The “Say So” crooner rocked Kigali and Pretoria as part of her recent concert in partnership with Global Citizen’s Move Afrika initiative.
Previously scheduled to perform at the Hey Neighbor Music Festival, which was later cancelled due to funding challenges, Doja Cat was set to make her Africa debut in 2025. Around the time I first saw the announcement, my heart thumped with joy but sadness at the same time because I couldn’t begin to fathom how much it would cost to get a ticket, transport to the country, accommodation, and everything in between.
Fortunately, this year, 2026, on the 13th of February, it was announced that as part of Global Citizen’s Move Afrika tour circuit, the “Say So” hitmaker was to perform in Kigali (Rwanda) on Tuesday, March 17, and in Pretoria on the 20th of March.
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As someone who last year regrettably missed out on an opportunity to watch John Legend, I couldn’t miss this for the world. Being that one of my friends had had a chance to watch the John Legend show, I let her handle the logistics that included ticket purchasing and accommodation booking, etc., because I had struggled with ticket purchasing the last time. The instant I heard the Doja Cat news, I immediately sent her the money to assist in buying the ticket. In terms of strategy, we intentionally booked accommodation that was five minutes away from the venue, and we perused the available options about a fortnight to the day of the show.
Related: John Legend Set to Headline 2025 Global Citizen Move Afrika Circuit in Rwanda
What was weeks of anticipation became days and eventually hours, and the 16th of March arrived. I had heard that the buses that travel to Kigali set off at 9 a.m. sharp, so my goal was to be there in time. Luckily, my friend and I got there nearly at the same time. As she secured our bus tickets, I swung by the forex bureau to get some mafaranga (money), as it is referred to in Kinyarwanda, and so I exchanged my Ugandan shillings for francs, as it is the official currency in Rwanda.
At the clock of 9:05 a.m., we hit the road. Like any other road trip, we made stopovers and health breaks in between to also get snacks and all. Man, one of the vendors sold me chicken necks that were half-ready, I have just remembered. This was my first time going beyond Ntungamo and seeing the rest of the Western Ugandan districts beyond prime-time news and looking at them in the atlas on the map. Kabale, bro, it is so calm, peaceful, and mostly quiet. We approached the immigration office as it was nearing 6:30 p.m. My face was lit with joy upon lining up and verifying my travel documents. When asked the reason for my visit, I gladly smiled, saying “the Doja Cat concert,” and she smiled back, saying “Enjoy your stay.”
The most fascinating part was how far and how many people had travelled specifically for the concert. The young lad next to me, his partner, and more than three quarters of the bus were travelling for the show. As we awaited the others to get cleared, I stood there looking at the mountains ahead. Oh, and for the first time, I saw the most crested cranes I have seen in my life, about four of them chilling in the grasslands.
I witnessed a cultural shift the moment we fully crossed the border. The first being that in Rwanda, cars are driven on the right lane, whereas in Uganda we drive on the left. It made sense why Rwanda is referred to as the “land of a thousand hills.” After a series of dozing off and waking up due to the long journey, we eventually landed in Kigali. Did I mention that after reaching the border of Uganda and Rwanda, the Wi-Fi went off and we lost internet connection, so my friend and I had no way of communicating with the hotel people?
As soon as we landed, I walked out of the bus park and walked to one of the mobile money ladies and engaged the gentleman near her, requesting him to assist me with some “hotspot.”
I don’t think anything tests you like being new in a foreign country. To get a “moto” (bike), the Wi-Fi gentleman assisted us in calling the hotel, and so the motorcyclist spoke to the person at the hotel and they gave them directions. That late-night drive in the city was low-key therapeutic, despite the day’s long, tiring journey due to prolonged sitting. After about thirty minutes, we reached the street on which the hotel was. Again, remember we couldn’t make direct phone calls. Fortunately, at the hotel the bike people had mistakenly parked at, there was a couple outside. I requested the gentleman for assistance with his Wi-Fi hotspot, to which he kindly shared his connection and called on WhatsApp.
The hotel bookings agent, let’s call him Prosper, came and picked my friend and me since the hotel was a minute’s walk away. After settling in, we each called back home to update our friends that we had reached safely and then proceeded to kick off rehearsals for the show by playing a number of Doja Cat records on TV as we awaited supper to be prepared.
I, for one, couldn’t wait to explore all Kigali could offer, and so at the clock of 7 a.m., I was up and ready for the adventure. I had heard a lot about the Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-Tourism Park, and so my friend and I definitely had to unleash our inner Dora the Explorer and find out what it was all about. Having had our heavy breakfast, we took a stroll, and as it was approaching 11 a.m., we set off to the eco park. Upon entering, what instantly struck me were the bikes, mini baby cars, as well as the trottinettes. Before we could hop on any, we were directed to the reception to pay the entrance fee and for them as well. The challenge was they only accepted cashless payments, and here we were with only cash. My friend and I explained that we had no idea about that (which was true, by the way) and that we had no phone lines from those ends to be able to deposit, so they eventually accepted our cash. We then started driving around. My small car was so slow, so I asked one of the operators for a switch and was given a faster little red monster truck. I felt seven again, riding in that car, double stepping to accelerate, turning its wheels with the little steering wheel. It felt good, not gonna lie. The trucks were so fun that we lost track of time. From here, we then headed out to the market because what is a tour without doing some shopping? While in the market, I bought three very cute short shorts.
We then went back to the hotel and ordered some late lunch from the only restaurant known for its signature Ugandan cuisine for those who wish to get a taste of home.
