News
Global Citizen Announces EGOT-Winning, Critically Acclaimed, Multiplatinum Artist and Producer John Legend to Headline Move Afrika in February 2025
Tour Extends from East to West Africa as Move Afrika: Lagos Joins Move Afrika: Kigali
Move Afrika, the first pan-African touring circuit headlined by international artists, to drive long-term economic investment and job creation in the continent’s creative economies
Move Afrika to drive citizen-led advocacy campaign to enhance health systems across the continent
Move Afrika: Kigali in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board
Tour Extends from East to West Africa as Move Afrika: Lagos Joins Move Afrika: Kigali
Summary
Move Afrika, the first pan-African touring circuit headlined by international artists, to drive long-term economic investment and job creation in the continent’s creative economies
Move Afrika to drive citizen-led advocacy campaign to enhance health systems across the continent
Move Afrika: Kigali in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board
Tuesday December 17, 2024
New York / Kigali / Lagos, December 17, 2024 // Today Global Citizen, the international advocacy organization on a mission to end extreme poverty, announced EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum artist and producer, John Legend, will headline the next installment of Move Afrika, the first-of-its-kind music touring circuit headlined by international artists. Next year's tour will expand from East to West Africa, with Nigeria joining Rwanda as host countries. The tour will begin with Move Afrika: Kigali at the BK Arena on February 21, before continuing with Move Afrika: Lagos at The Palms on February 25, 2025. Move Afrika is a long-term, large-scale effort to pioneer the music touring circuit across Africa, driving economic investment, job creation and supporting entrepreneurship opportunities in each host country.
Move Afrika is Global Citizen’s initiative to address the world’s inequities by creating job and entrepreneurship opportunities for the continent’s emerging generations through an annual series of live music events. Showcasing the best of Africa to the world, these events will drive transformative investments within local communities, engage local artists, vendors, agencies and crews, and provide opportunities for on-the-job skill development and training. Producing a world-class experience for fans and artists alike, Move Afrika will set a new gold-standard for entertainment touring events, increasing demand from international and regional artists to tour in the region and building local capacity within host cities across the continent. Each year, additional countries will be added to the Move Afrika tour circuit, which will further expand across the continent over the next five years.
The 2025 edition of Move Afrika will drive a citizen-led advocacy campaign championing sustainable development and economic growth, with a dedicated focus on strengthening health systems across Africa. Together with campaign partners, Global Citizen will urge African nations to increase domestic health financing, prioritize primary care and sexual and reproductive health and rights, boost global investments in health resilience, and alleviate financial burdens on nations to strengthen public health.
A limited number of tickets for Move Afrika: Kigali and Move Afrika: Lagos are available for purchase at moveafrika.org. Additional details about the February Move Afrika tour, including how to earn free tickets by taking action with Global Citizen, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Partners of Move Afrika include pgLang and the Rwanda Development Board.
“I’m honored and excited to perform in Kigali and Lagos as part of the Move Afrika tour – an initiative that not only brings unforgettable shows, but also creates entrepreneurship and job opportunities, empowering young people to engage with Africa’s growing music and creative industries,” said John Legend. “Africa has always been a global cultural powerhouse, and it’s an honor to be part of the future of live music on the continent.”
“We’re thrilled to have John Legend, our longtime Global Citizen Ambassador and friend, headline Move Afrika, as we expand the tour from Rwanda to Nigeria,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen. “As Move Afrika grows year over year, our goal is to equip and inspire Africa’s dynamic, young population to participate in the live music and creative industries, while investing in its future with lasting infrastructure that will mean the continent no longer needs to be excluded from the international touring circuit.”
“Global Citizen and Move Afrika’s return to Rwanda in February 2025 underscores our shared commitment to showcasing Africa’s creative talent and leveraging the global entertainment industry to address the continent's development priorities,” said Francis Gatare, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board. “Together, we aim to position Rwanda as an entertainment hub that benefits all African countries, including by creating youth-focused employment and income-generating opportunities.”
