As Nairobi prepares to host one of the biggest cultural nights on the continent, Kenya Airways (KQ) has teamed up with Trace as the Official Airline Partner for Africa Forward — Le Concert, a major highlight of the Africa-France Summit set for May 12, 2026, at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The event is expected to turn Kasarani Indoor Arena into a melting pot of music, fashion, culture and a little bit of controlled chaos — the good kind that comes with African stars sharing one stage.
From Afrobeat rhythms to soulful melodies and dazzling stage fashion, Nairobi will briefly become the continent’s entertainment capital.
Held under the patronage of William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron, the concert will feature celebrated African and French diaspora artists, including Yemi Alade, Fally Ipupa, Youssou N’Dour and Abigail Chams, among others.
For music lovers, it is the kind of lineup that can empty playlists for weeks.
As part of the partnership, Kenya Airways will facilitate the travel of hundreds of accredited guests, including artists, production crews and management teams flying into Nairobi from different African and European cities.
Speaking during the announcement, Kenya Airways Acting Managing Director and CEO Captain George Kamal said the airline was proud to support a moment that goes beyond entertainment.
“At Kenya Airways, we believe that travel is about more than moving from one destination to another, but rather about enabling the moments that bring people, culture, and opportunity together. Africa Forward — Le Concert is one of those defining moments,” he said.
He added that the airline is looking forward to welcoming guests from across the continent and beyond while reinforcing Nairobi’s position as a regional hub for culture, business and innovation.
And for once, passengers arriving in Nairobi may have more guitars, designer outfits and backup dancers on board than business suits and briefcases.
Global conversations
Trace Executive Chairman Olivier Laouchez said the concert aims to place African creativity at the centre of global conversations.
“Trace and our Kenyan partners are proud to produce Africa Forward to place African creativity at the centre of a global conversation. Partnering with Kenya Airways allows us to deliver that vision with the care and the connectivity this moment deserves and inspire audiences at scale,” he said.
Beyond music, the partnership is also bringing fashion into the spotlight through Trace’s Futuristic Outfit Competition. The competition will reward the two best-dressed attendees with complimentary return air tickets courtesy of Kenya Airways.
So apart from singing along to chart-topping hits, fans may also have to compete for the unofficial title of “best dressed in the building.” Nairobi fashion enthusiasts, as always, are expected to take that challenge very seriously.
Organisers expect the event to host about 4,500 VIP guests physically at the venue while reaching an estimated 500 million viewers globally through Trace television channels, TV5 Monde, YouTube, TikTok and African national television networks.
The concert is expected to be one of the defining cultural moments of the Africa-France Summit, further placing Nairobi on the global map as a centre for African creativity, cultural exchange and entertainment.
Leave a comment