Two of Africa’s brightest musical stars, Tyla and Ayra Starr, have been confirmed as headliners for the 2025 Global Citizen Festival, set to take place in New York City’s Central Park on 27 September.
The prestigious event, which blends star-studded entertainment with a mission-driven agenda, will also feature chart-topping international acts including The Weeknd, Shakira and Mariah the Scientist.
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A powerful moment for African music
South Africa’s Tyla and Nigeria’s Ayra Starr continue to carve out space for African excellence on the world stage. Their presence at the Global Citizen Festival signals not only their global reach but also the growing appetite for African music and talent at major international gatherings.
Tyla, whose star power has skyrocketed in recent years, will take to the Central Park stage alongside Ayra Starr, the Nigerian singer known for her fierce energy and bold, genre-blending sound. Together, the duo will represent a new generation of African artists making waves across borders.
Shakira and Hugh Jackman return to the spotlight
Colombian pop icon Shakira will also perform at the festival, expressing her excitement to be part of an event that champions both entertainment and global change. “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,” she shared.
Hosting duties will once again be handled by Hugh Jackman, the Australian actor beloved for his role as Wolverine. Jackman, who returns for his eleventh year as host, is also a long-time Global Citizen Ambassador. Speaking ahead of the event, he emphasised the festival’s mission to raise awareness and inspire meaningful engagement in global issues.
How to attend the festival
Attendance at the Global Citizen Festival is earned rather than bought. Fans can secure tickets by engaging with the Global Citizen platform, taking action on critical global issues such as climate change, gender inequality, and poverty. This year’s campaign highlights the event’s goal of creating real, measurable impact.
Global priorities for 2025
The festival is more than just a concert. This year’s campaign will focus on providing energy access for one million people in Africa, preserving 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest, and supporting quality education for 30,000 children around the world.
Organisers have committed $1.5 billion to train 50,000 young Africans in renewable energy, with the aim of building long-term sustainability across the continent. In addition, the European Commission and governments of Denmark, Australia and the UK have pledged infrastructure support that could bring power to homes, schools and hospitals.
FIFA and philanthropy join forces
This year also sees a collaboration between Global Citizen and FIFA. The newly launched FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund aims to provide children worldwide with essential reading and writing tools. Funding will be drawn from ticket sales for large-scale events, with philanthropists encouraged to lend their support.
Will promises be kept?
While the talent on display is certain to attract global attention, many observers are keeping a close watch on whether the financial and developmental pledges will truly reach the communities they’re meant to serve. For Africa, in particular, the commitments being made around renewable energy and education could offer long-term change if fulfilled.
As the countdown to September begins, the spotlight will not only shine on Tyla and Ayra Starr, but also on the wider question of how entertainment can be used to drive lasting impact.
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Featured Image: Getty