The first Move Afrika event, Move Afrika: Rwanda, held in Kigali in December 2023, was headlined by Grammy Award, Pulitzer Prize winning artist Kendrick Lamar, and prioritized job creation, skill training and youth entrepreneurship along the way. The event employed more than 1000 Rwandans, and engaged 75 percent local crew and production staff. Hailed by many as the most successful live music event ever staged in Rwanda, the show also featured performances by Zuchu, Bruce Melodie, DJ TOXXYK, Sherrie Silver, Ariel Wayz, Kivumbi King and Bruce The 1st.
The 2025 edition of Move Afrika will build on Global Citizen’s previous campaigns and events across Africa, including Move Afrika: Rwanda, held at the BK Arena in 2023; Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, which featured Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Eddie Vedder, and Chris Martin of Coldplay in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2018; Global Citizen Live: Lagos, with performances by Davido, Femi Kuti, and Tiwa Savage at Fela Kuti’s New Afrika Shrine in 2021; and Global Citizen Festival: Accra, which brought Usher, SZA, Stormzy, and TEMS to the Black Star Square in 2022.
For more information visit moveafrika.org.
About Global Citizen
Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organisation on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday activists raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Since the movement began, $49 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Geneva, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, XandLinkedIn.
Press Kit
Artwork available here.
Media Accreditation
Applications are now open for media outlets to attend and cover Move Afrika: Kigali on February 21 and Move Afrika: Lagos on February 25. Please complete this application form by February 14, 2025.
Contact
Global Citizen Media Enquiries:
media@globalcitizen.org
Kendrick Lamar and 'Move Afrika: Rwanda' Light Up Kigali with Sold Out Show, Launching the First Pan-African Touring Circuit Headlined by International Artists
Kendrick Lamar, Zuchu, Bruce Melodie and more change the game for Live Entertainment in Rwanda.
First ‘Move Afrika’ Event Employed More Than 1,000 Rwandans to Drive Economic Investment in Rwandan Production and Entertainment Houses, Women-Owned Businesses and Young Entrepreneurs.
Summary
Kendrick Lamar, Zuchu, Bruce Melodie and more change the game for Live Entertainment in Rwanda.
First ‘Move Afrika’ Event Employed More Than 1,000 Rwandans to Drive Economic Investment in Rwandan Production and Entertainment Houses, Women-Owned Businesses and Young Entrepreneurs.
Wednesday December 6, 2023
Kigali, December 6, 2023 // The first ever Move Afrika event, held tonight in Kigali, was unlike any live show Rwanda has seen before. A light-filled, sold-out BK Arena hosted Move Afrika: Rwanda, a spectacular night of music, culture, and advocacy that took East African entertainment to new heights and will be remembered for years to come as the birth of the first pan-African touring circuit for international artists.
Created by international advocacy organisation Global Citizen and creative imprint, pgLang, alongside the Rwanda Development Board, the inaugural Move Afrika: Rwanda show was headlined by Grammy Award, Pulitzer Prize winning artist Kendrick Lamar, and showcased the best African artists, creators and entertainers to the world. With every facet of the event’s production driving local economic investment, skill training and youth entrepreneurship, the first Move Afrika concert signalled the launch of a five-year incremental tour schedule that will pioneer a world-class music touring circuit across the continent, changing the face of live entertainment in Africa.
Bruce Melodie opened the night with an energetic performance that included his smash hits ‘Katerina’, ‘When She's Around’ and ‘Henzapu.’ Rwandan poet Fred Mfuranzima treated the audience to a spoken word performance of his moving poem, ‘The Unstoppable Sea’.
H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, took the stage, saying “There are many things we can address together. Working together, our continent stands strong and can address most of our challenges. We are looking forward to hosting global citizens every year, here in Kigali, through Move Afrika. I hope you feel at home, all of you, and I hope to see you again in the near future.”
