John Legend, the acclaimed American singer-songwriter and EGOT winner, has defended his decision to perform in Rwanda despite the country’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The concert, part of the Move Afrika event organized by the Global Citizen NGO, took place in Kigali last week and drew thousands of fans from across the continent.
In an interview with the BBC, Legend addressed the backlash, stating, “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 emphasized that his performance was unpaid and aimed to support the growth of touring capabilities in Africa, a continent often overlooked by international artists.
Legend acknowledged the conflict in the DRC, where M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have seized major cities in the mineral-rich east. Reports suggest that Rwanda has sent 4,000 troops across the border to support the rebels, leading to widespread displacement and horrific violence, including the rape of children.
Critics Call for a John Legend Boycott
Legend’s decision to perform in Rwanda sparked fierce criticism on social media, with activists and fans urging him to cancel the show. Belgium-based activist Denise Zanesa argued that performing in Rwanda would be “akin to collaborating with oppression itself.” Similarly, Simone Umba, a U.S.-based commentator, questioned Rwanda’s use of Black American culture to normalize its actions in the DRC.
The backlash and criticism was so intense that Legend deleted an Instagram post promoting the event. Fellow Grammy-winner Tems withdrew from the concert, stating she would “never, ever intend to be insensitive to real-world issues” and now critics are saying that Legend missed an opportunity to make a powerful statement by withdrawing, given his influential status as an EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards).
What to Know about Rwanda’s Global Image
Rwanda has faced accusations of “sportswashing” —using international sports and cultural events to improve its global image amid allegations of human rights abuses. The country’s tourism arm, Visit Rwanda, has lucrative sponsorship deals with top football clubs like Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.
When asked about Rwanda’s use of soft power, John Legend’s aide declined to comment, stating that the singer’s music should “do the talking.”
