Africa Forward Le Concert 2026 ignites Nairobi as music giants unite at Kasarani closing concert

An electrifying night of music and culture lit up the Kasarani Indoor Arena as the Africa Forward Le Concert, the official closing concert of the Africa Forward Summit 2026, brought together a powerful cocktail of Africa’s top musicians under one roof.

The event drew high-profile dignitaries from across Africa, including President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside senior government officials, diplomats, Cabinet Secretaries and creatives from across the continent. Kenya’s delegation included Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano, among other leaders.

Addressing the crowd, President Ruto praised Africa’s creative economy and its role in empowering young people.

“This is the grand finale where we are going to witness our finest artists. We believe that the creative economy and artists are one of our biggest engines of job creation and empowerment for our young people. We are very proud to be part of this event.”

Ruto also thanked President Macron for visiting Kenya and strengthening ties between Africa and France.

“Emmanuel, thank you very much for paying us a visit. You are welcome to Kenya anytime. You have demonstrated to us that you are our friend,” he added.

President Macron thrilled the audience with his warm Swahili greetings moments before addressing the packed arena.

“Nairobi niaje?” he posed as the crowd erupted in excitement.

“Mko salama? Thank you so much. It is an honour to be here with you,” Macron said.

The French President also commended Kenya for successfully hosting the summit and concert.

“First, thank you President Ruto, my dear brother William, because he had to be crazy to organize a summit like this one, but he accepted to be co-chairman for this event  and more than that, he delivered.”

Macron praised the Kenyan and French governments, organizers and partners for what he termed a unique gathering bringing together entrepreneurs, artists and sports personalities.

“Nobody will forget this and this is a new beginning, no doubt. We will bring something of Kenya’s spirit with us  unforgettable,” he said.

Despite the absence of Congolese superstar Fally Ipupa, fans were treated to unforgettable performances from continental icons, including Youssou N'Dour, Yemi Alade, Bien, Savara, Nomcebo Zikode, Nandy and José Chameleone, among others.

The concert celebrated African unity, creativity and cultural excellence, turning Nairobi into the heartbeat of African entertainment for the night.

Veteran media personality Fred Obachi Machoka, popularly known as “Uncle Fred” or “The Blackest Man in Africa,” was among the attendees at the event.

Accompanied by Mamou Achimba, TV producer of the iconic Roga Roga Rhumba Show, Uncle Fred applauded the organisers and the government for staging what he described as a historic musical experience celebrating African unity and culture.

“Last time I saw something like this was way back in 1987 during the 4th All Africa Games here in Kasarani. We had people like Franco Luambo, Zaiko Langa Langa, Safari Sound Band and many others  but this is big,” he said.

Machoka emphasised the need for sustained sponsorship and investment in African music and entertainment.

“I think we just need sponsors on board because artists don’t just arrive. They have to be paid and prepare themselves because the audience is right there. Kenyan audiences love music  you just need to give them music and they will show up. It’s good for the economy, culture and bringing Africa together,” he added.

The veteran broadcaster singled out José Chameleone as one of the standout performers of the night.

“Dr. José Chameleone was my guy tonight. He proved to everybody that he is the king of East African music  if not Africa because everybody stood up. He received a standing ovation and despite there being other superstars, he blew me away,” he noted.

While many fans had anticipated a performance by Fally Ipupa, Machoka said the remaining artists more than delivered.

“The rhumba fans may indeed have missed Fally Ipupa, but with the kind of performances we have had, I felt like I didn’t miss him much because people like Coster Ojwang put in an act and a half. Bien and Yemi Alade filled the space perfectly. I think people are going to leave here very happy.”

Concert attendee Maxxy also shared his disappointment over Fally Ipupa’s absence, joking that he had lost a USD 100 bet after the Congolese star failed to appear.

Still, he praised Nairobi for successfully hosting the continental event.

“For the first time, an Anglophone state is holding a Francophone event and it goes beyond that into the impact on Nairobi and Kenya. It is also a platform to celebrate our local artists. Coster Ojwang was even mentioned by the President as one of the performers,” he said.

Another attendee, advocate Kevin Ogola, said the concert showcased Kenya’s growing role as a destination for global conferences and cultural exchange.

“We have seen the influx of international conferences coming to East Africa and Kenya in particular. This is a key indicator that such events are boosting the economy and putting money into the pockets of many Kenyans,” he said.

Ogola added that international collaboration remains key to Africa’s growth and development.