Zuchu burst onto the stage with a high octane performance of her hits, including ‘Kwikwi,’ ‘Honey’ and ‘Utaniua.’ Sherrie Silver brought the arena to life with more than 40 young singers, dancers and breakdancers from the Sherrie Silver Foundation, taking the audience on an unforgettable journey through Rwandan dance culture. DJ TOXXYK and Ariel Wayz teamed up for a medley of hits, including ‘Tattoo’ and ‘You Should Know’, and Ariel Wayz surprised the crowd by bringing out Rwandan rappers Kivumbi King and Bruce The 1st to collaborate on ‘Demo.’
Kendrick Lamar brought the sold out crowd to their feet for an unforgettable headline performance, with a setlist that spanned his full catalogue, performing with local Rwandan dancers on ‘Blacker The Berry,’ ‘Count Me Out’ and ‘Savior.’
“Global Citizen and pgLang launched Move Afrika to pioneer a first-of-its-kind international music touring circuit throughout the continent of Africa. We are honored to be hosting the first event here in Kigali at the BK Arena,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen. “This is just the beginning. The real work starts tomorrow. Thank you for being on this journey to Move Afrika.”
Move Afrika: Rwanda show highlights and performances will form part of a broadcast special, to be released worldwide in early 2024.
Move Afrika: Rwanda, in association with global production company Done and Dusted and the Rwanda Events Group, employed more than 1000 Rwandans, and engaged 75 percent local crew and production staff, with a specific focus on creating opportunities for skill development and international event training, including:
Set and Stage: The Move Afrika: Rwanda set and stage design was created by Stufish in close collaboration with local artist Dolph Banza. Together they created a set evoking traditional Kitenge fabric designs.
Nyamirambo Women’s Center: Traditional Agaseke peace baskets, created by 20 artisans from the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, were repurposed to hang across the stage as dynamic lighting fixtures, creating the centrepiece feature of the Move Afrika: Rwanda stage and showcasing Rwandan creative excellence to the world.
Broadcast production: Rwandan film crew Addictive Vibe shot the behind the scenes segments, and graphic design company Guez Show created the video packaging.
Crew, rigging and security: Through an on-site skill-training partnership between Rwanda Events Group with globally leading riggers from Unusual Rigging, a new, larger capacity ceiling rig was installed in the BK Arena for maximised audience experience. Additionally, world-class security training was provided to 15 event supervisors and managers by Behavioural Detection Observation (BDO).
Backing dancers and singers: Over 70 local singers and dancers participated on the Move Afrika: Rwanda stage, with additional dancers and choreographers contributing to the international broadcast program that will be released early next year. Dancers from the Sherrie Silver Foundation performed alongside Kendrick Lamar during his headline set. Many of them come from disadvantaged backgrounds and impoverished communities, and have used their talents and creativity to lift their families out of poverty.
Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator: Move Afrika partnered with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator in Kigali to recruit, train and upskill 35 young people aged between 18-25, who received on site training and shadowed event teams through the project to gain work experience at a world-class live music event.
Filmmakers masterclass: More than 15 filmmakers participated in a marketing and social media masterclass, in collaboration with the Rwanda Film Office and Rwanda Development Board, which provided critical tools to amplify local stories.
As part of its five-year commitment to Rwanda, Move Afrika is building upon these collaborations to generate long-term opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and foster long-term partnerships that pave the way for more international artists to perform in Rwanda.
“We see this event as just the start of a promising journey for our industry,” said Christian Gakwaya, CEO, Rwanda Events Group, a primary Move Afrika: Rwanda vendor. “With our talented crew and creative minds, coupled with increased international shows and further investments in equipment and skills, we can for sure take our rightful place as global leader in events.”
