The Folks Africa is an entertainment company empowering athletes and artists from underprivileged backgrounds through management, publishing, touring, and film / TV to make Africa a great paradise. THE FOLKS AFRICA. Director's pick 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Who we are The Folks Africa is an entertainment company empowering young athletes and artists from underprivileged backgrounds through management, publishing, touring, and film / TV to make Africa a great paradise. The Folks Africa is an entertainment company empowering young athletes and artists from underprivileged backgrounds through management, publishing, touring, and film / TV to make Africa a great paradise. What we do The Folks Africa is a dedicated company focused on empowering young talents from underprivileged backgrounds through various creative and impactful initiatives. Through creative initiatives such as the TAF Tournament, exhibitions, and impactful community outreach programs, we aim to provide opportunities, raise awareness, and inspire the next generation of athletes and creatives. We believe that every talent deserves a chance to shine, regardless of their background. Our mission At The Folks Africa, we believe in the transformative power of entertainment to inspire positive change. Our mission is to empower young Africans to become their best selves by harnessing the potential within them. We focus on uplifting disadvantaged talents Through compelling documentaries / films, tournaments and dedicated mentorship programs, using sports as a catalyst for personal growth. We are dedicated to combating poverty and building stronger communities through the unifying force of sports. At The Folks Africa, we believe in the transformative power of entertainment to inspire positive change. Our mission is to empower young Africans to become their best selves by harnessing the potential within them. We focus on uplifting disadvantaged talents Through compelling documentaries / films, tournaments and dedicated mentorship programs, using sports as a catalyst for personal growth. We are dedicated to combating poverty and building stronger communities through the unifying force of sports. Tournament recap TAF Tournament 2024 recap 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. Director's pick 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. When you sit down with Elite Shyengo Honore, one thing becomes clear basketball isn’t just a game to him. It’s a dream, a responsibility, and a way to give back. In his episode of Wishlist by the Pro, the Rwandan baller shares seven things he truly hopes to see during his career. Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Across Africa, the talent is endless But the opportunities are not. Butterflies in a Fist is our new docu-series under the TAF campaign a bold, honest look into the lives of young African athletes who are chasing greatness with everything they have .

At just 16, Claude’s life is a testament to the resilience and unyielding spirit that define true athletes. The Inspiring Journey of Jean Claude 28 November 2024 At just 16, Claude’s life is a testament to the resilience and unyielding spirit that define true athletes. Claude's journey is marked by perseverance and dedication, despite facing numerous challenges. From Humble Beginnings to Rising Talent Claude's story starts in a modest home where he lives with his grandmother, brother, and three cousins. His family has always been his source of strength, offering love and support through their challenges. From a young age, Claude was drawn to football. At 10, he loved playing "karere," a local game using a ball made of bags, in the neighborhood streets. His natural talent and passion for the game quickly caught the attention of those around him. In 2020, his skills earned him a spot as a goalkeeper at the Rising Sports Academy. His dedication was unwavering. At 14, he took on a construction job, locally known as “Ikiyede,” to afford his own jersey and gloves. It was a grueling task for a boy his age, but the pride he felt wearing his gear made every bit of hard work worth it. His first jersey, however, came as a gift from his coach—a gesture that fueled his determination even further. Dreaming Big Claude’s dreams extend beyond the local fields. He envisions himself playing for Rwanda’s top division teams such as APR FC, Rayon Sports FC, and Mukura FC. And like every young footballer, he dares to dream of the international stage, imagining himself in the colors of Arsenal one day. "Who knows?" he muses, eyes gleaming with hope. Overcoming Obstacles Yet, the road to these dreams is steep and fraught with challenges. "The challenge is that as a football player from an underprivileged background it’s hard to get support you don’t know who to reach out to, most of academies requires mostly fees or something," Claude explains. This lack of support has, at times, cast shadows of doubt over his bright dreams. In a world where support and resources are often scarce, Claude’s journey is a call to action—to nurture and uplift young talents like him. 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. Director's pick 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. When you sit down with Elite Shyengo Honore, one thing becomes clear basketball isn’t just a game to him. It’s a dream, a responsibility, and a way to give back. In his episode of Wishlist by the Pro, the Rwandan baller shares seven things he truly hopes to see during his career. Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Across Africa, the talent is endless But the opportunities are not. Butterflies in a Fist is our new docu-series under the TAF campaign a bold, honest look into the lives of young African athletes who are chasing greatness with everything they have .

