Ubumuntu Arts Festival 2026 to bring global artists to Kigali

The Ubumuntu Arts Festival, one of Africa’s notable arts and cultural events, is set to open its 12th annual edition in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, bringing together artists from across the world.

“Ubumuntu,” a Kinyarwanda word meaning “humanity,” reflects the spirit of a festival built around empathy, storytelling and social justice.

The week-long festival will run from July 13 to 19, with activities scheduled at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Amphitheatre and other key venues across the city.

Festival founder and curator Hope Azeda said the 2026 edition will build on the event’s mission of using the arts to connect people across cultures and encourage shared experiences.

“We want to create a space where people can remember, heal and reflect on the future,” she said. “Our goal is to use the arts to help build a world where humanity is expressed not only in words but through meaningful action.”

The 2026 programme will begin on July 13 with activities focused on mental health at Inzira Creative. A literature programme will follow on July 14, while Camp Kigali will host the “Ikaze Night & Music Is Humanity” concert on July 16.

The festival’s signature performances, known as Ubumuntu Classic, will take place from July 17 to 19 at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, featuring theatre, music and dance productions by local and international artists.

Organisers expect participants from Rwanda and other countries, continuing the festival’s tradition of bringing together a diverse community of performers and audiences.

Since its launch in 2015, the Ubumuntu Arts Festival has become a platform for artists to explore themes of memory, peace, healing, resilience and human dignity through theatre, literature, music and dance, creating conversations that extend beyond the stage.