Sherrie Silver is one of the few Rwandans who have brought their talent to the international stage through dance, art, and helping children facing difficult lives. She became globally known after choreographing Childish Gambino’s song “This Is America,” a song that won major awards including the MTV Video Music Award for “Best Choreography” in 2018.
Sherrie Silver was born in Rwanda in 1994, at a time when the country was recovering from the Genocide against the Tutsi. Her father was killed shortly before she was born, something that had a major impact on her childhood life. A few years later, her mother took her to the United Kingdom in search of a better life and safety.
Although she grew up in London, Sherrie never forgot her country and Rwandan culture. At a young age, she developed a passion for dancing and studied at Stagecoach Theatre Arts School, where she began developing her talent. At just 11 years old, she had already formed a dance group and even performed in front of President Paul Kagame during his visit to the United Kingdom. Sherrie began gaining popularity through YouTube and social media platforms where she shared videos of African dances. She had one major goal: to show the world that Africa has a beautiful culture, unique dances, and extraordinary talent.
She founded a group called “The Unique Silver Dancers,” which later won the BEFFTA Award for Best Dance Group in 2013. During her journey, she also worked with the famous Ugandan dance group Triplets Ghetto Kids.
In 2018, Sherrie Silver’s life changed dramatically when Childish Gambino selected her to choreograph the song “This Is America.” The song attracted worldwide attention because of its powerful message about racism, violence, and the history of Black people in America.
The dances created by Sherrie played a major role in making the video a global phenomenon. Afterwards, she won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography, becoming one of the few Africans to reach that level. Although she reached a high level in the entertainment industry, Sherrie did not focus only on fame. She chose to use her name and talent to help children and young people across Africa.
In 2015, she founded the Sherrie Silver Foundation, an organization that supports vulnerable children through dance, music, education, and healthcare. The organization operates in Rwanda and other African countries, and it has helped many children gain access to housing, education, and health insurance.
Sherrie has often said that talent can change a child’s life when they are given the right opportunities and support. She wants African children to know that they can go far without having to leave their continent.
Through her various messages, Sherrie often encourages girls and young people to believe in their dreams and never lose hope because of where they come from or the hardships they have experienced.
She once said: “My life is an example of what is possible when a Rwandan girl is given the opportunity to pursue her talent.”
Today, Sherrie Silver continues to be a source of pride for Rwanda and the whole of Africa because of the way she has combined art, African culture, and humanitarian work to help others achieve their dreams.
