International advocacy organisation Global Citizen has announced the lineup of the 2025 Global Citizen Festival, set to take place on Central Park’s Great Lawn on September 27.
The Weeknd and Shakira will headline this year’s festival, with performances by Tyla, Ayra Starr and Mariah the Scientist.
Speaking about headlining the event, Shakira said: “I’m honoured to headline the incredible Global Citizen Festival in Central Park this September. 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.”
Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman will host the event, with additional participants to be announced in the coming weeks. The Wolverine actor said he was thrilled with the progress the advocacy group had made.
“The 2025 Global Citizen Festival marks my eleventh year as host, and I’m thrilled by the progress we’ve made over the years,” said Mr Jackman. “The growing impact of the Global Citizen movement touches every corner of the world, and I’m eager to advocate alongside my fellow ambassadors, performers, world leaders, and private sector executives to leave the world better than we found it.
African stars to represent the continent
Tyla and Ayra Starr are among the standout performers at the upcoming event, representing Africa on a prestigious global stage. Both artists bring not only vibrant Afropop energy but significant milestones that underscore the continent’s rise in the music industry.
South African Tyla, made history by winning the very first Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024 with her viral hit “Water.” She is also the youngest-ever African artist to claim that honour.
Meanwhile, the news comes just after Nigeria’s Ayra Starr’s recent signing with Jay-Z’s powerhouse label, Roc Nation. Already celebrated with MOBO and BET Awards wins, she continues to push Afrobeats to an international audience.
The 2025 Global Citizen Festival campaign will focus on providing energy access for 1 million people across Africa, ensuring 30,000 children around the world can access a quality education and football, in partnership with FIFA, mobilising $200 million to protect 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest, and registering 40,000 New Yorkers to volunteer across the city.
Tickets to the Global Citizen Festival are free and can be earned by taking action on these issues on the Global Citizen app or on the website.
