PRESS
John Legend Headlines Sold Out Move Afrika Tour, Brings Spectacular Show to Lagos, Hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Featuring Simi, DJ Consequence and More
This year’s Move Afrika Tour Expands from East to West Africa, Pioneering the Music Touring Circuit for International Artists, Employing 90 Percent Local Crews in Kigali and Lagos, Generating Economic Investments, and Driving Action to Strengthen Africa’s Healthcare Systems
Summary
This year’s Move Afrika Tour Expands from East to West Africa, Pioneering the Music Touring Circuit for International Artists, Employing 90 Percent Local Crews in Kigali and Lagos, Generating Economic Investments, and Driving Action to Strengthen Africa’s Healthcare Systems
Press Kit: Photo and video assets available here.
Lagos, February 25, 2025 //Global Citizen’s Move Afrika tour has come to Lagos, Nigeria for the first time, with an unforgettable evening of music and citizen-led advocacy, headlined by EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum artist and producer John Legend. Move Afrika: Lagos was hosted by media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and featured performances by Simi and DJ Consequence, backdropped by creative work from local designers and artisans. This was the second instalment of Move Afrika, an ambitious initiative to pioneer the pan-African music touring circuit for international artists.
John Legend gave the sold out Lagos show an incredible headline performance, which featured some of his greatest hits, including ‘Ordinary People’, ‘PDA’, ‘Green Light’, ‘All of Me’ and ‘Refuge’, where he was joined on stage by Simi. “It’s been too long, I’ve missed you all,” he said. “We’re thankful to Global Citizen and Move Afrika for bringing us back here. We belong together, Lagos. I’m so happy we’re together tonight.” Throughout the set, he wore outfits by local designers Eleven Sixteen and Orange Culture, as well as a backstage look by Emmy Kasbit. The backing vocalists also wore local designers Elexiay and Wanni Fuga.
“Adding a second location to the Move Afrika tour this year is a major step in the direction of establishing the pan-continental music touring circuit that both international and local artists will leverage for years to come. It’s this kind of incremental growth by which, year after year, we’ll continue pioneering and pushing our vision towards reality,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen. “Nigeria has an incredibly rich musical heritage, a well established local entertainment industry, and a cultural influence that reverberates right across the globe. We are honored to have added Nigeria to the Move Afrika tour, and look forward to returning for the years to come.”
Launched in 2023, Move Afrika is a long-term effort to pioneer the international music touring circuit throughout the continent of Africa, with a dedicated focus on driving economic investment, expanding infrastructure and building local capacity within host cities, creating local jobs, generating skill training and youth entrepreneurship opportunities, and showcasing the best of African creative talent to the world.
Additionally, international advocacy organization Global Citizen is leveraging this year’s Move Afrika tour to drive a citizen-led advocacy campaign focused on strengthening health systems across Africa. During pre-show activations in both Kigali and Lagos, where participants earned free show tickets, Global Citizen urged 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.
This year, Move Afrika took groundbreaking steps by delivering world-class shows working with both local Nigerian and Rwandan crews. Move Afrika: Lagos was delivered with 90 percent local crew, and more than 95 percent local equipment, demonstrating Nigeria’s continent-leading role in delivering world class productions. Local vendors who partnered with Global Citizen to make Move Afrika: Lagos possible include: Sole Empire, Pro Audio Nigeria, ITMS Limited, Cytech World Communication, Equally Diverse Solutions Ltd., Massive Dynamics, Event Design Studio, IDCL NG, The Greenroom Nigeria and Purple Fire.
As the first stop on the tour just a few days ago in Rwanda, Move Afrika: Kigali increased its local crew from 75 percent in 2023 to 90 percent this year, significantly increased locally-sourced technical production, saw local crew members working alongside international technical teams to stage the show, and showcased Rwandan creative excellence through the work of local artisans, including members of the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, who crafted traditional Agaseke peace baskets to complete the dynamic set design.
In the lead up to tonight’s Move Afrika show, Global Citizen hosted the Stride for HER Rights Maternal Healthcare Walkathon, in partnership with the Lagos State Government, the Lagos Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Tourism, across Lagos’s iconic Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge. The walkathon saw thousands of Global Citizens, leaders from civil society and government representatives from across the region participate, including Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), Nigerian Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF), and HelpMum, with all groups calling for enhanced maternal and child healthcare services nationwide. The advocacy event amplified awareness of the vital role of community health workers, calling for increased healthcare funding towards sexual reproductive health rights, and championing the need for equitable access to maternal and neonatal healthcare services across Nigeria. Those who completed the walk earned tickets to Move Afrika: Lagos.
