Global Citizen has announced that John Legend will headline the 2025 Move Afrika tour, marking the return of the groundbreaking initiative that fuses live entertainment with social impact. The tour, designed to stimulate economic growth and create opportunities in Africa, will expand this year to include stops in Rwanda and Nigeria, kicking off on February 21, 2025, in Kigali at the BK Arena before heading to Lagos for a show at the Palms on February 25.
The Move Afrika series, launched in December 2023, debuted with Move Afrika: Rwanda, where Kendrick Lamar’s headline performance set a new benchmark for live music events in the country. Global Citizen, an advocacy organization committed to ending extreme poverty, aims to build on this success by growing the tour into a sustainable platform for economic investment, job creation, and creative empowerment across Africa.
In his statement, John Legend highlighted the tour’s broader impact: “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, empowering young people to engage with Africa’s growing music and creative industries. Africa has always been a global cultural powerhouse, and it’s an honor to be part of the future of live music on the continent.”
The Move Afrika project focuses on strengthening local economies by engaging local talent, artists, vendors, and crews. Each event also provides job training and skill development for young people in host countries, laying a foundation for long-term participation in the global music and creative industries. In addition to these goals, the 2025 edition will spotlight campaigns promoting sustainable development and economic growth, particularly with a focus on bolstering healthcare systems across Africa.
According to Hugh Evans, Global Citizen’s co-founder and CEO, the Move Afrika series represents more than just entertainment. “We’re thrilled to have John Legend, our longtime Global Citizen Ambassador and friend, headline Move Afrika, as we expand the tour from Rwanda to Nigeria. As Move Afrika grows year over year, our goal is to equip and inspire Africa’s dynamic, young population to participate in the live music and creative industries, while investing in its future with lasting infrastructure that will mean the continent no longer needs to be excluded from the international touring circuit.”
The ultimate vision for Move Afrika is to expand the tour circuit to additional countries over the next five years, offering a platform to showcase African culture, talent, and innovation to a global audience.
A limited number of tickets for Move Afrika: Kigali and Move Afrika: Lagos are currently available for purchase, with further details to be announced. Fans can also participate in Global Citizen’s initiatives to earn free tickets by taking action on issues related to poverty, health, and sustainability.
As Move Afrika grows, it continues to bridge entertainment and advocacy, transforming live music into a catalyst for economic and social change on the African continent.