“Do you like my new dress? I told the designer if I can still breathe after you’ve cinched the waist, you haven’t done a good job. Standing here in this Make-craft dress, I can’t breathe,” Sherrie Silver quipped as she took the stage to welcome guests to the inaugural Silver Gala.
The event stood out in Kigali’s fashion scene, showcasing what can only be described as exquisite Rwandan couture. But it wasn’t just Rwandans who turned up; the affair drew Africans and Westerners alike. What better way to spend a Saturday evening than a gala for a cause?
Last night’s red carpet, held on September 7 at the KCC Auditorium, reaffirmed that nothing beats a touch of glamour.
Fashion designer Olivier Niyitanga, known as Tanga Designs, made a statement in a sleek black suit with shiny material and a veil. His standout look earned him the title of Best Dressed Male, outshining rapper Ish Kevin, who wore a unique afro-centric suit by Izubaa, and a Ghanaian guest in a striking black-gold suit.
Songstress Bwiza dazzled in a feathery black and gold gown by Matheo Studio, earning her the title of Best Dressed Female.
The night’s highlights included Naomi Ishimwe, who dazzled in a striking black and white bouquet dress by Buphora, and Jolly Mutesi, who made a bold impression in an all-matte black soft-patterned dress. Ghanaian dancer Lisa Quama Darko turned heads in a vest suit with white arm collars and a green afro, while UK dancer Beth Pearcey matched her long red dress with her hair color.
The woman of the evening, award-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver, wowed in a series of stunning dresses by MakerCraft Studio.
Reflecting on her work, Sherrie Silver shared, “Our foundation was registered a year ago, but my journey in Africa started when I was nine, focusing on Rwanda since 2017. In just one year, we’ve reached over 661 children and youths. Many of these young people have a passion for singing and dancing, and we aim to show them that these talents can become viable careers.”
Sherrie Silver reflected on the challenges of changing perceptions about the arts in Africa, saying, “For so long, our parents questioned the value of pursuing a career in the arts. But look at the impact of artists like Masamba, who celebrated 40 years in music. Bringing these artists to the forefront helps inspire kids and show them what’s possible.
At the Sherrie Silver Foundation, we believe in access for all—regardless of socio-economic background. Everyone deserves the chance to pursue their dreams, receive an education, have health insurance, and meet their basic needs.”
She shared her vision for the future: “Our goal is to build Rwanda’s first dance, drama, and performing arts academy, complete with a theater. It’s a daunting project, and when I saw the budget, I was overwhelmed. The costs were so high, I had to sit down and lay flat on the floor. We’re reaching out to banks, hotels, and construction firms to join us in making this dream a reality and creating a true talent development center for young people.”
Funds for the foundation’s vision were raised through QR code donations and a live auction of exclusive items.
At the auction, an Arsenal squad signed jersey in mint condition fetched $3,500, purchased by Women In Leadership. An exclusive Childish Gambino “The New World Tour” jacket, signed by both Gambino and Willow Smith, was acquired for $1,750 by BK Arena. Additionally, The Ben secured a two-night stay at Africa’s Touch penthouse for $1,600, while the Women in Leadership Summit bought a stay at Umva Muhazi for $1,000.
Children from the foundation delivered various performances, including traditional dances, modern routines, and a notable rendition of Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” with impressive LED stage effects.
The event also featured performances from rising artist Boukuru with “Urukundo,” Alyn Sano presenting “Fake Gee,” and Producer Element with “Milele.” The evening closed with Kevin Kade, The Ben, and Element performing their new single “Sikosa” alongside the children from the foundation.
Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri, African Leadership Group Founder Fred Swaniker, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Gregory Obi highlighted Sherrie Silver’s role in transforming perceptions of the arts. They praised her efforts to demonstrate to African parents that the arts are a legitimate career path and to provide real opportunities for children to showcase their talents on the global stage.
For the fashion elite, the gala was the event of the year, concluding past midnight with a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the Sherrie Silver Foundation’s one-year anniversary.
Here are a few notable and outstanding fashion moments from our Rwandan celebrities:
Sherrie Silver
As the queen and brains of the gala, Sherrie did not play when pulling out the best outfits, hour by hour.
Sandrine Mucyo
The Founder of The Stage made a statement with her bold outfit choice. This is not new for her because she understands the assignment – constantly pushing boundaries. She rocked a stunning green dress with a gown and a pope-look-like hat that Rihanna once rocked at the Met Gala.
Bwiza
The singer was serving the looks in a beautifully styled dress designed by Matheo that won her the best-dressed lady at the event. We loved how detailed the dress is and she rocked it fiercely.
Naomie Nishimwe
There is everything to love about the beauty queen’s black and white dress. Designed by Buphora, Naomie’s outfit matched her in every way from her skin tone to makeup and hair.
Element Eleeeh
Not too much but this outfit was unique and classy for such a gala. Element has his magic ways of making every outfit look good on him, and at the gala, he unapologetically slayed the full black fashion-wise costume.
Kevin Kade
The singer did not come to play at The Silver Gala. Just like his vibes, his outfit was screaming fashionista. One thing about Kade is he is going to pose on that red carpet and give you the best photos.
The Ben
As classy as he looked in a white costume-like outfit, the details even made it stand out from other men’s outfits at the gala, screaming old money in the wide pants.
Divine Muheto
Looking like fine wine in her chic dress with a big bow design in the back, she made a statement in this Kezem-designed dress. You can not deny the beautiful match of this beauty queen and the dress.
Isimbi Model
Always going one step ahead of the game, and one thing we know about her is that she is always prepared and stepped on everyone in the red corset dress she was rocking.
Maddie Noella
We immediately fell in love with the outfit at first sight. She represented fashion, class and beauty in her way. There is something about this outfit that makes it classy, fashionable, and unique.
Andy Bumuntu
From head to toe, the singer and journalist served the looks and left no crumbs. This is his style and it went all in with the old-school way, and as they say, old is gold. Andy is the witness.
Ish Kevin
The rapper accompanied by his designer Elomelo did not just serve looks but also vibes on that red carpet. It is undoubtedly a unique outfit.
