Excitement builds as Global Citizen, the international advocacy organization committed to ending extreme poverty, announces the return of its trailblazing initiative, Move Afrika. Headlined by EGOT-winning artist John Legend, the 2025 tour will span East to West Africa, with scheduled stops in Rwanda and Nigeria.

The tour kicks off with Move Afrika: Kigali at the BK Arena on February 21, followed by Move Afrika: Lagos at The Palms on February 25, 2025. This pioneering music circuit, which debuted in 2023, aims to build Africa's capacity for large-scale live music events while fostering economic investment, job creation, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

“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,” said John Legend. “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”.

Move Afrika is more than just having regular concerts but a movement to tackle inequalities by creating jobs and supporting entrepreneurship in host countries. Each event prioritises local talent, businesses, and production crews, driving investments into communities and offering on-the-job training for emerging generations.

“This tour underscores Africa’s position as a global cultural powerhouse,” said Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen. “Our goal is to inspire Africa’s youth to participate in the live music and creative industries, building infrastructure that ensures the continent is no longer excluded from the global touring circuit.”

The 2025 tour will also support a citizen-led advocacy campaign focused on strengthening health systems across Africa. Together with its partners, Global Citizen will encourage African nations to increase health financing, prioritize primary care and reproductive health, and enhance global health resilience.

The first Move Afrika event in 2023, headlined by Kendrick Lamar in Kigali, was tagged as Rwanda’s most successful live music event. It employed over 1,000 Rwandans and engaged 75% local production crews. Following this success, the 2025 edition aims to build on its impact by adding Nigeria to its circuit, with plans to include more African countries in the coming years.

“Move Afrika is not just a tour; it’s a movement,” said Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board. “We’re showcasing Africa’s creative talent while addressing development priorities that benefit the entire continent.”

As Move Afrika grows, it sets a new standard for live entertainment, proving that music can be a powerful force for change.