The Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans, has said that the expansion of the music touring circuit, Move Afrika, to Lagos has amplified its impact across the continent.
According to a statement by the pan-African organisation, the show’s headlining artist, John Legend, performed to a packed audience in the Victoria Island area of Lagos on Tuesday.
Move Afrika is a long-term initiative by Global Citizen designed to pioneer the music touring circuit across Africa, driving economic investment, job creation, and supporting entrepreneurship opportunities in each host country. The project aims to address global inequalities by creating platforms for emerging generations through annual live music events.
Speaking on the expansion of the initiative to Nigeria, Evans described it as a significant step towards establishing a pan-continental music touring circuit.
“Adding a second location to the Move Afrika tour this year is a major step in the direction of establishing the pan-continental music touring circuit that both international and local artists will leverage for years to come. It’s this kind of incremental growth by which, year after year, we’ll continue pioneering and pushing our vision towards reality.
“Nigeria has an incredibly rich musical heritage, a well-established local entertainment industry, and a cultural influence that reverberates right across the globe. We are honoured to have added Nigeria to the Move Afrika tour and look forward to returning for the years to come,” he said.
Legend thrilled fans with some of his greatest hits, including *Ordinary People*, *PDA*, *GreenLight*, *All of Me*, and *Refuge*. Nigerian singer Simi joined him on stage during the performance.
“It’s been too long, I’ve missed you all,” Legend said. “We’re thankful to Global Citizen and Move Afrika for bringing us back here. We belong together, Lagos. I’m so happy we’re together tonight.”
Throughout his performance, the Grammy-winning artist wore outfits designed by local Nigerian designers.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended Global Citizen for selecting Lagos as one of the host cities for the Move Afrika circuit. Speaking at the concert, Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as Africa’s most vibrant city and a fitting location for the global movement.
“Move Afrika is not just a concert, but a movement and a call to action for global citizens to unite in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from poverty and inequality to climate change and access to education,” he said.
He praised Global Citizen’s advocacy work, highlighting how the initiative aligns with Lagos State’s vision for inclusive development.
“Tonight, we are privileged to be graced by the presence of a global icon, a man whose music and activism have touched millions—Mr. John Legend. His presence here today is a reminder that art and activism are not separate but intertwined forces for good,” Sanwo-Olu added.
The governor called for greater collaboration to improve access to quality education for children and better the lives of Lagosians.
“As we enjoy the incredible performances tonight, let us not forget the purpose behind this gathering. Let us commit to being active global citizens—to raising our voices and taking action. Let us work together to ensure that every child in Lagos has access to quality education, that every family has access to healthcare, and that our environment is protected for future generations,” he said.
Currently, Nigeria and Rwanda are the only two countries hosting the Move Afrika music touring circuit on the continent.
