#United States #New York #John Legend #Move Afrika #Global Citizen

John Legend Set to Headline Move Afrika Tour

In a remarkable announcement made by Global Citizen, the acclaimed and EGOT-winning artist John Legend is set to headline the next edition of Move Afrika, a unique music touring initiative planned for February 2025. This tour represents a significant milestone for both the music industry and the African continent, as it seeks to bolster local economies through creative opportunities and cultural exchanges.

Expanding Move Afrika's Reach

The Move Afrika tour will extend its reach this year, transitioning from East to West Africa. The first event will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, at the prestigious BK Arena on February 21, 2025, followed by a performance in Lagos, Nigeria at The Palms on February 25, 2025. This dual-host format highlights the initiative's commitment to bringing international recognition to Africa’s vibrant music scene while simultaneously driving economic investment.

With Move Afrika, Global Citizen aims not just to entertain, but to stimulate long-term investments aimed at job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities in the creative sector across Africa. This model of a cross-continental tour also emphasizes the need for systemic changes that enhance health systems, tap into local talents, and empower emerging generations.

A Campaign for Health Resilience

The 2025 Move Afrika tour is more than just a series of concerts; it's also a platform for advocacy. Global Citizen plans to launch a citizen-led campaign that emphasizes sustainable development across Africa. This campaign focuses particularly on strengthening health systems, emphasizing the importance of increased domestic health financing and prioritizing primary care. By partnering with local organizations and agencies, the initiative will work towards creating a healthier future for communities within Africa.

John Legend expressed his excitement, stating, “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.” His involvement signifies the event's capacity to shine a spotlight on Africa's rich cultural heritage while simultaneously fostering a sense of empowerment among the youth.

The Legacy of Move Afrika

The first Move Afrika event occurred in December 2023, a resounding success featuring performances by notable artists including Kendrick Lamar. That show became a landmark event for the Rwandan music scene, employing over 1,000 locals and engaging a large percentage of local crew members and production staff. With performances featuring prominent African music acts, the event exemplified how cultural activities can lead to economic opportunities for local communities.

For the upcoming 2025 edition, further expansion of the Move Afrika target locations is envisioned, reflecting Global Citizen's commitment to creating enduring structures that facilitate live music across the African continent. This reflects an ongoing recognition of Africa as a vibrant player in the global entertainment circuit.

Encouragement for Local Engagement

Hugh Evans, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Citizen, emphasized the organization’s dedication by stating, “As Move Afrika grows year over year, our goal is to equip and inspire Africa's dynamic, young population to actively participate in the live music and creative industries.” This initiative seeks to eliminate the isolation of Africa from the entertainment scene, fostering an ecosystem where local artists can thrive and collaborate with global acts.

Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, expressed the commitment to making Rwanda an entertainment hub for the continent as part of Move Afrika. This development is seen as a stepping stone toward creating youth-focused employment projects that will benefit all African nations.

Looking Ahead

Tickets for the upcoming Move Afrika Kigali and Lagos events are available for purchase through the official Move Afrika website. Fans can also participate by taking action with Global Citizen to earn potential free tickets while advocating for change. With partners such as pgLang joining the campaign, this initiative continues to promise not only memorable performances but also lasting benefits for the African continent.

For those who wish to follow updates or get involved, further announcements about the February 2025 tour will be disclosed in the upcoming weeks. Overall, the Move Afrika initiative encapsulates a transformative journey for African music, culture, and development.