Across Africa, the talent is endless —
But the opportunities are not. Butterflies in a Fist: New documentary in the house 13 May 2025 We follow young footballers and basketball players from underprivileged communities. From refugee camps to rural villages, they show up every day with unmatched fire. Not for fame. Not for money. But because sport is their escape, their hope, their identity. But talent alone isn’t enough.There’s a painful gap between potential and access. Gender inequality still limits what girls can dream. We follow young footballers and basketball players from underprivileged communities. From refugee camps to rural villages, they show up every day with unmatched fire. Not for fame. Not for money. But because sport is their escape, their hope, their identity. But talent alone isn’t enough. There’s a painful gap between potential and access. Gender inequality still limits what girls can dream. Support for young athletes with real talent is rare. And far too many are left behind — not because they aren’t good enough, but because no one ever gave them a chance. The name Butterflies in a Fist comes from a choice we all face: When you hold something fragile and full of potential, do you hold on tight and crush it — or open your hand and let it fly? These kids are the butterflies. And through this campaign, we’re choosing to set them free. This series is more than just stories — it’s a call to action. To shift how we see youth sports. To create space for girls and boys to rise. To invest in what already exists: raw, fearless, African talent. The first episodes drop soon. And we can’t wait to show the world what happens when you give young people the platform they deserve. Let’s change the game. Let’s change lives. Let them fly. Support for young athletes with real talent is rare. And far too many are left behind — not because they aren’t good enough, but because no one ever gave them a chance. The name Butterflies in a Fist comes from a choice we all face: When you hold something fragile and full of potential, do you hold on tight and crush it — or open your hand and let it fly? These kids are the butterflies. And through this campaign, we’re choosing to set them free. This series is more than just stories — it’s a call to action. To shift how we see youth sports. To create space for girls and boys to rise. To invest in what already exists: raw, fearless, African talent. The first episodes drop soon. And we can’t wait to show the world what happens when you give young people the platform they deserve. Let’s change the game. Let’s change lives. Let them fly. 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. Director's pick 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. When you sit down with Elite Shyengo Honore, one thing becomes clear basketball isn’t just a game to him. It’s a dream, a responsibility, and a way to give back. In his episode of Wishlist by the Pro, the Rwandan baller shares seven things he truly hopes to see during his career. Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Across Africa, the talent is endless But the opportunities are not. Butterflies in a Fist is our new docu-series under the TAF campaign a bold, honest look into the lives of young African athletes who are chasing greatness with everything they have .

This exhibition is a vital component of The Athletes Fundraiser Campaign, a sports initiative dedicated to empowering young talents from underprivileged backgrounds. The Hanger: Run & Scream A Powerful Exhibition You Can’t Ignore Imagine a world where children’s dreams are stolen before they even begin.Where a boy who wanted to be a football star now holds a weapon, and a girl who dreamed of running on a track is forced to run for her life. Coming in 2025 – Stay Tuned The date is yet to be announced, but one thing is certain: The Hanger: Run & Scream will be one of the most important exhibitions of the year. It’s a chance to see, feel, and truly understand the reality of children affected by war. Don’t just hear about it—be part of it. More stories The Athlete in Me Podcast: Inspiring Young Talents The podcast features 8 episodes, each showcasing young players from teams that participated in the recent TAF Tournament. 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. Director's pick 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. When you sit down with Elite Shyengo Honore, one thing becomes clear basketball isn’t just a game to him. It’s a dream, a responsibility, and a way to give back. In his episode of Wishlist by the Pro, the Rwandan baller shares seven things he truly hopes to see during his career. Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Across Africa, the talent is endless But the opportunities are not. Butterflies in a Fist is our new docu-series under the TAF campaign a bold, honest look into the lives of young African athletes who are chasing greatness with everything they have .

