For many young people in Kigali, entertainment is often associated with music, nightlife and memorable experiences. But for Groove Kigali, the idea has always been broader, creating a space where young people can meet, create, connect and grow.
What started as an entertainment concept has grown into a wider youth-focused ecosystem that combines music, creativity, community and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Through Groove Kigali and its extension, Groove With Purpose, the platform is creating spaces where young people can not only enjoy experiences but also exchange ideas, build networks and support each other.
Groove Kigali was co-founded by David Gakindi and Claver Nshuti, who met while studying at the same university. Their shared interest in creating something different in Kigali’s entertainment space led them to develop a platform focused on bringing people together and building a sense of belonging rather than only organising individual events.
Today, David Gakindi serves as Co-Founder and Executive Director, where he leads the platform’s vision, strategy, partnerships, business development and growth. Claver Nshuti serves as Co-Founder and Managing Director, overseeing operations and execution.
Over time, Groove Kigali has expanded beyond events to become an entertainment and creative platform. Its activities now include recurring weekly events, large entertainment experiences, event consultation, event marketing and promotion, as well as creative projects such as Groove Merch and future concepts under development.
Groove Kigali’s programming includes different types of experiences, from “soft grooves” relaxed events designed to bring the community together — to “hard grooves,” which are larger-scale entertainment shows.
The platform has been involved in major entertainment experiences including the Gabzy Experience, Shallipopi Experience, Davido’s 5ive Tour and Diamond Xperience. It has also introduced audiences to various artists and DJs, particularly within the Amapiano scene, including Pcee, Scotts Maphuma and Justin99.
However, according to Groove Kigali, the success of the platform is not only measured by the events it organises, but also by the people who grow alongside it.
From its early stages, Groove Kigali has worked with emerging creatives including DJs, photographers, videographers and other talents, giving them opportunities to perform, create, gain exposure and develop their skills.
One example is DJ Inno, who has been part of Groove Kigali’s journey from its early days and has since developed into one of the prominent DJs in the region. For Groove, his journey represents the platform’s belief that growth should happen together with the community around it.
The platform’s philosophy is that as Groove grows, the creatives, partners and young people connected to it should also have opportunities to grow.
As Groove Kigali’s community expanded, its founders looked for ways to engage young people beyond entertainment. This vision led to the creation of Groove With Purpose, an initiative designed to create meaningful spaces for youth development.
Groove With Purpose focuses on creating opportunities where young people can share knowledge, experiences, connections and opportunities. The initiative views young people not only as beneficiaries but also as contributors capable of creating solutions for their communities.
Through seminars, workshops, youth gatherings, community conversations, charity activities and purpose-driven events, Groove With Purpose explores areas such as entrepreneurship, financial literacy, creativity, careers, leadership, mentorship and responsible decision-making.
This vision is further developing through the Youth Empowerment Initiative (YEI) under Groove With Purpose. The initiative aims to create structured opportunities for young people to discover possibilities, learn from real experiences, connect with professionals and institutions, and access meaningful opportunities.
Programs such as The Way Forward are being developed to bring conversations around money, creativity, entrepreneurship, careers and responsible choices closer to young people in schools, universities and other spaces.
The ambition is not only to organise conversations but to build an ecosystem connecting young people with knowledge, mentorship, networks and opportunities.
Groove Kigali and Groove With Purpose represent two connected sides of the same vision. While Groove Kigali uses entertainment, music, creativity and experiences to build community, Groove With Purpose channels that community toward youth development and social impact.
The story of Groove Kigali therefore goes beyond nightlife. It reflects the growth of a youth-led platform showing that entertainment, creativity, business opportunities and positive social impact can exist within the same ecosystem.
At its core, Groove’s message remains simple: meet, create, learn, connect, grow and give back.
Groove Kigali was co-founded by David Gakindi
Through Groove Kigali and its extension, Groove With Purpose, the platform is creating spaces where young people can not only enjoy experiences but also exchange ideas, build networks and support each other
Groove With Purpose focuses on creating opportunities where young people can share knowledge, experiences, connections and opportunities
