Global Citizen’s Move Afrika Tour Hits Lagos: A Night of Music, Advocacy, and Unforgettable Moments With John Legend 

What a night to remember! On February 25th, Lagos was treated to the highly anticipated debut of the Move Afrika tour at The Palms, marking a monumental occasion in both the music and advocacy landscape. The atmosphere was electric as Global Citizen brought together an extraordinary fusion of music, culture, and activism, leaving the crowd buzzing long after the final note. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the night was headlined by the legendary John Legend, whose performance lit up the room with his trademark soul and passion.

As observed by Music Custodian’s event reporter, take a deep dive into the standout moments from the Global Citizen: Move Afrika tour in Lagos.

A Stellar Performance by John Legend

The night was much more than a concert—it was a celebration of culture, empowerment, and unity. When John Legend graced the stage, the crowd was filled with excitement. The EGOT-winning artist serenaded the audience with timeless hits like “Ordinary People,” “PDA,” “Green Light,” “All of Me,” and “Refuge,” a song that featured a special collaboration with Nigeria’s own Simi. The audience was enraptured, singing along with every note, making the atmosphere one of pure magic.

Legend took the time to connect with the audience, sharing heartfelt words:

“It’s been too long, I’ve missed you all. We belong together, Lagos. I’m so happy we’re together tonight.”

His gratitude and energy resonated deeply with the crowd, making his performance an unforgettable highlight of the evening.

Simi’s Show-Stopping Performance

The night also saw a sensational performance by Simi, who confidently owned the stage with her powerful voice and captivating presence. The crowd was mesmerized as she performed her hit songs from her discography, including “Stranger,” “Woman,” and the crowd favorite “Duduke.” Simi’s performance added an extra layer of magic to an already incredible evening, and her seamless connection with the audience showcased her undeniable talent and the power of African music.

The Pepsi Touch: Refreshing the Guests

In addition to the electrifying performances, Music Custodian ’s event reporter also noted the impeccable hospitality extended to guests throughout the night. Pepsi, one of the event’s proud sponsors, ensured that the guests were well-hydrated and energized with refreshing cans of Pepsi, which kept everyone in high spirits. The drink’s presence was a reminder of the important role sponsors play in supporting such grand events and their commitment to creating a memorable experience.

Exclusive Seating and a Star-Studded Audience

The Move Afrika event also catered to its diverse audience with a segmented seating arrangement that included VVIP, Gold, and General ticket holders. The exclusive seating added a touch of luxury and distinction, ensuring that every guest, from high-profile figures to ardent fans, enjoyed the event from the best vantage points. It was a perfect blend of star power, culture, and community, with all guests given the space to enjoy the night at their own comfort level.

MOVE AFRIKA Is Also Showcasing Nigerian Talent and Creativity

This wasn’t just a concert—it was a true celebration of Nigerian culture. John Legend’s performance was a visual feast, featuring stunning creations from Nigerian designers like Eleven Sixteen, Orange Culture, and Emmy Kasbit. His backing vocalists also donned stylish outfits from local fashion houses like Elexiay and Wanni Fuga, making the event a true reflection of the unity between global and local talent. The incredible craftsmanship of Nigerian designers was evident throughout the night, reinforcing the country’s status as a leading force in the global fashion and creative industries.

What Move Afrika is Doing for African Music

Move Afrika is more than just a tour—it’s a movement. Global Citizen’s vision to bridge the gap between African artists and the global stage is becoming a reality, with each tour stop advancing the cause of African music. Move Afrika: Lagos was an excellent example of this movement, with 90 percent of the crew and over 95 percent of the equipment sourced locally. This demonstrated Nigeria’s capability to deliver top-tier events and support local talent, marking a major milestone in the country’s growing role in the global music industry.

In addition to the production achievements, Move Afrika also empowered local artisans, such as those involved in Move Afrika: Kigali , where Rwandan creative excellence took center stage. The Nyamirambo Women’s Center and their craftsmanship, including Agaseke peace baskets, contributed to the event’s unique stage design, showcasing the beauty and creativity of local culture.

MOVE AFRIKA: A Healthier Future for Kigali

Before the event in Lagos, Global Citizen hosted the Together for a Healthier Community initiative in Kigali, Rwanda, focusing on women’s and youth health. With over a thousand Rwandans in attendance, the initiative featured a mobile health clinic offering free sexual and reproductive healthcare. The event was a powerful testament to the importance of community-driven health education, as participants also had the opportunity to earn free tickets to Move Afrika: Kigali, linking healthcare advocacy to the world of music and entertainment.

Launch of the Music Economy Development Initiative (MEDI)

Coinciding with Move Afrika: Lagos, the Music Economy Development Initiative (MEDI) was launched to unlock the economic potential of music across Africa and beyond. MEDI will serve as the key source of research and data on the global economic power of music while promoting partnerships for policy reform, investment, and collaboration within the industry.

The launch of MEDI was marked by the inaugural Music Policy Assembly held in Lagos, where experts from across the continent gathered to discuss critical topics such as copyright, live music, and investment in the African music sector. MEDI also unveiled its first position paper, ‘We Need Tracks Before We Have Trains,’ co-authored by Will Page, former Chief Economist at Spotify. This initiative is set to play a crucial role in elevating Africa’s music economy on the global stage.

Move Afrika is made possible by its esteemed partners, including pgLang, Glenfiddich, and Pepsi, as well as media companies such as Bella Naija, City Radio, Eagle Production, EIB Network, News Central TV, TV Continental, Radio Flash, Royal FM, Upscale Media, and Vanguard Media. Their invaluable support helped bring the vision of Move Afrika to life, ensuring its success in Lagos and beyond.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Move Afrika

As Move Afrika: Lagos draws to a close, Global Citizen’s mission to drive music and advocacy forward continues. The 2025 edition of Move Afrika will build on the momentum from previous events, including Move Afrika: Rwanda in 2023, which was headlined by Kendrick Lamar, and Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 in 2018, among others. Each of these events has played a vital role in elevating African music on the global stage.

The Move Afrika tour is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of music, culture, and advocacy. From the unforgettable performances by John Legend and Simi to the energy brought by the audience, Lagos was truly alive with the magic of African music. This event was more than just entertainment—it was a celebration of culture, community, and a future where the power of music is harnessed to drive change and advocate for a better world. As Move Afrika continues to grow, there’s no telling how many more groundbreaking moments we’ll witness on this journey toward a global music movement.