Earlier in Kigali, over a thousand Rwandans joined Global Citizen for the Together for a Healthier Community initiative, focusing on women’s and youth health, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Imbuto Foundation, and Kimisagara Youth Center. The event featured a mobile health clinic offering free sexual and reproductive healthcare, education, and community activities to raise awareness and improve access to services. Local musician Plantini performed, and Dr. Yvan Butera, the Rwandan Minister of State for Health, gave a keynote address. The initiative aimed to address healthcare access barriers like distance, cost, and lack of awareness. Participants who attended today’s event had the chance to earn free tickets to Move Afrika: Kigali.
To coincide with Move Afrika: Lagos, the Music Economy Development Initiative (MEDI) was launched to bring together a diverse coalition with the goal of unlocking the economic potential of music across Africa and beyond. MEDI will serve as the definitive source of research and data, highlighting the global economic potential of music, while fostering partnerships that drive policy reform, investment, and collaboration. The initiative's launch coincided with the inaugural Music Policy Assembly in Lagos, Nigeria, taking place the day prior to the Move Afrika event. The Assembly brought together experts from across the continent to discuss crucial topics such as copyright, live music, and investment. Additionally, the Assembly hosted the unveiling of MEDI’s first position paper, ‘We Need Tracks Before We Have Trains,’ co-authored by former Chief Economist of Spotify, Will Page.
Partners of Move Afrika include pgLang, Glenfiddich and Pepsi. Global Citizen is grateful for the support of leading media companies including: Bella Naija, City Radio, Eagle Production, EIB Network, News Central TV, TV Continental, Radio Flash, Royal FM, Upscale Media and Vanguard Media.
The 2025 edition of Move Afrika builds on Global Citizen’s previous campaigns and events across Africa, including the 2023 edition of Move Afrika: Rwanda, headlined by Kendrick Lamar; 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, X and LinkedIn.
Press Kit
Photo and video assets available here.
Contact
Global Citizen Media Enquiries:
media@globalcitizen.org
John Legend Hosts Sold Out Crowd at Move Afrika: Kigali, with Bwiza, DJ TOXXYK and More
The Move Afrika Tour Continues to Pioneer the Pan-Africa Touring Circuit for International Artists, Employing 90 Percent Local Crew, Generating Economic Investments, and Driving Action to Strengthen Africa’s Healthcare Systems
Next stop: Lagos, Nigeria on February 25
Summary
The Move Afrika Tour Continues to Pioneer the Pan-Africa Touring Circuit for International Artists, Employing 90 Percent Local Crew, Generating Economic Investments, and Driving Action to Strengthen Africa’s Healthcare Systems
Next stop: Lagos, Nigeria on February 25
Press Kit: Photo and video assets available here.
Kigali, February 21, 2025 //Global Citizen’s Move Afrika has returned to Kigali with a spectacular evening of music and citizen-led advocacy, headlined by EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum artist and producer John Legend. Move Afrika: Kigali also featured Bwiza and DJ TOXXYK, backdropped by creative work from local designers and artisans, as the first pan-African touring circuit headlined by international artists continues to expand from East to West Africa. The next stop on the tour will be Lagos, Nigeria on February 25.
John Legend gave the sold out crowd an unforgettable headline performance featuring some of his greatest hits, including ‘Ordinary People’, ‘Green Light’, and ‘All of Me’. “We just arrived in Kigali this morning and I felt the energy and excitement of this city all day,” he said. “I am so proud to be here, my first-ever performance in Kigali, in East Africa, and in Rwanda. We are here tonight because we love you. Because we want to celebrate music and love because we feel connected to you”. Throughout his performance, he wore custom designs by Kigali-based fashion houses Moshions and Tanga.
During the Move Afrika: Kigali pre-show entertainment, the audience watched the world premiere of a brand new documentary, ‘Art Behind the Artist’, which showcases the first edition of Move Afrika and the creative teams that brought the landmark event to life. The documentary highlights the long term vision for Move Afrika to catalyze the continent’s creative industries, generating opportunities for Africa’s next generation of artists and entrepreneurs.
“Pioneering the infrastructure for international artists to be able to tour across Africa is an audacious vision that requires unwavering dedication from performers, producers, partners and the people of our incredible host city. Tonight, we saw the results of that dedication burst into vivid color, with a night of music and culture so inspiring young Rwandans will remember it forever,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen. “Move Afrika is all about equipping Africa’s next generation to push far beyond the limits of what’s currently possible, and we’re honored to be part of their journey.”
