Jalang’o: Africa Forward Summit concert has opened collaboration doors
Lang’ata Member of Parliament (MP) Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has said the Africa Forward Summit concert has created new collaboration opportunities between young people in Kenya and the French.
Speaking during Africa Forward: Le Concert on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, he described the event as one of the biggest summits ever hosted in the country. He also said the summit marked an important moment for East Africa.
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“There is no better way to close one of the biggest summits we have ever hosted here,” Jalang’o said.
He explained that the summit was significant because similar French events had mainly been held in West Africa before. According to him, East Africa hosting the summit for the first time showed the region’s growing importance in international partnerships.
“It is very significant because this has never happened in East Africa before, given that the French summit used to be mainly in West Africa,” Jalang’o explained.
Jalang’o also said Kenya had made history by becoming the first country in the region to host the summit. He added that the event had opened opportunities for young people to understand how collaboration with the French could happen through culture and creative industries.
“We are the first people in the centre to host this summit that has opened doors for young people to see how we can collaborate with the French,” Jalang’o said.
Music stars set for Kasarani
The politician also spoke about the concert lineup and the excitement around the performances expected during the summit. He mentioned Kenyan singer Bien, saying the artiste’s performance would energise the audience during the event.
“The night alone…Bien will get on that stage, and I will just get mad, because we must come out for our people,” Jalang’o said.
The Africa Forward Summit concert at Kasarani is expected to feature several major African stars. Bien is set to share the stage with Fally Ipupa and Yemi Alade during the cultural showcase in Nairobi.
The lineup also includes Youssou N’Dour alongside other international creatives expected to perform at the summit. According to information shared by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, the concerts at Kasarani Indoor Arena are among the major highlights of the Africa Forward Summit 2026 jointly hosted by Kenya and France.
“The Africa Forward Summit 2026, a global event jointly hosted by Kenya and France, is a monumental milestone in defining how Kenya’s strategic investment in sports infrastructure has turned into a central pillar in supporting the forging of international partnerships,” Mwangi stated.
