Ain’t no party like a party on the African continent — and when that party calls on the world to ditch its pity of Africa and replace it with acknowledgment of its boundless creativity and ability to host world-class events? Well, that’s a party unlike any other.
Yep, we’re talking about Move Afrika.
Move Afrika, a first-of-its-kind international music touring circuit throughout the African continent, kicked off in 2023 with Kendrick Lamar as the headliner. While we made noise about it at the time, we admittedly kept some of the magic of the evening to ourselves as we waited for the perfect day to reminisce with you, our action-taking audience.
That day, we’re buzzing to tell you, has arrived.
As we build up to Move Afrika’s 2025 events in Kigali and Lagos, headlined by EGOT-winning musician and friend of Global Citizen, John Legend, we figured now is the best time to unveil the moments you might not have seen two years ago at the very first Move Afrika event.
Before we dive into the previously unseen, we need to let you in on a little secret: There are still tickets available for Move Afrika Kigali and Lagos, which take place on Feb. 21 and 25, respectively.
To earn tickets, take action on our app, website, or WhatsApp to add your voice to the calls for change and the end of extreme poverty. As you may know, our events are not just about the music and performances — they’re about standing for something and demanding transformation.
Move Afrika is no different, with this year’s campaign, we’re focusing on two major factors that need immediate attention: sexual and reproductive health rights that need funding and support across the continent, as well as the call for investment into Africa’s creative economy to boost employment in creative industries. For more on how to take action to earn tickets, we’ve got you covered with our explainer here.
Let’s get into it. Here’s what you’ve yet to see from Move Afrika Rwanda, 2023.
BK Arena Before & After
There’s something satisfying about seeing an event venue in its stillness just hours before a major event. Pictured here is the official Move Afrika countdown in the middle of BK Arena in Kigali — followed by what the venue looked like when every seat was filled with action-takers like you.
BK Arena in Kigali just five hours ahead of Global Citizen's Move Afrika event, 2023.
BK Arena in Kigali filled with action-taking audience members, 2023.
En Route to Move Afrika
Ahead of the event, Global Citizen worked to bring dozens of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to meet Kendrick Lamar, and attend his performance. Pictured here are some of them, hyped up on the bus on their way to Move Afrika after having met the man of the moment.
You — Our Global Citizens
That’s right, we wouldn’t dare leave you out of this compilation! Here are some of our favorite images of our audience at BK Arena in 2023.
Audience members enjoying a performance at Move Afrika, 2023.
Action-taking citizens at Move Afrika, 2023.
Global Citizen Fellows at Move Afrika, 2023.
Concert-goers hugging at Move Afrika Rwanda, 2023.
Ariel Wayz, Bruce Melodie, DJ Toxxyk, Sherrie Silver, & Zuchu
The night was filled with non-stop high-energy performances from some of the best that East Africa has to offer, and we have to shout them out for setting the tone for an excellent night, and the standard for future Move Afrika events.
Zuchu on stage at Move Afrika Rwanda.
DJ Toxxyk at Move Afrika Rwanda, 2023.
Ariel Wayz and Bruce Melodie at Move Afrika Rwanda.
Ariel Wayz at Move Afrika Rwanda
Kendrick Lamar’s Performance
It would be remiss of us to leave the headliner himself out, but more than that, it would be remiss of us to not spotlight his supporting performers, which included impressive school-aged dancers, as well as experienced entertainers who brought his storytelling to life.
Kendrick Lamar performs at Move Afrika, 2023.
Kendrick Lamar performing on stage at Move Afrika, 2023.
Kendrick Lamar in Rwanda performing at Move Afrika, 2023.
The Global Citizen Team
We don’t usually part the curtain to show you who’s behind the scenes, but as this was the beginning of a one-of-a-kind touring circuit, we thought you should see just who was behind the event on Dec. 6, 2023. A team of people who had the honor of bringing this event to life for you, our action-takers.
More than anything we want to thank you, our global citizens for joining us then, it was a night to remember. Don’t forget to take action to join us this year in Kigali and Lagos so you don’t miss out on special moments like these.