AMERICAN singer-songwriter John Legend has defended his decision to perform in Rwanda despite criticism over the country’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), according to the BBC.
Speaking after last week’s concert in Kigali, Legend said he did not believe that ordinary people should be punished for the actions of their leaders. ‘I don’t believe that we should punish the people of Rwanda and punish the people of other countries when we disagree with their leaders,’ he told the BBC.
Backlash over DR Congo conflict
In recent weeks, M23 rebels—reportedly backed by Rwanda—have seized two major cities in DR Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region. The BBC reported that there is evidence Rwanda has sent 4,000 troops across the border to support the rebels. This escalation has left hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced and sparked a wave of shocking violence, including reports of sexual assaults.
Critics argue that Legend, as a highly influential artist with EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards), could have made a powerful statement by pulling out of the concert. Fellow Grammy-winner Tems did cancel a scheduled performance in Rwanda, saying she would ‘never, ever intend to be insensitive to real-world issues,’ the BBC reported.
A mission to support African music
Despite the backlash, Legend defended his participation in the Move Afrika event, which was organised by Global Citizen and drew thousands of fans from across the continent. He emphasised that he was not paid for the performance and that his goal was to help ‘grow touring capabilities’ across Africa, which is often overlooked by international artists on their world tours.
‘I’m aware of what’s happening [in DR Congo], and I’m aware of the calls there have been for me to not do this show, but I really believe that the mission of Move Afrika is still important,’ he said.
Debate over celebrity involvement
The controversy surrounding Rwanda’s relationship with global celebrities is not new. Activist Denise Zanesa, based in Belgium, argued on X (formerly Twitter) that performing in Rwanda ‘would be akin to collaborating with oppression itself.’ Similarly, in a TikTok post, activist Simone Umba criticised Rwanda’s use of Black American culture to promote a positive image while allegedly supporting conflict in DR Congo.
According to the BBC, the criticism was intense enough to prompt Legend to delete an Instagram post promoting the event. However, fans who attended the sold-out concert were delighted by the performance, reinforcing the complexity of the issue.
Music over politics
John Legend has often been vocal about political issues, including his criticism of US President Donald Trump and his decision to distance himself from Kanye West over political disagreements. When asked about Rwanda’s alleged ‘sportswashing’ tactics, such as using sponsorship deals with major football clubs to improve its international image, Legend’s aide declined to comment.
Legend believes that his music should do the talking and remains committed to supporting the growth of Africa’s music industry. ‘I’m just here… to make sure that we continue to grow the touring capabilities and industry around the continent,’ he said, as reported by the BBC.
Focus on African talent
The Move Afrika event aimed to provide a platform for African talent, showcasing the potential for growth in the continent’s entertainment industry. Legend’s performance highlighted the importance of investing in African culture, despite the difficult conversations surrounding politics and international relations.
While the debate over global celebrity involvement in complex geopolitical issues continues, Legend’s participation in the Kigali concert underscores his commitment to supporting African music and culture.
As criticism and praise continue to swirl, it is clear that John Legend’s decision to perform in Rwanda has sparked a broader conversation about the role of artists in social and political issues.
