional format, bringing together nearly 30 hip-hop artists from Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi for the first time in the festival’s history.
Previously dedicated exclusively to Rwandan artists, the 2026 edition marks a significant milestone by welcoming rappers from neighboring countries, reinforcing the festival’s vision of promoting regional collaboration through hip-hop.
Regional Expansion Marks a New Chapter
Launched in 2017 as a gathering for local rappers, the event evolved into a fully-fledged festival in 2024. This year’s edition represents its biggest transformation yet, expanding beyond Rwanda to include artists from Uganda and Burundi in an effort to strengthen ties among East Africa’s hip-hop community.
The expansion reflects the organizers’ ambition to transform the festival into a regional platform that celebrates creativity, cultural exchange, and artistic collaboration across borders.
Organizers Finalize Preparations
Dominique Ngabonziza, popularly known as Dr. Nganji, a music producer, founder of Green Ferry Music, and one of the festival organizers, said preparations are in their final stages.
“We have been working on the preparations for some time,” Dr. Nganji said. “Artists interested in participating submitted their applications because we want this festival to be more than a platform for established names. It should also serve as an opportunity for emerging talent to showcase their skills. The final lineup will be announced in the coming days.”
Empowering Artists Beyond the Stage
According to Dr. Nganji, the festival aims to strengthen connections among hip-hop artists while creating a space to exchange ideas and discuss the future of the genre across the region.
“I Am Hip Hop Festival has embraced a regional dimension as we continue to use hip-hop as a tool to promote culture, empower artists through knowledge-sharing, and build lasting partnerships across East Africa,” he said.
He added that while young people possess remarkable talent, many artists continue to face challenges such as limited collaboration opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient mentorship, and a lack of sustainable pathways to build long-term careers.
Festival Set for August in Kigali
The I Am Hip Hop Festival will take place on August 28–29, 2026, at the Institut Français du Rwanda in Kigali.
The two-day event is expected to feature performances, networking opportunities, and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at fostering stronger relationships among artists from the three participating countries.
Building East Africa’s Hip-Hop Future
Organizers believe the festival’s regional expansion will not only celebrate the diversity of East Africa’s hip-hop culture but also open doors to new collaborations, creative partnerships, and cross-border opportunities for emerging and established artists alike.
By bringing together talent from Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi under one platform, the festival hopes to contribute to the continued growth and international visibility of East Africa’s vibrant hip-hop scene.
