Musanze District is set to dazzle as the world’s eyes turn to Kinigi for the 20th edition of Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s iconic gorilla naming ceremony.
On Friday, September 5, 2025, an extraordinary gathering of international celebrities, sports legends, film icons, and music stars will join local communities in one of Africa’s most colorful conservation celebrations.
This year’s ceremony will see 40 baby mountain gorillas officially named, including 18 born in 2024, underscoring the success of Rwanda’s long-standing conservation efforts in Volcanoes National Park.
More than a cultural event, Kwita Izina has become a global platform for celebrating biodiversity, promoting eco-tourism, and showcasing Rwanda’s reputation as a leader in sustainable development.
Hollywood, football, and music meet in Kinigi
The guest list for 2025 reads like the lineup for an international film festival or a World Cup final. At the top is Hollywood director Michael Bay, whose blockbusters such as Bad Boys, The Rock, and the Transformers franchise have grossed more than USD 6.6 billion worldwide, ranking him among the five most successful filmmakers in history.
For Bay, naming a gorilla in Rwanda reflects not only a love of storytelling but also a recognition of the country’s global conservation story.
Joining him is French former footballer turned billionaire entrepreneur Mathieu Flamini. Once a midfield engine for Arsenal, AC Milan, and Crystal Palace, Flamini now commands a fortune estimated to be more than 40 times greater than Cristiano Ronaldo’s, thanks to his pioneering biochemical company, GFBiochemicals.
“Change is possible,” Flamini told the media, reflecting on his journey from struggling student to environmental innovator. “Whether you’re playing in front of millions or leading a company of a thousand, the pressure is the same, you must persevere.”
Also in attendance is Argentine star Javier Pastore, a former Paris Saint-Germain playmaker who lit up French football with his creativity and flair. French defender Bacary Sagna, another Arsenal favorite, will also grace the ceremony.
Ahead of the ceremony, Pastore met children at PSG Academy Rwanda in Kigali, symbolizing how Kwita Izina is not just about conservation but also about inspiring the next generation.
The entertainment world will be represented by Nigerian Afropop sensation Yemi Alade, known for her Grammy-nominated single Tomorrow and multiple MTV Africa Music Awards.
Burundian singer Kadja Nin, whose blend of African rhythms and modern pop has captivated audiences worldwide, will bring a distinctly regional flair.
And adding a touch of cinematic prestige, Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh celebrated for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once, has already toured the Volcanoes National Park and the Kigali Genocide Memorial ahead of the event.
A celebration of conservation and culture
What makes Kwita Izina unique is not just its celebrity sparkle but its profound message. Since its inception in 2005, the ceremony has helped anchor Rwanda’s commitment to protecting its endangered mountain gorillas.
By involving global figures in the act of naming newborns, Rwanda has turned conservation into a story that resonates far beyond its borders.
“Every baby gorilla named here is a symbol of Rwanda’s promise to future generations. It is a reminder that conservation is not just about wildlife, it is about communities, tourism, and the sustainable future of our nation.”
Indeed, Rwanda’s gorilla conservation success has made Volcanoes National Park one of Africa’s top eco-tourism destinations, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
The revenues generated have supported both local communities and ongoing protection efforts, ensuring that the gorillas, once on the brink of extinction, now thrive.
Rwanda in the global spotlight
Beyond the gorillas, Kwita Izina has become a symbol of Rwanda’s rising profile on the world stage. The event is as much about cultural diplomacy as it is about conservation, showing how a small nation can use natural heritage to foster global partnerships.
Figures like Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok star with over 161 million followers, exemplify how Rwanda is tapping into digital influence to spread its message of conservation.
By welcoming such diverse personalities, from Hollywood directors to African pop stars and football icons, Rwanda positions itself not just as a tourist destination but as a cultural and environmental leader.
The ceremony itself promises to be a vibrant showcase of Rwandan tradition, music, and community pride. Local performances will accompany the official naming, blending heritage with modernity in a way that mirrors Rwanda’s broader national journey.
Looking ahead
As Rwanda hosts Kwita Izina 2025, it is imminent that conservation is global, but leadership begins at home. The presence of world-famous figures in Kinigi underscores how Rwanda has transformed gorilla naming into a platform for dialogue, partnership, and sustainable action.
“Kwita Izina is Rwanda’s gift to the world. It shows how culture, conservation, and community can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
With 40 baby gorillas set to be named under the gaze of the world’s media, the 20th edition of Kwita Izina promises to be one of the most memorable yet, a colorful celebration where Rwanda once again proves that its greatest treasures are not only its wildlife, but also its vision, resilience, and ability to inspire.