Launched in 2023, Move Afrika is a long-term effort to pioneer the international music touring circuit throughout the continent of Africa, with a dedicated focus on driving economic investment, expanding infrastructure and building local capacity within host cities, creating local jobs, generating skill training and youth entrepreneurship opportunities, and showcasing the best of African creative talent to the world.
Additionally, international advocacy organization Global Citizen is leveraging this year’s Move Afrika tour to drive a citizen-led advocacy campaign focused on strengthening health systems across Africa. During pre-show activations in both Kigali and Lagos, where participants earned free show tickets, Global Citizen urged 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.
This year, Move Afrika: Kigali took groundbreaking steps to deliver a world-class show with a local Rwandan crew. In association with global production company Done and Dusted and the Rwanda Events Group, the show increased the proportion of local crew from 75 percent in 2023 to 90 percent this year, demonstrating Rwanda’s progress toward becoming a world-class event destination.
Specific examples of investments made in the skills and businesses of local Rwandans this year included:
Technical Production: Thanks to Rwanda Events Group, this year’s edition saw a significant increase in locally-sourced technical production. Locally sourced audio control increased from 50 percent to 95 percent, lighting from 40 percent to 95 percent, and video crew from 33 percent to 75 percent. Additionally, building upon collaborations established in 2023, local crewmembers worked with international technical teams from PRG, John Henry’s and Solotech on equipment preparation and maintenance, moving the local events industry in a new and exciting direction.
Set and Stage: Move Afrika: Kigali showcased Rwandan creative excellence to the world through engaging two local artisans. Dolph Banza returned to design a new set of stage backdrops evoking traditional Kitenge fabric designs. Additionally, 20 artisans from the Nyamirambo Women’s Center crafted traditional Agaseke peace baskets to hang across the stage as dynamic lighting fixtures.
Hospitality and Events Trainees: Move Afrika this year expanded its partnership with the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, increasing the number of young people aged 18-25 trained to support the event from 35 to 50. These young adults received training and shadowed Global Citizen and partner crews, gaining work experience in areas of event production and hospitality, aligned to their areas of interest.
First Aid and Security: This year's Move Afrika was the first ever event in Rwanda to be staffed by local private security service professionals who have received accredited First Aid training, thanks to a bespoke course delivered by Global Citizen's Safety & Security team to over 100 staff of local private security firm Crowd Minders. Additionally, 45 event supervisors, managers and pit supervisors received specialist security training from Cohort Security Group in line with international standards for the first time in Rwanda, including audience and team management, behavioural observation and audience communication.
Venue and Rigging: Following innovations and upgrades made to the BK Arena for Move Afrika in 2023, QA Venue Solutions worked in partnership with Momentum and Fortem to complete a structural survey to ascertain the arena’s true weight capacity for the rigging of event equipment. As a result, this year’s Move Afrika production saw the BK Arena operate at full production capabilities as a true multi-purpose venue. Additionally, the show production crew included Rwanda’s first four full-time riggers, who have received upskilling support and training from Rwanda Events Group in partnership with Unusual Rigging over the past year.
Production Crew Student Training: As part of Rwanda Events Group’s in-house capacity-building program, 14 students successfully completed a six-month introductory training program. Six of them continued on to work directly on the production of tonight’s event, aligned to Move Afrika’s commitment to skill development, on the job training, and growth opportunities for the next generation.
With a dedicated focus on investing in young Rwandans who are strengthening their country, Global Citizen provided thousands of free Move Afrika: Kigali tickets to young people, including:
Community Health Advocates: Over 1000 Rwandans joined Global Citizen for a day of action focused on women’s and youth health, in partnership with the Rwandan Ministry of Health; Rwanda Biomedical Center; Imbuto Foundation, and Kimisagara Youth Center (Maison des Jeunes), featuring a mobile health clinic and activations empowering young people to make informed choices to improve their personal wellbeing.
Move Afrika Creative Fellows: Returning for a second year with an expanded offering, in partnership with Rwanda Film Office, Rwanda Development Board and Susan Thompson Buffet Foundation, the filmmakers’ masterclass program received a record number of applications, with concept submissions focused on the topic of healthcare. Fifteen participants were selected to join workshops and coaching sessions covering topics including the art of pitching and treatment development, with one filmmaker awarded funding to produce their short film. The program received additional support from Cisco and Tribeca Studios.
