In Burundi and Uganda, where Gen Verde will travel this coming January 2027, over 50% of the population is under 35. This massive wave of energy, dreams, and talent is just waiting for a spark—and Gen Verde is bringing that hope through music.
The Reality Facing Youth in Burundi and Uganda
In countries like Burundi and Uganda, the word “future” is a complex equation. The current landscape presents one of the youngest demographics in the world, with over 50% of the population aged between 18 and 35. However, this powerhouse of youth energy collides daily with the harsh realities of latent conflicts, social challenges, and a lack of fertile ground for hope to take root.
Behind these numbers and statistics are real faces, like that of Elizabeth Ankunda, a 24-year-old law graduate from Uganda. «Young people here have to deal with the plague of unemployment even after graduation, peer pressure, isolation, and a lack of strong mentors to guide them,» she explains.
About 800 km away, across the border in Burundi, the situation mirrors these exact dynamics. Lewis Ihimbazwe, a communication professional, describes the reality for Burundian youth: «Young people, full of creativity and ambition, want to start businesses and live with dignity using their skills. Yet, they struggle to find work or unlock funding for their projects. There is a severe lack of spaces for free self-expression.»
Despite these challenges, there is a powerful, widespread desire among young people to cultivate their artistic talents—from music and dance to theater and visual arts. In Burundi, formal artistic spaces are rare and mostly reward individual talent, overlooking the sense of unity and community that art can bring. In Uganda, talent and a love for the arts often remain hidden due to a lack of opportunities and venues that offer adequate visibility and support.
Gen Verde’s Arrival in January 2027: Music and On-the-Ground Dialogue
This reality highlights the urgent need for a radical shift. Gen Verde‘s upcoming visit in January 2027 aims to be a journey of shared transformation, peacebuilding, and a testament to dialogue through the universal language of art.
«Gen Verde’s artistic workshops become meaningful spaces for co-creation. Their approach transforms any venue into an open stage for personal expression. This bridges the gap between a massive youth population eager for artistic outlets and the need for messages that inspire unity, dignity, and active engagement. It practically acts as a catalyst!», Lewis says.
For Elizabeth, the experience Gen Verde brings can «create a safe space where young people can share their stories, fears, and hopes without judgment. It helps them discover hidden talents and boost their self-esteem, even allowing them to think about turning art into a livelihood by merging hobbies with job opportunities.»
Not a Handout, But Collaboration: Building With Them
For decades, the international approach toward many areas of Sub-Saharan Africa has often been paternalistic—top-down projects that treated local communities merely as “passive beneficiaries.” Today, the new generation is demanding something completely different.
«Young people want to be seen as actors, not just beneficiaries of projects designed for them. When youth are truly given a voice, you discover they have much more to offer than anyone imagines. .
We need to move from ‘doing things for youth’ to ‘building with youth,’» Lewis emphasizes
The Crowdfunding Campaign: Become a Catalyst for the Future
To fund international travel, secure local transportation for the group, and run the educational workshops on-site, Gen Verde has launched a crowdfunding campaign with a target of €30,000.
«I expect Gen Verde’s arrival to be more than just a show… I expect it to be a moment of awakening,» says Elizabeth from Uganda. «I hope it ignites a spirit of unity in diversity and leaves behind a lasting network of young artists committed to building a more united world».