With a dedicated focus on investing in young Rwandans who are strengthening their country, Move Afrika: Rwanda provided over 4000 free tickets to young people, including:
Over 500 Rwandan youth, NGOs, civil society workers, who joined Umuganda efforts to plant more than 1000 trees on Mount Rebero last month;
30 community healthcare workers attended to highlight the campaign's focus on health equity and access across Rwanda;
200 young people aged between 16-21 from four districts were provided an all-expenses paid trip for a front-of-stage Move Afrika experience, courtesy of pgLang;
Local and regional fashion designers were featured as part of a three-day pop-up fashion market during Move Afrika: Rwanda show week, generating economic opportunities for local creatives, fostering job creation, and promoting cultural integration through the vibrant tapestry of African fashion and design.
“We know what it’s like to not have access, so we wanted to ensure that young people from across Rwanda had the opportunity to experience the first Move Afrika event in Kigali,” said pgLang.
Partners of Move Afrika include pgLang, the Rwanda Development Board and TimesLive. The event is supported by BK Arena.
Move Afrika: A Global Citizen Experience forms part of a new long-term, large-scale effort to pioneer a first-of-its-kind international music touring circuit throughout the continent of Africa, with pgLang serving as the tour’s curator. In partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, Kigali, Rwanda will host Move Afrika every year for the next five years. Each year, additional countries will be added to the tour schedule, which aims to expand to five countries by 2025. Producing a world-class experience for fans and artists alike, Move Afrika will set a new gold-standard for entertainment touring events, increasing demand from international and regional artists to tour in the region and building local capacity within host cities across the continent.
Move Afrika builds on Global Citizen’s previous campaigns and events across the continent that include: Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, which brought Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Eddie Vedder and Chris Martin of Coldplay to Johannesburg, South Africa in 2018; Global Citizen Live: Lagos that featured Davido, Femi Kuti, and Tiwa Savage at Fela Kuti’s New Afrika Shrine in 2021; and Global Citizen Festival: Accra, which brought Usher, SZA, Stormzy, and TEMS to the iconic Black Star Square in 2022.
Move Afrika is supported by Aflimba, African Food Fellowship, Amahoro Builders, Blue Oceans, Chancen International, Dukataze SAYE Company Ltd., EcoRota Rwanda, Future First Kenya, Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology, Safi Life, SmallStepsEveryday, Solid’Africa, Rwanda Development Organisation, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, Inkomoko, Partners In Health, Restless Development, Rising Above the Storms (RAS), Rotary International, The Green Protector, YouthConnekt Africa Hub, Westerwelle Foundation, and Ineza Umuhoza Grace, Co-Founder of the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition and 2023 Global Citizen Prize winner.
Global Citizen is grateful for the support of leading media companies including: AIM Group, Arena Holdings, Bella Naija, City Radio, Eagle Production, Ltd., EIB Network, Radio 1, Radio Flash, Royal FM, The New Times, UpScale Media, Vanguard Media and Zikoko.
For more information visit moveafrika.org.
###
About Global Citizen
Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organization on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday activists raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Over the past 10 years, $43.6 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Geneva, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
About the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is a Government agency in Rwanda with a vision to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation. Its mission is to fast-track economic development in Rwanda by enabling private sector growth. Learn more at www.rdb.rw.
Press Kit
Click here for photo and video assets.
