The 2025 Global Citizen Festival, held on September 27 at Central Park’s Great Lawn in New York City, drew over 60,000 attendees for a night of music and activism aimed at ending extreme poverty and addressing global issues like energy access and climate change. Hosted by Hugh Jackman, with co-hosts Bill Nye, Adam Lambert, Danai Gurira, and Liza Koshy, the event featured a diverse lineup of performers, including Shakira, Cardi B, Tyla, Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist, Camilo, Elyanna, and a special appearance by BLACKPINK’s Rosé. The festival raised $3.7 billion for global causes, including energy access for over one million people in Africa and rainforest protection in the Amazon.
Ayra Starr delivered a electrifying performance, cementing her status as the Voice of African Gen Z. Her set included hits like “Gimme Dat,” “Goodbye (Warm Up),” “Hot Body,” and the Grammy-nominated “Rush,” which had the crowd on its feet. Starr’s stadium-ready anthem “Sability” brought high energy, and she closed her solo segment with a poignant mashup of “All The Love” and Coldplay’s “Strawberry Swing,” dedicating it to the festival’s mission. In a surprise highlight, she brought out fellow Nigerian star Rema for a dynamic performance of “Rush,” followed by Rema’s hits “Calm Down” and “Baby (Is It A Crime)”. Ayra Starr also made a heartfelt gesture, asking the audience to light up their phone torches to highlight the need for energy access in Africa, aligning with the festival’s goals. Her performance was a powerful blend of cultural pride and global advocacy.
Grammy winner Tyla turned Central Park into an amapiano-fueled dance floor with her 15-minute set. She opened with “Is It” from her recent EP ‘WWP (We Wanna Party)’, followed by “Truth or Dare” and “Dynamite,” her collaboration with Wizkid. Her performance of the Grammy-winning “Water” was a standout, though briefly paused when Tyla compassionately stopped to ensure a fan in distress received help. After restarting the song, she rallied the crowd with, “Now we’re gonna scream,” creating a defining festival moment. Tyla’s viral “Tyla Dance”—featuring rhythmic hip rotations and shoulder rolls—captivated social media, with a choreography and bold stage presence in a fringed, athletic outfit. Her set underscored her rising global influence and commitment to representing African artistry.
The Global Citizen Festival also saw Shakira headline with a sizzling set, performing hits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Whenever, Wherever,” and “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” backed by a vibrant dance crew that electrified the crowd. Cardi B, stepping in as a last-minute headliner after The Weeknd’s cancellation for personal reasons, brought her signature high-energy performance, commanding the stage with her bold presence and hits that kept the audience hyped.
Rosé of BLACKPINK delivered an intimate acoustic set, including her popular track “APT,” earning praise for its raw and breathtaking quality. Mariah the Scientist performed in striking GI Jane-inspired attire, showcasing tracks from her latest album Hearts Sold Separately, adding a soulful vibe to the night. Camilo and Elyanna rounded out the lineup with their unique sounds, contributing to the festival’s global and cultural diversity.
The 2025 Global Citizen Festival was a vibrant celebration of music and purpose, with Ayra Starr and Tyla stealing the show through their electrifying performances and meaningful engagement with the festival’s mission.
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