John Legend to Perform in Rwanda for the First Time
John Legend is set to grace Kigali, Rwanda, with his first-ever performance in East Africa. The award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer will perform on February 21, 2025, at the Move Afrika event, hosted at the BK Arena. The concert is part of Global Citizen’s initiative to promote Africa’s creative industries and empower its youth.
This highly anticipated event represents more than just entertainment; it is a step forward in showcasing Rwanda as a hub for global cultural events. Following performances by other renowned artists, John Legend’s presence solidifies Kigali’s reputation as a destination for high-profile shows. This concert is a collaborative effort between Global Citizen, the Rwanda Development Board, and pgLang, aiming to create economic opportunities.
In addition to Kigali, the Move Afrika tour will also visit Lagos, Nigeria, on February 25, 2025. With its dual focus on entertainment and development, this tour underscores the potential of live music to drive economic and social change across Africa.
Move Afrika Tour: A New Frontier for African Music
The Move Afrika tour is a groundbreaking initiative designed to connect global artists with African audiences while fostering local talent and industry growth. Kigali and Lagos have been chosen as the first two stops for this pioneering effort.
The tour reflects Global Citizen’s commitment to addressing global inequities by investing in Africa’s burgeoning creative industries. Move Afrika provides a platform for international artists to collaborate with African talent, creating a unique blend of global and local music experiences.
John Legend, a longtime Global Citizen ambassador, expressed his excitement about performing in Kigali and Lagos. He emphasized the importance of empowering Africa’s youth through music and entrepreneurship, calling Africa a “global cultural powerhouse” and envisioning a vibrant future for live performances on the continent.
Rwanda’s Growing Role in Global Events
Rwanda’s reputation as an international event destination continues to grow, thanks to initiatives like Move Afrika. The country previously hosted Kendrick Lamar in 2023, a concert that highlighted local talent and generated employment opportunities.
BK Arena, the venue for John Legend’s Kigali concert, has become a central hub for major events. It has hosted global artists and served as a platform for showcasing Rwanda’s ability to deliver world-class entertainment experiences. These events contribute significantly to local economic development, providing jobs and fostering skills in event management and production.
With the addition of the Move Afrika tour, Rwanda strengthens its position as a leader in Africa’s entertainment sector. The collaboration between Global Citizen and the Rwanda Development Board demonstrates a shared vision for sustainable growth in the creative economy.
John Legend: The Economic Impact of Move Afrika
Move Afrika is more than just a music tour—it is an economic initiative designed to create lasting change. The 2023 edition in Kigali employed over 1,000 Rwandans and engaged 75% local crew and production staff. The tour also provided on-the-job training, equipping locals with skills to participate in future events.
The 2025 edition aims to expand on these achievements by driving investments in health systems, youth entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Global Citizen’s campaigns focus on increasing health financing, improving primary care, and supporting sexual and reproductive health rights across Africa.
Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Citizen, highlighted the importance of Move Afrika in inspiring Africa’s young population to participate in the creative industries. By building infrastructure and fostering local talent, the tour ensures that Africa becomes a permanent part of the global music circuit.
John Legend’s Vision for Africa’s Future
John Legend’s involvement in Move Afrika reflects his dedication to using music as a tool for empowerment. The Grammy-winning artist has long been an advocate for social justice and economic equality.
Legend’s recent projects, including his children’s album and the 20th-anniversary reissue of Get Lifted, demonstrate his versatility and commitment to meaningful work. His participation in Move Afrika aligns with his vision of creating opportunities for marginalized communities, particularly in Africa.
By headlining the Kigali and Lagos shows, Legend hopes to inspire young Africans to pursue careers in the music and creative industries. He believes that live performances can serve as a catalyst for social and economic change, bringing people together and showcasing Africa’s cultural richness.
John Legend: Empowering Africa’s Youth Through Music
One of the key goals of Move Afrika is to empower Africa’s youth by providing them with opportunities in the music and creative sectors. The tour engages local artists, vendors, and production crews, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond the concerts themselves.
Global Citizen’s commitment to youth empowerment is evident in its focus on skill development and entrepreneurship. By partnering with local organizations and governments, the initiative creates a supportive ecosystem for young creatives to thrive.
The success of the 2023 Move Afrika event in Kigali serves as a testament to the tour’s impact. Local artists like Bruce Melodie and Ariel Wayz shared the stage with international stars, gaining exposure and experience that will benefit their careers.
A Vision for the Future of African Music
The Move Afrika tour is not just a one-time event—it is a long-term vision for transforming Africa’s music industry. Over the next five years, the tour aims to expand to additional countries, creating a continent-wide network of live music events.
This ambitious plan aligns with Global Citizen’s broader mission to end extreme poverty and promote sustainable development. By investing in Africa’s creative industries, the organization hopes to drive economic growth and inspire the next generation of leaders.
The collaboration between Global Citizen, pgLang, and the Rwanda Development Board demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships to create meaningful change. Together, they are setting a new standard for entertainment touring in Africa.
A Milestone for Rwanda and Africa
John Legend’s first performance in East Africa is more than just a concert—it is a milestone for Rwanda and the continent as a whole. The Move Afrika tour showcases the power of music to drive economic development, empower youth, and promote cultural exchange.
As Rwanda prepares to host this historic event, the country continues to position itself as a leader in Africa’s creative economy. With its focus on sustainability and community engagement, Move Afrika sets a precedent for future initiatives in the region.
For more information about the Move Afrika tour and to purchase tickets, visit moveafrika.org. Don’t miss the chance to witness John Legend’s unforgettable performance in Kigali on February 21, 2025.
