I Am Hip Hop Festival – Green Ferry Music

Everyone knows you're changing, waguan?

Mike Kayihura

ARTIST

I AM HIP HOP FESTIVAL 2026 - REGIONAL EDITION

Rwanda’s I Am Hip Hop Festival returned in 2026 with a Regional Edition that brought together artists from across the region and beyond for a week of collaboration, culminating in a two-day public festival in Kigali.

Led by Green Ferry Music, the festival was co-funded by the Institut français in Paris and supported by the Institut français du Rwanda. The public festival took place from August 28 to 29 at the Institut français du Rwanda.

More than 40 artists took part across rap, breakdancing, graffiti and streetwear design. The lead-up to the public festival featured collaborative creation sessions focused on writing, performance, visual art and design, with participants working across disciplines and borders.

The festival, which began in 2017 before becoming a full cultural festival in 2024, brought together artists from Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, the United States, Nigeria, South Sudan, Kenya and Gabon.

The Regional Edition responds to a broader reality shared by many hip-hop artists and creatives across Rwanda, the region and beyond: talent is abundant, but access to opportunities, mentorship, professional networks, audiences and capacity-building remains limited.

“As I Am Hip Hop Festival returns with its Regional Edition, we continue our mission of positioning hip-hop as a tool for cultural exchange, professional development, and regional connection.” — Green Ferry Music

2026 Edition: Lineup & Activities

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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