Simi Shines at Global Citizen’s Move Afrika Tour in Lagos, Headlined by John Legend

The Global Citizen’s Move Afrika tour made a groundbreaking stop in Lagos, Nigeria, marking the first time this international initiative has reached the vibrant city. Headlined by EGOT-winning artist John Legend, the event showcased an unforgettable evening filled with music, advocacy, and the creative spirit of Nigeria.

Hosted by media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Move Afrika: Lagos featured stellar performances from Nigerian music stars Simi and DJ Consequence. The event was enhanced by striking visuals and creative contributions from local designers and artisans, showcasing Nigeria’s rich artistic talent. This event is the second stop of the Move Afrika tour, a significant part of Global Citizen’s efforts to create a pan-African music touring circuit that connects international artists with local audiences.

John Legend Delivers a Show-Stopping Performance

John Legend delivered an unforgettable headline performance at the sold-out Lagos show, performing some of his biggest hits, including “Ordinary People,” “PDA,” “All of Me,” and “Refuge,” the latter of which featured a surprise collaboration with Nigerian artist Simi. As the crowd roared with excitement, Legend shared his deep appreciation for Lagos, saying, “It’s been too long, I’ve missed you all. We belong together, Lagos. I’m so happy we’re together tonight.”

Legend’s outfit choices were a tribute to Nigeria’s fashion scene, as he wore designs from local designers Eleven Sixteen, Orange Culture, and Emmy Kasbit, while his backing vocalists sported pieces by Elexiay and Wanni Fuga, further highlighting the country’s emerging influence in global fashion.

A Step Towards a Pan-African Music Touring Circuit

Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO of Global Citizen, spoke about the significance of expanding Move Afrika to Lagos, emphasizing the event’s role in building a sustainable music infrastructure across the continent. “Nigeria has an incredibly rich musical heritage and a cultural influence that resonates worldwide,” Evans said. “We’re proud to have added Nigeria to the Move Afrika tour and are excited for what the future holds.”

Launched in 2023, Move Afrika is a long-term project aimed at expanding music tourism throughout Africa. It seeks to drive economic growth, create local jobs, and build infrastructure within host cities, while showcasing the best of African talent on the global stage.

Leveraging Music to Advocate for Health and Community Issues

In addition to the musical performances, Move Afrika: Lagos served as a platform for powerful advocacy. Global Citizen used the event to push for stronger health systems across Africa. Through pre-show activations in both Kigali and Lagos, Global Citizen rallied citizens to call for increased domestic health financing, prioritized primary care, and enhanced sexual and reproductive health services.

As part of this effort, Global Citizen also hosted the Stride for HER Rights walkathon, in partnership with the Lagos State Government and several organizations. The walkathon saw thousands of participants advocating for improved maternal and child healthcare services in Nigeria, with those completing the walk receiving tickets to the Move Afrika show.

Showcasing Local Talent and Infrastructure

Move Afrika: Lagos demonstrated Nigeria’s role as a leader in delivering world-class productions, with 90% of the crew being local, and more than 95% of the equipment sourced from local vendors. This collaboration between international and local teams highlights Nigeria’s growing reputation for hosting major global events and sets a precedent for future Move Afrika shows.

Notable Nigerian vendors who contributed to the success of the event include Sole Empire, Pro Audio Nigeria, ITMS Limited, and Cytech World Communication, among others. The show’s technical production was seamlessly executed by these local partners, further cementing the importance of supporting homegrown talent and resources.

The Launch of MEDI and Future Collaborations

During the Move Afrika: Lagos event, Global Citizen also launched the Music Economy Development Initiative (MEDI), aimed at unlocking the economic potential of music across Africa. MEDI will provide vital research and data to drive policy reform, investment, and international collaboration, helping to elevate Africa’s music industry on the global stage.

The launch coincided with the inaugural Music Policy Assembly in Lagos, which gathered industry experts to discuss topics like copyright, live music, and investment opportunities within the African music industry.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Move Afrika

Global Citizen’s Move Afrika tour is just getting started. Following the success of Move Afrika: Kigali earlier this year, where local Rwandan crews contributed to the event’s success, the tour is set to continue its mission to strengthen local economies, celebrate African creativity, and drive advocacy for critical issues such as health and education across the continent.

Looking forward, Global Citizen plans to expand its efforts, with the 2025 edition of Move Afrika expected to build on the success of past events like Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 and Global Citizen Live: Lagos. The Move Afrika tour is poised to become a major fixture in the African entertainment landscape, bringing together international artists, local talent, and communities in an ongoing celebration of Africa’s vibrant culture and influence.