This is about to be the best 24 hours of 2025. The Global Citizen Festival is officially happening on September 27th, 2025. Afrobeat artists Ayra Starr and Tyla, alongside Mariah the Scientist, will be performing on that day. That’s not all; Shakira and The Weeknd will be headlining this festival. Now, imagine having such amazing personnel at one event.
This year, the Global Citizen Festival it’s going down at Central Park’s Great Lawn in New York. The exciting part is that Hugh Jackman is back to host the event once again.
The Beauty of The Global Citizen Festival
Yes, music entertains and brings life but beyond the vibes, Global Citizen is always about impact. Each year, there’s a clear agenda. The core mission is “To End Poverty Now.”
Last year, the focus was: defeat poverty, demand equity, and defend the planet. This year’s agenda is to take action towards creating energy access for one million people across Africa, protecting 30 million hectares of the Amazon, and securing education for 30,000 children globally.
The Global Citizen was founded by Hugh Evans.
The Performing Artists of the Global Citizen Festival
Ayra Starr is a Nigerian Afrobeat singer, songwriter, and model who rose to fame in 2020 after signing with music producer Don Jazzy’s label. She has since surpassed over 150 million streams across platforms.
Her 2021 hit single “Rush” gained her international recognition, making waves in Switzerland, Ireland, and the UK. Her most recent project, the album “The Year I Turned 21,” dropped in 2024.
Tyla, a South African Afrobeat singer and songwriter, gained global recognition after the release of her 2023 hit single “Water,” which topped charts in over 10 countries.
In 2024, she won Best Afrobeat at the MTV Video Music Awards, solidifying her status as a rising star. She is also a Grammy Award winner for Best African Music Performance.
Mariah the Scientist is an American singer and songwriter who first gained major recognition with her third studio album, “To Be Eating Alive,” which debuted on the Billboard 200. The project was released in partnership with Epic Records and marked a turning point in her career.
Later, she broke into the Billboard Hot 100 with her single “IDGAF,” featuring Chris and Tee Grizzley.
The Headliners of The 2025 Global Citizen Festival
Shakira is a Colombian singer, songwriter, and dancer who began her music career at just 13 years old. Known for her energetic stage presence and global hits, she has released 12 studio albums to date.
Her most recent album, “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloron” was released in 2024, continuing her legacy as one of Latin music’s most influential artists.
The Weeknd is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and actor known for his distinct sound and global impact. He has won numerous awards, including 4 Grammy Awards and 20 Billboard Music Awards.
His hit single, “Blinding Lights” not only topped the charts but also earned a spot on Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Hot 100 list.
The Host of The Event
Hugh Jackman is an Australian singer, songwriter, and actor, and one of the early supporters of Global Citizen; and has hosted this festival for 11 years.
He began rising to fame after his breakout role as Wolverine in 2000. Since then, he has earned multiple awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Grammy Award.
He is also known for performing songs from the hit musical film “The Greatest Showman,” which became a global sensation.
Conclusion
This year’s Global Citizen Festival is something to truly look forward to. The energy will be great and the cause behind it all makes it even more special. September 27th is going to be one exciting day you don’t want to miss. Take action in the Global Citizen app to earn your chance for free tickets to the festival or buy tickets here