TAF Tournament 2024 Recap The TAF Tournament 2024 brought together four outstanding teams—Umuri Sports Club, Rising Sports Academy, Eagle Stars, and Citizen FC—for an unforgettable competition. The young athletes showcased incredible skill, passion, and teamwork, making the tournament a true celebration of talent and determination. In an intense and thrilling final, Umuri Sports Club emerged as the champions, defeating Citizen FC in a hard-fought match. Their victory highlighted their dedication and resilience, proving that hard work and commitment lead to success. Beyond the matches, the tournament was a powerful experience for the players. They had the privilege of being inspired by Haruna Niyonzima, a legendary figure in Rwandan football, whose words of wisdom and encouragement left a lasting impact. Each athlete also received a TAF Tournament-branded T-shirt, symbolizing their journey and participation in this special event. Following the tournament, selected standout players had the opportunity to feature in "The Athlete in Me" podcast, where they shared their experiences, aspirations, and the challenges they face as young athletes. Their voices and stories will continue to inspire the next generation. The TAF Tournament 2024 was more than just a competition—it was a movement, a platform for empowerment, and a moment of inspiration for young athletes striving for greatness. As we look forward to the next edition, we remain committed to creating more opportunities for young talents to shine. Stay connected with The Folks Africa for more updates and upcoming initiatives! More stories Umuri Sports Club Wins TAF Tournament 2024 Umuri Sports Club showed great teamwork and skill, leading them to victory. They were awarded a trophy and a new football for their hard work. Director's pick The Hanger: Run & Scream Exhibition TAF Tournament 2024 recap 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. Director's pick 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. When you sit down with Elite Shyengo Honore, one thing becomes clear basketball isn’t just a game to him. It’s a dream, a responsibility, and a way to give back. In his episode of Wishlist by the Pro, the Rwandan baller shares seven things he truly hopes to see during his career. Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Across Africa, the talent is endless But the opportunities are not. Butterflies in a Fist is our new docu-series under the TAF campaign a bold, honest look into the lives of young African athletes who are chasing greatness with everything they have .

Stories List Stories At 16, Claude's life is a testament to resilience and determination. Living in a modest home with his grandmother, brother, and three cousins, he has always relied on their love and support. His passion for football started at age 10, playing "karere," a local game, in his neighborhood. In 2020, his talent as a goalkeeper earned him a spot at the Rising Sports Academy. Training at the academy was a dream come true but not without challenges. Often, Claude played on an empty stomach or after eating simple meals like bugali or Irish potatoes, which left him feeling weak. Despite this, his dedication never wavered. At 14, he took a construction job, known locally as “Ikiyede,” to afford his own jersey and gloves. His first jersey, a gift from his coach, fueled his determination even more. Start Now

The Folks Africa eGift Card RF 2,000 Amount RF 2,000 RF 5,000 RF 10,000 Other amount Quantity Buy Now

