South African Grammy winner Tyla and Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr are among the featured performers at the 2025 Global Citizen Festival in New York City, joining a lineup headlined by The Weeknd and Shakira.
The event is scheduled for 27 September 2025 at Central Park’s Great Lawn. Global Citizen officially confirmed this on 22 – 23 July 2025 via its website and social media platforms.
Tyla earned the 2024 Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance with her global hit Water. In July 2025, Ayra Starr signed an international management deal with Roc Nation and received both MOBO and BET Awards, confirming her rise as a global Afrobeats leader.
Both artists will take the stage in a celebration of music, activism, and African excellence. Their inclusion highlights a strategic effort to amplify Africa’s role in the global cultural dialogue.
Global lineup features Shakira, The Weeknd and Mariah the Scientist
Mariah the Scientist is another confirmed performer joining the New York stage. The full lineup was announced on 22 July 2025 and shared by verified Global Citizen partners.
In a statement, Shakira said:
“I’m honoured to headline the incredible Global Citizen Festival in Central Park this September. Music has always been my way of connecting with people and leaving a mark on the world. I can’t wait to perform, unite, and inspire action.”
Hugh Jackman will return as host for the eleventh consecutive year, continuing his role as a long-time Global Citizen ambassador. Fans can secure free tickets by taking action through Global Citizen, supporting campaigns on poverty, climate, and education.
Campaign aims to empower African youth and protect the Amazon
This year’s festival campaign aims to deliver renewable energy access to one million Africans. As part of this initiative, Global Citizen will train 50,000 young Africans in solar installation, grid maintenance, and clean energy operations.
The European Commission, along with the governments of Denmark, Australia, and the United Kingdom, supports the campaign. It reflects Global Citizen’s strategy to invest in sustainable infrastructure and youth employment.
In addition, Global Citizen is working to raise $200 million (ZAR 3.51 billion) to protect 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest. The organisation also partnered with FIFA to launch the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which has the long-term goal of raising $100 million (ZAR 1.75 billion). This year’s festival campaign specifically aims to raise $30 million to expand access to education for 30,000 children worldwide.
Tyla and Ayra Starr bring African energy to global advocacy
The presence of Tyla and Ayra Starr at the Global Citizen Festival aligns with the “Scaling Up Renewables in Africa” campaign. Their performances will elevate conversations about Africa’s climate leadership and cultural influence.
Tyla’s international success and Ayra Starr’s impact in Afrobeats music represent a new wave of African creative power. Their inclusion also reflects a growing trend towards centring African voices in global solutions.
Global Citizen CEO, Hugh Evans, emphasised that ending extreme poverty requires coordinated global action from governments, civil society, and individuals. The 2025 festival will merge music with action, placing Africa at the heart of a global movement for change.