Contact
Global Citizen Media Enquiries:
media@globalcitizen.org
Zuchu And Bruce Melodie Join Performer Line Up For ‘Move Afrika: Rwanda’ Headlined by Kendrick Lamar on December 6
Winston Duke Joins as Host with Special Guests Arthur Nkusi, Ariel Wayz, Azziad Nasenya, Dj Toxxyk, Jackie Lumbasi, And Sherrie Silver
Move Afrika’ to Galvanize a Citizen-Led Advocacy Campaign to Promote Health and Equity, Defend our Planet, and Create Economic Opportunity
Take Action and Get Tickets at moveafrika.org
Winston Duke Joins as Host with Special Guests Arthur Nkusi, Ariel Wayz, Azziad Nasenya, Dj Toxxyk, Jackie Lumbasi, And Sherrie Silver
Summary
Move Afrika’ to Galvanize a Citizen-Led Advocacy Campaign to Promote Health and Equity, Defend our Planet, and Create Economic Opportunity
Take Action and Get Tickets at moveafrika.org
Friday November 24, 2023
New York, November 24, 2023 // International advocacy organization Global Citizen and creative imprint, pgLang today announced Zuchu and Bruce Melodie are set to perform at Move Afrika: Rwanda, which will be headlined by Grammy Award, Pulitzer Prize winning artist Kendrick Lamar. Actor and global philanthropist Winston Duke will host the event at Kigali’s BK Arena on December 6, 2023, and media personality and entrepreneur Davy-Carmel Ingabire and poet Fred Mfuranzima are also confirmed to take the stage. Previously announced participants include comedian and media personality Arthur Nkusi, musician Ariel Wayz, actor and media personality Azziad Nasenya, DJ TOXXYK, media personality Jackie Lumbasi, and award winning choreographer Sherrie Silver.
Move Afrika: A Global Citizen Experience is a ticketed event, which forms part of a new long-term, large-scale effort to pioneer a first-of-its-kind international music touring circuit throughout the continent of Africa, with pgLang serving as the curator of Move Afrika for the next five years. Tickets are available at moveafrika.org, and can be earned by joining the movement and taking action on the Global Citizen app, at www.globalcitizen.org or text +250 790 008 555 on WhatsApp.
In the lead up to the event, Global Citizen is campaigning for urgent action on major issues across the continent, including the need for increased funding for health, with a specific emphasis on women, girls and community health workers; addressing the climate crisis and its impact on food security, including greater investments in adaptation; tackling the lack of access to economic opportunities for future generations; and encouraging civic participation.
“Move Afrika comes at a pivotal moment, with international assistance budgets in decline, the debts of developing countries rising, and multiple crises consuming global attention,” said Liz Agbor-Tabi, Vice President, Policy & Advocacy, Global Citizen. “Through the Move Afrika campaign and this unique event series, we aim to unlock new opportunities for young people across the Continent. Investing in and supporting entrepreneurs, community health workers and small holder farmers on the frontlines of climate change isn't just a moral imperative – it’s a path towards healthier communities, a more equitable future for Africa, and the eradication of extreme poverty.”
“The possibilities for Rwanda — and all of Africa — are limitless. I’m proud to take part in the first ever Move Afrika event in beautiful Kigali. This is not just a show — it’s the beginning of a massive shift in the African entertainment industry, which will have a lasting economic impact in Rwanda and right across the Continent,” said Winston Duke, actor, global philanthropist and UN Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism.
Partners of Move Afrika include pgLang, the Rwanda Development Board and TimesLive. The event is supported by BK Arena.
In partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, Kigali, Rwanda will host Move Afrika every year for the next five years. Each year, additional countries will be added to the tour schedule, which aims to expand to five countries by 2025. Producing a world-class experience for fans and artists alike, Move Afrika will set a new gold-standard for entertainment touring events, increasing demand from international and regional artists to tour in the region and building local capacity within host cities across the continent.
Move Afrika builds on Global Citizen’s previous campaigns and events across the continent that include: Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, which brought Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Eddie Vedder and Chris Martin of Coldplay to Johannesburg, South Africa in 2018; Global Citizen Live: Lagos that featured Davido, Femi Kuti, and Tiwa Savage at Fela Kuti’s New Afrika Shrine in 2021; and Global Citizen Festival: Accra, which brought Usher, SZA, Stormzy, and TEMS to the iconic Black Star Square in 2022.