Global Citizen Prize Winners: Staff and volunteers from organizations awarded the Global Citizen Prize within the last three years were invited to join Move Afrika: Kigali, including Water Access Rwanda, Loss and Damage Youth Coalition and MobiKlinic.
Partners of Move Afrika include pgLang and the Rwanda Development Board.
The 2025 edition of Move Afrika builds on Global Citizen’s previous campaigns and events across Africa, including the 2023 edition of Move Afrika: Rwanda, headlined by Kendrick Lamar; 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, X and LinkedIn.
Press Kit
Photo and video assets available here.
Contact
Global Citizen Media Enquiries:
media@globalcitizen.org
Move Afrika: Lagos Adds Simi and DJ Consequence to Line Up Alongside John Legend
Global Citizen’s Move Afrika, the pioneering pan-African touring circuit headlined by international artists, to create jobs in the continent’s creative economies and drive citizen-led advocacy campaign to enhance health systems across the continent
Take Action and Get Tickets at moveafrika.org
Summary
Global Citizen’s Move Afrika, the pioneering pan-African touring circuit headlined by international artists, to create jobs in the continent’s creative economies and drive citizen-led advocacy campaign to enhance health systems across the continent
Take Action and Get Tickets at moveafrika.org
Monday February 10, 2025
WHAT:
Singer, songwriter, and actor Simi and DJ Consequence have been added to the lineup for Global Citizen’s Move Afrika: Lagos, taking place on February 25, at The Palms in Lagos, Nigeria. They join EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum artist and producer John Legend, who will headline the 2025 edition of Global Citizen’s Move Afrika, as this year's tour expands from East to West Africa, with Nigeria joining Rwanda as a host country.
Global Citizen’s 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.
The 2025 edition of the tour 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.
WHEN:
February 25, 2025
WHERE:
The Palms, Lagos, Nigeria
HOW TO GET TICKETS:
Tickets for Move Afrika: Lagos are available for purchase at moveafrika.org and free tickets can be earned by joining the Global Citizen movement and taking action on the Global Citizen app, or the Global Citizen website. Music fans can also take action by sending a message on WhatsApp to +234 901 398 2743.
More information can be found at moveafrika.org.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
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 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.
Partners of Move Afrika include pgLang, Glenfiddich and Pepsi.
Global Citizen is grateful for the support of leading media companies including: AIM Group, Bella Naija, News Central TV, TV Continental, TimesLive, Vanguard Media and Zikoko.
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, X and LinkedIn.
Press Kit
Artwork available here.
Contact
Global Citizen Media Enquiries:
media@globalcitizen.org
Move Afrika: Kigali Adds Bwiza and DJ TOXXYK to Line Up Alongside John Legend
Global Citizen’s Move Afrika, the pioneering pan-African touring circuit headlined by international artists, to create jobs in the continent’s creative economies and drive citizen-led advocacy campaign to enhance health systems across the continent
Take Action and Get Tickets at moveafrika.org
Summary
Global Citizen’s Move Afrika, the pioneering pan-African touring circuit headlined by international artists, to create jobs in the continent’s creative economies and drive citizen-led advocacy campaign to enhance health systems across the continent
Take Action and Get Tickets at moveafrika.org
Monday February 10, 2025
WHAT:
Bwiza and DJ TOXXYK are set to join the lineup for Global Citizen’s Move Afrika: Kigali, taking place on February 21, at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. They join EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum artist and producer John Legend, who will headline the 2025 edition of Global Citizen’s Move Afrika, as this year's tour expands from East to West Africa, with Nigeria joining Rwanda as a host country.
Global Citizen’s 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.
The 2025 edition of the tour 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.
WHEN:
February 21, 2025
WHERE:
The BK Arena, Kigali, Rwanda
HOW TO GET TICKETS:
Tickets for Move Afrika: Kigali are available for purchase at moveafrika.org and free tickets can be earned by joining the Global Citizen movement and taking action on the Global Citizen app, or the Global Citizen website. Music fans can also take action by sending a message on WhatsApp to +250 790 008 555.
More information can be found at moveafrika.org.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
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 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.
Partners of Move Afrika include pgLang and the Rwanda Development Board.
Global Citizen is grateful to all the media companies supporting Move Afrika: Kigali.
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, X and LinkedIn.
Press Kit
Artwork available here.
Contact
Global Citizen Media Enquiries:
media@globalcitizen.org
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.
###
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