South African singer Tyla and Nigerian music star Ayra Starr will perform at this year’s Global Citizen Festival on September 27 in New York City’s Central Park. The event will be headlined by The Weeknd and Shakira, with Hugh Jackman as the host.
The festival supports Global Citizen’s mission to fight extreme poverty and tackle major global issues.
This year, the focus is on giving energy access to one million people in Africa, providing quality education for 30,000 children worldwide, and protecting 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest. The campaign also aims to recruit 40,000 volunteers across New York City.
Tyla, who recently won a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, continues to enjoy global success after her hit single “Water” took the world by storm. Performing at this festival is another big step in her fast-rising international career.
Ayra Starr, one of the leading voices in the new Afrobeats wave, will also perform. Known for hits like “Rush” and her bold fashion sense, she is becoming a major name globally while staying true to her African roots. Both artists represent a new generation of African talent making waves worldwide.
The festival is also shining more attention on Africa, especially through its renewable energy campaign.
Global Citizen plans to raise $1.5 billion to train 50,000 young Africans in solar installation, grid maintenance, and other energy services. This effort is expected to give over a million people access to clean electricity, create jobs, and help reduce carbon emissions.
Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans said ending extreme poverty is possible if everyone works together to ensure governments and companies keep their promises on renewable energy, education, and protecting the Amazon.
Tickets are free and can be earned by taking action on Global Citizen’s app or website, such as signing petitions, emailing world leaders, or volunteering locally.
Since it started, Global Citizen has helped secure $49 billion in commitments, improving the lives of over a billion people. With Tyla and Ayra Starr performing, this year’s festival places Africa at the center of its global movement.
