The 2025 edition of the Global Citizen Festival will be headlined by global superstars, The Weeknd and Shakira, and hosted by longtime Global Citizen ambassador, Hugh Jackman.
By Abioye Damilare Samson
South African Grammy winner, Tyla, and Nigerian Afro-Pop star, Ayra Starr, are set to join a powerful lineup at this year’s Global Citizen Festival, scheduled for September 27 at Central Park, New York City. The 2025 edition will be headlined by global superstars The Weeknd and Shakira, and hosted by longtime Global Citizen ambassador, Hugh Jackman.
Organised as part of Global Citizen’s mission to end extreme poverty and accelerate global equity, this year’s campaign is focused on three urgent targets: expanding energy access to one million people across Africa, securing education for 30,000 children globally, and protecting 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest. The initiative also aims to mobilise 40,000 local volunteers across New York City.
Tyla’s inclusion marks another landmark moment in her rapid international ascent. Following her Grammy win for Best African Music Performance and the global success of her hit single “Water”. Ayra Starr, meanwhile, brings the bold, energetic style that has made her a defining voice of contemporary Afrobeats. With global hits like “Rush” and a growing international fanbase, her appearance at the Global Citizen Festival underscores the genre’s global influence and her expanding reach as one of Nigeria’s leading musical exports.
In a statement, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Citizen, 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: scaling up renewable energy, protecting the Amazon, and investing in education for the next generation”.
Tickets to the festival are free and can be accessed through the Global Citizen app or website by taking action, including signing petitions, emailing world leaders, or volunteering with local organisations.
Since its launch, Global Citizen has helped secure $49 billion in commitments, positively impacting over 1 billion lives. With artistes like Tyla and Ayra Starr joining this year’s movement, the 2025 edition brings African talent and advocacy closer to the heart of global change.
Get the free tickets here.