Early arrivals were advised, and so revelers headed to the BK Arena where all the musical magic was to happen. Music lovers from within and outside Rwanda thronged the venue, did their ticket verification, and enjoyed the pre-show atmosphere, in groups and individually, flashing cameras, documenting memories for the gram, as others captured content for their vlogs. The vibes were immaculate, not to get me started on the well-curated outfits. This is the part where one would say everyone in attendance understood the assignment.
At 7 sharp, the lights went on, and so did the anticipation grow even higher.
Being a third-time Move Afrika event of this nature in Kigali, all in attendance knew a good time awaited them. Setting the tone for the evening was Burundian-Rwandan DJ Ira on the decks. During the pre-show interview, when asked about her expectations for Doja’s setlist, she remarked: “I’d love to hear something from the new album. I don’t really have a top two, but right now I’m vibing with ‘Couples Therapy’ and ‘Talk Dirty.’” Ira warmed up the crowd with a seamless blend of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and global hits.
Finally, the moment we were all waiting for. At 10:05 p.m. sharp, the lights dimmed, two backup dancers hit the stage, as well as three gentlemen dressed in white suits, and screams followed. The dramatic build-up of flashing lights signaled the arrival of the Queen that is Doja Cat, and within seconds, the arena erupted into full-blown chaos in the best way possible.
Doja Cat’s stage presence was magnetic, drawing us all in, and this was felt from the moment she took to the stage, seamlessly transitioning between songs with high energy while delivering sharp movements. One of the many things we have to credit her for is her undeniable connection with the audience; whether front row or in the upper tiers, every eye and ear was locked in.
Doja Cat’s setlist at the well attended Move Afrika Kigali concert struck a perfect balance between new material and fan favorites. Among the songs the Grammy Award-winning superstar belted out were some of her greatest hits, including: “Kiss Me More,” “Agora Hills,” “Like That,” “Woman,” “Streets,” “Cyber Sex,” “Ain’t Shit,” “Streets (Silhouettes Remix),” “Go To Town,” “Juicy,” “Say So,” “Attention,” and fan favorite “Paint the Town Red,” with each being met with deafening sing-alongs from the erupting crowd.
What stunned me the most was how she worked that stage, dancing, swirling, and doing all this while in heels in her almost 2 hour set. Doja Cat kept us on our feet dancing all night, and this concert delivered more than expected. The other thing that made me happy was she didn’t let us miss any beat by leaving the stage and going for costume changes. Her performance was criminally professionally amazing in every sense.
My mind, and voice nearly stayed in the BK Arena and Doja Cat is why. I mean, she sang, she rapped, she danced, and gave us a show of a lifetime!!
Another standout moment was when Doja Cat paused to interact with fans, reading signs, shouting out different sections, and even attempting a few Kinyarwanda phrases, drawing huge applause from the crowd.
The incredible night of music at the Move Afrika Kigali concert speaks to what Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans spoke about, which is leveraging live music as a platform to drive economic growth, create jobs, and foster entrepreneurship in Africa’s burgeoning creative industries. In so doing, the Move Afrika tour initiative serves as more than just a concert series. It has a long-term mission of building the first pan-African music touring circuit that happens annually and drives economic investment and creates opportunities for the next generation of young Africans to work in the continent’s creative economies in all its host cities while addressing global inequities by driving investment, creating jobs, and fostering entrepreneurial opportunities. The events engage local artists, vendors, and crews while offering skill development and training opportunities to strengthen local creative ecosystems.
That is because in the past, Africans desired to watch their favorite artists on tour, but it wasn’t possible due to the costs involved in organizing the shows. With this initiative, fans are able to watch artists on tour at a subsidized price. Just like in 2024 and 2025, this edition spoke to the DNA of the initiative, which is building lasting infrastructure that will place Africa firmly on the international touring map while also championing sustainable development and economic growth.
In a heartfelt closing moment after her stellar performance, Doja Cat brought out flowers and thanked the audience, noting that it was her first time performing in Africa. She handed roses into the crowd one by one.
Last Tuesday night marked another chapter in my book and memory of what is now among my favorite concerts of all time. It is up there with A Pass’ concert, Club Dome feat. Adekunle Gold and Costa Titch (RIP), as well as TIMELESS Kampala with Davido.
Walking out of the BK Arena, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just another concert, it was an experience I’d wish to relive given another chance. With how Global Citizen’s Move Afrika moves, I can’t wait to go back once they announce The Weeknd, Khalid, or Travis Scott. I trust and know that it will be one for the books. My friends and I thereafter went for an after-party at a venue called Zaria Court, where we found DJ Akio spinning some hot tracks, from RnB to Afrobeats, and yeah, not gonna lie, a time was had. Except the Ugandan in me is used to partying till sunrise, yet there, at 1 a.m. sharp, the party begins to wrap up, so I retired to the hotel and rested.
I spent the next half of the day resting and at 3 p.m. set off for the journey back home to Kampala, and arrived 6am the following morning. Oh, did I mention, while in Kigali, I got to meet some former schoolmates who are based in Rwanda? As is my culture whenever I travel, I always request to be given a name as a souvenir of my visit. If you remember my tale of Kenya, I was given the name Leshan. While in Kigali, my friend Umutoni (whom I met while at journalism school back in the day) named me Iradukunda, and it means “God loves us, the cherished star, and the star we love.”
Rwanda continues to raise the bar, not just as a tourism destination but also as a concert host.
The maiden Global Citizen Move Afrika concert brought TDE’s Kendrick Lamar to the land of a thousand hills in 2024. Last year, it brought John Legend, and this year’s edition was headlined by Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, also professionally known as Doja Cat. In a bid to expand their city coverage as part of the Move Afrika 2026 tour, a follow-up show was held in Pretoria (South Africa) at the SunBet Arena. While in SA, Moonchild Sanelly opened for her.