A Story That Needs to Be Told Imagine a world where children’s dreams are stolen before they even begin. Where a boy who wanted to be a football star now holds a weapon, and a girl who dreamed of running on a track is forced to run for her life. This is not a story from a distant past—it’s happening now. The Hanger: Run & Scream brings these hidden stories to light, ensuring they are seen and remembered. Set to debut in 2025, this exhibition is not just art—it’s a wake-up call. Created by The Folks Africa, it brings together a short film, a- powerful photo exhibition, a magazine, and a photo book to shine a light on young lives shattered by war. It’s about children who should be playing, learning, and chasing dreams, but instead find themselves in the middle of conflicts they never asked for. The Vision Behind It Behind this bold project is Joshia Free, a director with a mission: to make the world see what it often ignores. His vision for The Hanger: Run & Scream is simple but urgent—to remind us that behind every war statistic is a child with a name, a face, and a future that hangs in the balance. “This isn’t just an exhibition,” Joshia says. “It’s a fight for the kids who never got to tell their own stories.” All the pictures that will be exhibited were photographed by Asman Saiba. More stories The Athlete in Me Podcast: Inspiring Young Talents The podcast features 8 episodes, each showcasing young players from teams that participated in the recent TAF Tournament. The Hanger: Run & Scream A Powerful Exhibition You Can’t Ignore 09 Feb 2025 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. Director's pick 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. When you sit down with Elite Shyengo Honore, one thing becomes clear basketball isn’t just a game to him. It’s a dream, a responsibility, and a way to give back. In his episode of Wishlist by the Pro, the Rwandan baller shares seven things he truly hopes to see during his career. Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Across Africa, the talent is endless But the opportunities are not. Butterflies in a Fist is our new docu-series under the TAF campaign a bold, honest look into the lives of young African athletes who are chasing greatness with everything they have . Director's pick 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house

7 Things Elite Wishes for During His Basketball Career When you sit down with Elite Shyengo Honore, one thing becomes clear — basketball isn’t just a game to him. It’s a dream, a responsibility, and a way to give back. In his episode of Wishlist by the Pro, the Rwandan baller shares seven things he truly hopes to see during his career. Director's pick 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house 7 Things Elite Wishes for During His Basketball Career May 21 2025 Here's what he had to say: 1. More Investment in Youth Development Programs Elite starts where it all begins — with the kids. He dreams of a Rwanda where young players get early access to quality training and structured support. “Early training and exposure,” he says, “can help build a strong foundation of skilled athletes.” It’s about nurturing raw talent from the ground up. 2. Increasing Sponsorship and Financial Support Elite knows that passion alone can’t keep the lights on. He calls for more funding and sponsorship — not just for players, but for the clubs and the league as a whole. To him, financial support means creating a sustainable path for basketball to thrive — where talented kids can dream big and build a life through the game. 3. Building a Strong Basketball Culture For Elite, it’s not enough for basketball to be played — it needs to be loved. He wants to see more people in Rwanda not only playing but watching, supporting, and celebrating basketball as part of the national identity. “When more people play,” he says, “watching it can become part of who we are.” 4. Seeing Rwanda in the World Cup This is the bold dream — and Elite says it with full confidence. He wants to see Rwanda compete on the global stage at the FIBA World Cup. It’s a long road, but one that starts with belief, hard work, and the kind of system he hopes to see built around the sport. 5. Better Training for Referees Sometimes overlooked, referees play a huge role in shaping fair competition. Elite emphasizes the need for strong referee training to improve the quality of play and foster a healthier basketball environment in Rwanda. Better refs, better games, better league. 6. More Support for Women’s Basketball Elite doesn’t just care about his own lane — he’s rooting for everyone. He applauds the progress being made in women’s basketball in Rwanda but stresses that more is needed. “It’s already happening,” he says, “but we need more.” Equality in sports means giving women the same spotlight, respect, and investment. 7. More Basketball Facilities Across the Country Finally, Elite dreams of access — for everyone. He wants to see courts and training spaces across Rwanda, especially in areas where young people don’t have the resources they need. With more facilities, more kids can play, grow, and build confidence through sport. These aren’t just wishes — they’re reflections of what so many athletes feel but rarely get the space to say out loud. Through Wishlist by the Pro, we hear their voices, their hopes, and their vision for something bigger than the game. 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. Director's pick 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. When you sit down with Elite Shyengo Honore, one thing becomes clear basketball isn’t just a game to him. It’s a dream, a responsibility, and a way to give back. In his episode of Wishlist by the Pro, the Rwandan baller shares seven things he truly hopes to see during his career. Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Across Africa, the talent is endless But the opportunities are not. Butterflies in a Fist is our new docu-series under the TAF campaign a bold, honest look into the lives of young African athletes who are chasing greatness with everything they have .