Move Afrika is supported by Aflimba, African Food Fellowship, Amahoro Builders, Blue Oceans, Chancen International, Dukataze SAYE Company Ltd., EcoRota Rwanda, Future First Kenya, Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology, Safi Life, SmallStepsEveryday, Solid’Africa, Rwanda Development Organisation, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, Inkomoko, Partners In Health, Restless Development, Rising Above the Storms (RAS), Rotary International, The Green Protector, YouthConnekt Africa Hub, Westerwelle Foundation, and Ineza Umuhoza Grace, Co-Founder of the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition and 2023 Global Citizen Prize winner.
Global Citizen is grateful for the support of leading media companies including: AIM Group, Arena Holdings, Bella Naija, City Radio, Eagle Production, Ltd., EIB Network, Radio 1, Radio Flash, Royal FM, The New Times, UpScale Media, Vanguard Media and Zikoko.
For more information visit moveafrika.org, or via text on WhatsApp at +250 790 008 555. Follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
###
About Global Citizen
Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organization on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday activists raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Over the past 10 years, $43.6 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Geneva, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
About the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is a Government agency in Rwanda with a vision to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation. Its mission is to fast-track economic development in Rwanda by enabling private sector growth. Learn more at www.rdb.rw.
Press Kit
Click here for artwork.
Media Credentials
Applications are now open for media outlets to attend and cover Move Afrika: Rwanda on December 6. Please complete this application form.
Contact
Global Citizen Media Enquiries:
media@globalcitizen.org
Arthur Nkusi, Ariel Wayz, Azziad Nasenya, DJ TOXXYK, Jackie Lumbasi, and Sherrie Silver Join the Move Afrika: Rwanda Lineup with More Artists to be Announced
Take Action and Get Tickets at moveafrika.org
‘Move Afrika’ to Galvanize a Citizen-Led Advocacy Campaign to Promote Health and Equity, Defend our Planet, and Create Economic Opportunity
In Partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, ‘Move Afrika: Rwanda’ to Take Place Every Year for the Next Five Years in Kigali
Summary
Take Action and Get Tickets at moveafrika.org
‘Move Afrika’ to Galvanize a Citizen-Led Advocacy Campaign to Promote Health and Equity, Defend our Planet, and Create Economic Opportunity
In Partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, ‘Move Afrika: Rwanda’ to Take Place Every Year for the Next Five Years in Kigali
Wednesday November 15, 2023
WHAT: Comedian and media personality Arthur Nkusi, musician Ariel Wayz, actor and media personality Azziad Nasenya, DJ TOXXYK, media personality Jackie Lumbasi, and award winning choreographer Sherrie Silver join the inaugural lineup for Move Afrika: Rwanda, taking place on Wednesday December 6, 2023 at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. They will join Grammy Award, Pulitzer Prize winning artist and co-founder of pgLang, Kendrick Lamar who will headline the event. Additional artists to be announced.
Move Afrika: A Global Citizen Experience is a ticketed event, hosted by international advocacy organization Global Citizen and creative imprint, pgLang. The event forms part of a new long-term, large-scale effort to pioneer a first-of-its-kind international music touring circuit throughout the continent of Africa, with pgLang serving as the curator of Move Afrika for the next five years, from 2023 until 2028.
The event will feature a citizen-led advocacy campaign calling for urgent action and bold commitments from world leaders on major issues across the continent. Key issues include: the need for increased funding for health, with a specific emphasis on women and girls; addressing the climate crisis and its impact on food security; tackling the lack of access to economic opportunities for future generations; and encouraging civic participation.
WHEN: Wednesday December 6, 2023
WHERE: The BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
HOW TO GET TICKETS: Tickets are available at moveafrika.org, and can be earned by joining the movement and taking action on the Global Citizen app, at www.globalcitizen.org or text +250 790 008 555 on WhatsApp.
