I Am Hip Hop Festival – Green Ferry Music

Everyone knows you're changing, waguan?

Mike Kayihura

ARTIST

I AM HIP HOP FESTIVAL 2025

After a successful maiden edition in 2024, Rwanda’s all-hip-hop event, “I Am Hip Hop Festival,” returned to Kigali. Taking place from July 4–5 at the Institut Français du Rwanda, this year’s edition delivered an unforgettable celebration of hip-hop culture.

As the festival returned, we remained committed to celebrating hip-hop culture and its profound impact on our community. By bringing together hip-hop artists, breakdancers, graffiti artists, DJs, streetwear vendors, and enthusiasts, we continued to build a dynamic and engaging event that entertains, educates, and inspires, says Green Ferry Music management.

We plan to showcase Rwanda’s vibrant and diverse hip-hop scene annually, making the festival a recurring cultural landmark.

Attendees also had the opportunity to explore various aspects of hip-hop creativity. By joining the festival, they supported local talent and contributed to the growth and recognition of Rwanda’s hip-hop scene as a rising force in the region.

Photo credits: Shami Photography and Mr. Lens

I AM HIP HOP FESTIVAL 2024

After eight successful seasons of “I Am Hip Hop” concerts, an all-hip-hop festival is set to kick off in Kigali
for the first time. The festival will take place from July 5-6 at Institut Français du Rwanda, celebrating
hip-hop culture in a special occasion.

Organized by Green Ferry Music, the festival featured concerts, breakdancing, graffiti, open mic sessions, streetwear, photo exhibitions, BMX performances, documentary screenings, DJ sets, and pop-up shops. This unique hip-hop experience is the only festival in the country offering such a wide range of activities centered around the hip-hop lifestyle.

“I Am Hip Hop” began in 2017 as a series of concerts and ran for eight seasons, taking place at various locations around Kigali City. The idea for “I Am Hip Hop” originated from a concert named “I Am Hip Hop,” held on July 8, 2017. Organized by Mazimpaka Prime and Green Ferry Music, the event took place at Blue Note and was well-received, prompting the continuation of the series. The initiative has grown remarkably, with artists demonstrating unparalleled creativity and gaining widespread recognition.

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