Sherrie Silver, a 24-year-old Rwanda-born creative director and choreographer, gained international recognition for her work on Childish Gambino’s 2018 music video This Is America. The project, which won four Grammy Awards and a VMAs choreography award, launched her into global prominence.
Her breakthrough came through a recommendation from a relative of the rapper’s manager, who discovered her online work. Silver recalled in an interview: "His manager’s niece found me. She used to watch my videos, so she showed it to him. Then, [his manager] showed it to Donald [Childish Gambino], and then apparently, Donald was like, ‘Let’s book her.’"
Now serving as the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s (IFAD) inaugural advocate for rural youth, Silver emphasizes the need to reframe perceptions of agriculture. "Farming has been portrayed as something uncool, mainly reserved for the elderly," she said. "But seeing young people succeed in agribusiness—like buying homes for their families—inspired me to explore farming myself."
Despite her urban upbringing, Silver maintains ties to rural traditions. She described her grandfather’s devotion to cattle farming and shared details of a small Rwanda project supporting homeless children with two chickens. "It’s in the city, but I’m proud of our chickens," she said, adding plans to expand the initiative.
Reflecting on her career, Silver highlighted the importance of mentorship and entrepreneurship. "Women shouldn’t rely on men for farming. I met a successful pork farmer in Cameroon who feeds her family—impressive," she noted. She also urged youth to prioritize rural development over urban migration, stating, "Focus on where you live, develop farms, and create employment for others."
Currently based in the UK, Silver studied business and marketing at Essex University. She also supports Rwanda’s Children of Destiny charity and a women’s empowerment project. Her next focus includes an IFAD-led trip to Rwanda to visit agricultural initiatives.
