Tyla and Ayra Starr to represent Africa at 2025 Global Citizen Festival in New York

The event is set for 27 September on Central Park’s Great Lawn and will be hosted by long-time Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman.

The 2025 edition will spotlight African voices not only on stage, but also at the heart of its advocacy campaigns, including a major drive to deliver energy access to 1 million people across the continent.

Tyla and Ayra Starr, two of Africa’s most prominent rising talents, will perform alongside Shakira, The Weeknd and Mariah the Scientist. Their participation underscores the festival’s growing focus on African artistry and the continent’s role in the global cultural and development agenda.

“I’m honoured to headline the incredible Global Citizen Festival in Central Park this September,” Shakira said. “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.”

The Global Citizen Festival is known for blending entertainment with activism, offering free tickets to fans who take action on the organisation’s platforms to support global development goals.

This year, the festival’s campaign centres on three major objectives:

Delivering energy access to 1 million Africans

With Africa’s electricity demand outpacing supply, Global Citizen aims to raise $1.5 billion for clean energy solutions across the continent. The plan includes training 50 000 young Africans in energy-related skills such as solar installation and grid maintenance. The initiative, supported by the European Commission and co-funded by governments including Denmark, Australia, and the UK, is expected to benefit over 1 million people with reliable, low-carbon power and employment opportunities.

Protecting 30 million hectares of the Amazon Rainforest

In partnership with Re:wild, Global Citizen is seeking to mobilise $200 million to help Indigenous communities preserve the Amazon rainforest. The campaign will support local entrepreneurs and conservation projects, keeping over 20 billion trees standing and protecting land equivalent to the size of Italy.

Providing education for 30 000 children worldwide

Partnering with FIFA, the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is raising $100 million to ensure access to quality education in more than 150 countries. Already backed by revenue from major events such as The Weeknd’s global tour and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the fund will support community-based education and aims to improve literacy and life outcomes for 30,000 children.

Global Citizen will also drive civic engagement through partnerships with volunteer platform Goodera and over a dozen New York-based non-profits. The festival hopes to register 40 000 volunteers, offering them a chance to earn tickets while mentoring youth and supporting local causes.

“This is about investment in our future, not about aid,” Global Citizen co-founder and CEO Hugh Evans said. “Ending extreme poverty is within our reach – but only if we come together to ensure governments and corporations deliver on their promises.”

The festival is presented by Cisco and supported by major partners including Authentic Brands Group, Bridgewater Associates, Delta Air Lines, PayPal, P&G, and production partner Live Nation. Media support comes from outlets such as iHeartMedia, Atmosphere TV, and Penske Media Corporation.

Additionally, Global Citizen will feature a new partnership with Colossal’s America’s Next Top Hitmaker talent competition, giving one emerging artist from over 65 000 entrants the chance to perform at the festival’s pre-show. Voting closes on 31 July.

Tickets to the festival are free and can be earned by taking action via the Global Citizen app or by visiting www.globalcitizenfestival.com.