John Legend Headlines Sold Out Move Afrika Tour in Lagos…

The Move Afrika Tour, hosted in Lagos for the first time, showcased performances by John Legend, Simi, and DJ Consequence, emphasizing local culture and economic investments. The initiative promotes a music touring circuit in Africa while advocating for improved healthcare systems. Key innovations include the Music Economy Development Initiative and substantial local participation in production and design.

This year, the Move Afrika Tour made its debut in Lagos, Nigeria, presented by Global Citizen, featuring a memorable night of music and advocacy led by renowned artist John Legend. The concert was hosted by media figure Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and included performances by local talents Simi and DJ Consequence, showcasing contributions from local designers and artisans. The initiative aims to build an international music touring framework in Africa, boosting local economies and strengthening healthcare systems.

John Legend captivated the audience with classic songs such as ‘Ordinary People’ and ‘All of Me,’ expressing gratitude to the crowd and emphasizing the significance of community. He stated, “It’s been too long, I’ve missed you all,” underscoring the tour’s mission of unity and cultural appreciation. His outfits were designed by local talents, enhancing the celebration of Nigerian craftsmanship.

According to Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO of Global Citizen, adding Lagos to the Move Afrika Tour is pivotal for creating a pan-continental music circuit that benefits both international and local artists over time. He highlighted Nigeria’s rich musical culture as a tremendous asset for future collaborations and performances, promising continued engagement in years to come.

Launched in 2023, Move Afrika’s goal is to establish a robust music touring ecosystem across Africa. The tour focuses on economic investment, improving local infrastructure, creating jobs, and promoting African creativity to a global audience. This year, 90 percent of the crew and over 95 percent of the equipment used in Lagos were sourced locally.

Alongside entertainment, Global Citizen is utilizing the Move Afrika Tour to advocate for enhanced healthcare systems in Africa. Pre-show events in Kigali and Lagos encouraged citizens to demand better health investments, focusing on reproductive health rights and public health resilience. Participants contributed to the movement for change and received tickets to the concert as an incentive.

The tour coincided with the launch of the Music Economy Development Initiative (MEDI), aimed at unlocking economic opportunities within the music sector across Africa. The initiative also organized a Music Policy Assembly in Lagos, addressing crucial issues such as copyright and investment in the music industry. This collaborative effort seeks to engage experts and advocate for meaningful reforms and funding in the arts.

Key partners supporting the Move Afrika initiative include pgLang, Glenfiddich, and Pepsi, with a network of media partners amplifying the event’s reach. The tour follows Global Citizen’s successful campaigns in Africa, including festivals featuring high-profile artists and collective calls for social and economic progress. The Move Afrika initiative represents a strategic expansion of these efforts, further integrating local culture with global platforms, promising growth and innovation in Africa’s music landscape.

The Move Afrika Tour successfully debuted in Lagos, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and local economic investments in the music industry. By featuring renowned international artists like John Legend and engaging local talents, the initiative demonstrates a powerful collaboration toward health advocacy and economic growth in Africa. The ongoing commitment by Global Citizen and its partners highlights the potential for music to unify, inspire, and drive tangible change across the continent.

Original Source: www.cnbcafrica.com