Our mission is to touch someone's life through inspiring stories. The Hanger: Run & Scream – A Powerful Exhibition You Can’t Ignore Imagine a world where children’s dreams are stolen before they even begin.Where a boy who wanted to be a football star now holds a weapon, and a girl who dreamed of running on a track is forced to run for her life. Director's pick 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house STORIES Our mission is to touch someone's life through inspiring stories. Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Across Africa, the talent is endless but the opportunities are not. Butterflies in a Fist is our new docu-series under the TAF campaign a bold, honest look into the lives of young African athletes who are chasing greatness with everything they have. Australia Wildfire Relief Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust. BRISBANE SYDNEY MELBOURNE PERTH ADELAIDE Share information on a previous project here to attract new clients. To help visitors understand the context and background of the work, provide a brief summary. Include the project's time frame and scope, as well as its goals and outcome. Add details about why this project was created and what makes it significant. Explain how the business handled challenges and overcame obstacles to make this undertaking a success. Consider adding images or videos to showcase the project and engage viewers. Share information on a previous project here to attract new clients. To help visitors understand the context and background of the work, provide a brief summary. Include the project's time frame and scope, as well as its goals and outcome. Add details about why this project was created and what makes it significant. Explain how the business handled challenges and overcame obstacles to make this undertaking a success. Consider adding images or videos to showcase the project and engage viewers. EU Flooding Support Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust. GERMANY HUNGARY ROMANIA BULGARIA LATVIA ITALY Share information on a previous project here to attract new clients. To help visitors understand the context and background of the work, provide a brief summary. Include the project's time frame and scope, as well as its goals and outcome. Add details about why this project was created and what makes it significant. Explain how the business handled challenges and overcame obstacles to make this undertaking a success. Consider adding images or videos to showcase the project and engage viewers. Share information on a previous project here to attract new clients. To help visitors understand the context and background of the work, provide a brief summary. Include the project's time frame and scope, as well as its goals and outcome. Add details about why this project was created and what makes it significant. Explain how the business handled challenges and overcame obstacles to make this undertaking a success. Consider adding images or videos to showcase the project and engage viewers. Full Cup Africa Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust. NIGER BURKINA FASO SUDAN ANGOLA TANZANIA GABON Share information on a previous project here to attract new clients. To help visitors understand the context and background of the work, provide a brief summary. Include the project's time frame and scope, as well as its goals and outcome. Add details about why this project was created and what makes it significant. Explain how the business handled challenges and overcame obstacles to make this undertaking a success. Consider adding images or videos to showcase the project and engage viewers. Share information on a previous project here to attract new clients. To help visitors understand the context and background of the work, provide a brief summary. Include the project's time frame and scope, as well as its goals and outcome. Add details about why this project was created and what makes it significant. Explain how the business handled challenges and overcame obstacles to make this undertaking a success. Consider adding images or videos to showcase the project and engage viewers. 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. Director's pick 7 Things Elite Wished for During His Basketball Career. When you sit down with Elite Shyengo Honore, one thing becomes clear basketball isn’t just a game to him. It’s a dream, a responsibility, and a way to give back. In his episode of Wishlist by the Pro, the Rwandan baller shares seven things he truly hopes to see during his career. Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Butterflies in a Fist: A new documentary in the house Across Africa, the talent is endless But the opportunities are not. Butterflies in a Fist is our new docu-series under the TAF campaign a bold, honest look into the lives of young African athletes who are chasing greatness with everything they have . Umuri Sports Club Wins TAF Tournament 2024 Umuri Sports Club showed great teamwork and skill, leading them to victory. Banta Etienne: The Star of TAF Tournament Receiving the award from Niyonzima, a former captain of Rwanda’s National Team, was a big moment for Etienne. More stories The Inspiring Journey of Jean Claude At just 16, Claude’s life is a testament to the resilience and unyielding spirit that define true athletes. More stories The Athlete in Me Podcast: Inspiring Young Talents The podcast features 8 episodes, each showcasing young players from teams that participated in the recent TAF Tournament.