Kenyan journalist Kalondu Musyimi is set for a historic career milestone. She has been selected to host the red carpet for the Africa Forward concert in Nairobi. This event serves as the official cultural closing ceremony for the Africa-France Summit.
Sharing the Spotlight with Global Leaders
The event takes place on 12 May 2026 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. It marks a rare occasion where a showbiz reporter will share the floor with world leaders.
Kalondu will welcome Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The guest list is strictly invitation-only. It includes other African heads of state, CEOs, and 3,500 representatives from civil society and the youth sector. This high-profile role places Kalondu at the centre of a moment where music and diplomacy meet.
A Summit for Innovation and Growth
The “Africa Forward” summit is built on a specific agenda. It aims to strengthen partnerships between Africa and France through innovation and growth. The event highlights African creativity, gender parity, and modernity.
The day’s programme begins at 2:00 pm with the opening of “Africa Forward – Le Village.” This space acts as a hub for networking, media interviews, and technology showcases.
By 6:30 pm, a VIP reception will be held for heads of state and top sponsors before the main concert begins.
A Star-Studded Musical Dialogue
The evening concludes with a three-hour live musical celebration starting at 8:30 pm. The lineup features a “constellation” of French and Pan-African stars.
Confirmed performers include Fally Ipupa, Bien, and Jose Chameleone. They will be joined by artists such as Nandy, Abigail Chams, and Yemi Alade. The concert is designed as a dialogue between the French African diaspora and key regions of the continent.
“Africa Forward celebrates the creative power of Africa shaping the future of global culture.”
Following a Continental Victory
This opportunity follows Kalondu’s recent success on the continental stage. On 3 May 2026, she was crowned the Top African Showbiz Reporter of the Year at the Africa Golden Awards.
She won the title after competing in a “group of death” against major media heavyweights. Her win saw her outperform famous names such as Nigeria’s Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and pioneer blogger Linda Ikeji. Other nominees included South Africa’s Pearl Thusi and Ghana’s Peace Hyde.
The event is expected to generate nearly 500 million impressions globally. The live feed will be distributed for free to 28 TV channels and multiple streaming platforms.
Approximately 4,000 VIP guests will be inside the arena.
