American singer-songwriter John Legend recently performed in Kigali, Rwanda, despite facing backlash for supporting a country involved in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Legend stated that he believes in engaging with the people of Rwanda, even if he disagrees with their leaders.
The ongoing conflict in the DR Congo, where M23 rebels backed by Rwanda have taken control of major cities, has resulted in a humanitarian crisis with hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced and reports of shocking violence and atrocities.
Critics argued that Legend could have made a significant statement by canceling his performance, especially considering his influential status in the entertainment industry.
While some artists, like Grammy-winner Tems, chose to withdraw from events in Rwanda citing sensitivity to real-world issues, Legend defended his decision to headline the Move Afrika event in Kigali.
He emphasized the importance of supporting the growth of the music industry in Africa and reaching out to fans on the continent.
Despite facing social media backlash and calls to boycott the show, Legend stood firm on his decision to perform in Rwanda. Activists raised concerns about Rwanda’s alleged use of cultural events to mask human rights violations and political issues.
Legend, who is known for his outspoken criticism of US politics, refrained from commenting on Rwanda’s controversial reputation in the international community.
As the debate continues over Rwanda’s engagement with global figures and the exploitation of international partnerships for public relations purposes, Legend’s team maintained that his music speaks for itself.
