Cultural & Diplomatic Mission

In December 2024, I travelled to Rwanda on a cultural and diplomatic mission hosted by Coach Gael — a mentor, coach, and bridge-builder for the next generation. At the heart of this trip was community: through the Sherrie Silver Foundation we spent time with children and committed to sponsoring school fees for some of them, investing not just in individual lives but in Rwanda’s future leaders.

The mission took us from the President’s House and the end-of-year presidential celebration, where I had the honour of meeting the President, to a powerful national stadium event that closed the year with music and unity. We visited studios and created with artists and producers, met Rwandan star Bruce Melodie, and watched Ruger perform — witnessing firsthand how music, sport, and culture are shaping Rwanda’s soft power. Nights at Coach Gael’s nightclub showed us a thriving creative ecosystem, rooted in discipline, vision, and pride.

One of the most profound moments was visiting the Rwanda Genocide Memorial and learning more about Rwanda’s path to independence and reconciliation. To then see how the country is transforming — from its safety and cleanliness to its infrastructure, hospitality, and innovation — was deeply moving. We were welcomed with warmth, enjoyed Rwandan and Nigerian food, and even attended the wedding of Miss Rwanda and her Ethiopian partner — a beautiful symbol of Pan-African love and unity.

Rwanda reminded me that healing, discipline, and vision can rebuild a nation. This mission was not just a visit; it was a commitment to continue using culture, diplomacy, and creative collaboration to inspire, invest in young people, and connect African stories to the world.