At the ongoing Nile Conference of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in Kigali, entertainment spills far beyond the court. Arriving early at BK Arena offers more than just good seats--it lets you soak up the full spectrum of experiences that surround the main event.
From music and merch to mini hoops and halftime performances, there's plenty to explore while the teams warm up.
Also read: PHOTOS: Kamie Crawford, Octopizzo, and celebrities showing up at BAL
For fans who want to ease into the evening, the Fan Zone offers an escape filled with continental sounds. Some of Rwanda's top DJs take turns spinning sets from the DJ booth, creating a lively atmosphere paired with food and drink vendors serving everything from quick bites to full plates. DJ June's set on day three drew a particularly large crowd and kept the energy high well into the night.
As music fills the air, spontaneous dance battles break out, often with prizes on the line. It's less of a waiting room and more of a pre-party.
Just across from the arena, the official BAL merch shop beckons. For those curious about where to find the caps, hoodies, and accessories flashed in promos or courtside, this is the go-to. The shop carries the full collection, offering fans the chance to take a piece of the league home with them--no need to hope for a handout between quarters.
Also read: King Promise lights up BAL halftime show in Kigali
Then there's the basketball itself, not just on the main court but in mini form. The Fan Zone features a half-court space for friendly games among fans, complete with 2-point and 3-point shot simulations.
Whether you're showing off your form or just fooling around with friends, it adds another playful layer to the BAL experience.
At halftime, the arena shifts once again--this time into a concert venue. On game 3 night, rising rapper KidfromKigali took the BAL stage for the first time, performing during APR's game against Al Ahly Tripoli. Afterward, he shared his thoughts on the experience.
"I couldn't hear the crowd properly, but I'm just thankful to God," he said. "Grateful that everyone pulled up here, and I hope they now know what I'm about. I'm just going to keep doing this."
Reflecting on BAL as a platform for emerging talent, he added, "I feel like there's a lot of talent in this country. We just need opportunities to showcase it, and I'm happy we're starting to get them. I'm thankful to His Excellency (president Paul Kagame)--it's his leadership that saw spaces like this created, even when there were doubters. I'm thankful to a country that gives us all this."
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As for what's next, KidfromKigali is gearing up to make his mark. "I'm cooking, man," he said, laughing. "My first EP drops this year. That's when I'm going to make my statement. I'm going to say I'm here, I've arrived, and I'm staying."
To those who haven't yet made it to a game, he had one message, "Pull up to BAL. Everybody here. If you're not here, just wake up, get out of Cocobean and get to the arena," he joked.
KidfromKigali is just one of many artists who have been lined up to take the BAL Nile Conference stage this year. Others include Angell Mutoni, Ariel Wayz, Bruce Melodie, Kenny K-Shot, Kivumbi King, King Promise, and more--all adding their own sound to the rhythm of the league.
Kigali's BAL experience brings more than hoops. It's a cultural moment in motion, and from the looks of it, it's only getting started.
Let the ball roll, the show must go on!