More information can be found at moveafrika.org.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Move Afrika is Global Citizen’s latest effort to address the world’s inequities by creating job and entrepreneurship opportunities for the continent’s emerging generations through an annual series of world-class live events. Showcasing the best of Africa to the world, these events will drive transformative investments within local communities, engage local artists, vendors, agencies and crews, and provide opportunities for on-the-job skill development and training. Producing a world-class experience for fans and artists alike, Move Afrika will set a new gold-standard for entertainment touring events, increasing demand from international and regional artists to tour in the region and building local capacity within host cities across the continent.
Move Afrika builds on Global Citizen’s previous campaigns and events across the continent that include: Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, which brought Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Eddie Vedder and Chris Martin of Coldplay to Johannesburg, South Africa in 2018; Global Citizen Live: Lagos that featured Davido, Femi Kuti, and Tiwa Savage at Fela Kuti’s New Afrika Shrine in 2021; and Global Citizen Festival: Accra, which brought Usher, SZA, Stormzy, and TEMS to the iconic Black Star Square in 2022.
Partners of Move Afrika include pgLang, the Rwanda Development Board and TimesLive.
For more information visit moveafrika.org, or via text on WhatsApp at +250 790 008 555. Follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
###
About Global Citizen
Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organization on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday activists raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Over the past 10 years, $43.6 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Geneva, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
About the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is a Government agency in Rwanda with a vision to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation. Its mission is to fast-track economic development in Rwanda by enabling private sector growth. Learn more at www.rdb.rw.
Press Kit
Click here for artwork.
Media Credentials
Applications are now open for media outlets to attend and cover Move Afrika: Rwanda on December 6. Please complete this application form.
Contact
Global Citizen Media Enquiries:
media@globalcitizen.org
Global Citizen and pgLang Announce ‘Move Afrika,’ a Long-Term Vision to Pioneer a World Class Music Touring Circuit Across the African Continent
‘Move Afrika’ to Galvanize a Citizen-Led Advocacy Campaign to Promote Health and Equity, Defend our Planet, and Create Economic Opportunity
In Partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, ‘Move Afrika: Rwanda’ to Take Place Every Year for the Next Five Years in Kigali
From Rwanda to the Continent: Additional African Markets to be Added Each Year as Tour Grows
Take Action and Get Tickets at moveafrika.org
The First Event ‘Move Afrika: Rwanda’ To Be Held on December 6, 2023 In Kigali, Headlined by Kendrick Lamar
Summary
‘Move Afrika’ to Galvanize a Citizen-Led Advocacy Campaign to Promote Health and Equity, Defend our Planet, and Create Economic Opportunity
In Partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, ‘Move Afrika: Rwanda’ to Take Place Every Year for the Next Five Years in Kigali
From Rwanda to the Continent: Additional African Markets to be Added Each Year as Tour Grows
Take Action and Get Tickets at moveafrika.org
Friday November 3, 2023
New York, November 3, 2023 // International advocacy organization Global Citizen and creative imprint, pgLang today announced ‘Move Afrika: A Global Citizen Experience’, a new long-term, large-scale effort to pioneer a first-of-its-kind international music touring circuit throughout the continent of Africa. Move Afrika’s first major music event, Move Afrika: Rwanda, will take place on December 6, 2023 at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. Grammy Award, Pulitzer Prize winning artist and co-founder of pgLang, Kendrick Lamar will headline the event, and pgLang will serve as the Curator of Move Afrika for the next five years, from 2023 until 2028.
Move Afrika is Global Citizen’s latest effort to address the world’s inequities by creating job and entrepreneurship opportunities for the continent’s emerging generations through an annual series of world-class live events. Showcasing the best of Africa to the world, these events will drive transformative investments within local communities, engage local artists, vendors, agencies and crews, and provide opportunities for on-the-job skill development and training. Producing a world-class experience for fans and artists alike, Move Afrika will set a new gold-standard for entertainment touring events, increasing demand from international and regional artists to tour in the region and building local capacity within host cities across the continent.
In partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, Kigali, Rwanda will host Move Afrika every year for the next five years. Each year, additional countries will be added to the tour schedule, which aims to expand to five countries by 2025.
Move Afrika: Rwanda, taking place on Wednesday, December 6 at Kigali’s BK Arena, will be headlined by Kendrick Lamar, with more regional artists to be announced. The event will feature a citizen-led advocacy campaign calling for urgent action and bold commitments from world leaders on major issues across the continent. Key issues include: the need for increased funding for health, with a specific emphasis on women and girls; addressing the climate crisis and its impact on food security; tackling the lack of access to economic opportunities for future generations; and encouraging civic participation. To take action on these issues, text +250 790 008 555 on WhatsApp.
Information on how to get tickets can be found at moveafrika.org.
Move Afrika builds on Global Citizen’s previous campaigns and events across the continent that include: Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, which brought Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Eddie Vedder and Chris Martin of Coldplay to Johannesburg, South Africa in 2018; Global Citizen Live: Lagos that featured Davido, Femi Kuti, and Tiwa Savage at Fela Kuti’s New Afrika Shrine in 2021; and Global Citizen Festival: Accra, which brought Usher, SZA, Stormzy, and TEMS to the iconic Black Star Square in 2022.
Partners of Move Afrika include pgLang, the Rwanda Development Board and TimesLive.
“Africa is driving culture and creativity globally, but the Continent has been left out of the global music touring circuit for too long. By moving from one-off events to the sustained commitment of an annual tour, Move Afrika will drive transformative investments across Africa through the pioneering of a world-class touring circuit. Move Afrika will pave the way for many more artists to tour the Continent, while generating new economic opportunities within the entertainment industry for Africa’s booming youth generation. We are incredibly excited to bring this vision to life with pgLang and Kendrick Lamar, and are grateful for our partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, who shares our belief in this vision,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder and CEO, Global Citizen.
“Our goal with Move Afrika is to inspire local youth and artists to unlock their creativity. We hope to curate an immersive experience that empowers various communities and cultures across Africa and around the world for a lifetime," said pgLang.
“We are delighted to host Global Citizen and to provide a platform for Move Afrika. This is a unique collaboration that aims to showcase the best of African creative talent to the world, through curated memorable entertainment experiences that address development priorities of our continent. Creating employment and income generating initiatives of the private sector, with a spotlight on the youth, is Rwanda Development Board’s core mandate. Together with Global Citizen and Move Afrika, we will position Rwanda as an entertainment hub for all African countries to benefit from the global creative industry,” said Francis Gatare, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board.
“I am honored and humbled to play a meaningful role that supports new age global efforts to deal with health inequity, challenge poverty, and empower women and girls. The neglect of these predicaments, including global warming, have a detrimental effect on the prospects of the citizens of Africa and this situation cannot be allowed to continue unabated. I am happy that the Global Citizen movement has reignited the debate about these critical matters and that it is continuing to keep Africa top of mind by having Move Afrika: Rwanda. Across the entire African continent there is huge excitement for driving economic development, tourism and world class entertainment. We look forward to announcing additional cities for 2024 and 2025 in the coming months,” said Tshepo Mahloele, Africa Patron, Global Citizen.
Since its inception in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen has grown to become the world’s leading advocacy organization and one of the largest, most visible platforms uniting people around the world to call on world leaders to end extreme poverty, defend the planet and address the inequity of women and girls. The organization has taken its action-based live music events and campaigns from New York City to India, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Nigeria, South Africa, Australia, Ghana, and Canada. Over the past 10 years, $43.6 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives.
For more information visit moveafrika.org, or via text on WhatsApp at +250 790 008 555. Follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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About Global Citizen
Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organization on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday activists raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Over the past 10 years, $43.6 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Geneva, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
About the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is a Government agency in Rwanda with a vision to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation. Its mission is to fast-track economic development in Rwanda by enabling private sector growth. Learn more at www.rdb.rw.
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