On September 27, 2025, Central Park’s Great Lawn transformed into more than just a concert venue—it became a global platform for music, activism, and hope. The Global Citizen Festival returned with its trademark mix of advocacy and entertainment, drawing some of the world’s biggest names to rally for causes like climate action, education, and energy access.
While the night featured heavyweights like Shakira and Cardi B, it was the Afrobeats contingent that left an indelible mark. Tyla (South Africa), Ayra Starr (Nigeria), and a surprise cameo from Rema showcased the unstoppable rise of African music on a global stage.
Afrobeats in the Spotlight: Africa’s Pulse on a Global Stage
🎤 Tyla: South Africa’s Grammy-Winning Sensation
Fresh off her Grammy win and viral dominance with “Water,” Tyla stormed the stage with the kind of confidence that only a superstar can carry. She delivered a set that blended sensual choreography, signature amapiano-infused beats, and her unmistakable voice. The crowd swayed, sang, and danced in sync, proving that Tyla’s star power is no longer regional—it’s global.
One of her most buzzworthy moments came when she performed “Nice Guy” alongside Cardi B, bridging Afrobeats and hip hop in a seamless collaboration that had the audience roaring. For Tyla, this was more than a performance—it was proof that her sound belongs in the global pop canon.
🎤 Ayra Starr: Nigeria’s Celestial Rising Star
Then came Ayra Starr, the Mavin Records prodigy whose voice, charisma, and boldness have made her one of Afrobeats’ most compelling young stars. Her set was a journey—equal parts soulful, fiery, and uplifting. Songs like “Rush” and “Bloody Samaritan” had the crowd bouncing, her vocals cutting clean through the New York night air.
But just when fans thought they had seen it all, Rema stormed the stage in a surprise cameo that instantly lit up the festival. The pair delivered a stunning joint performance—first with their sultry rendition of Sade’s “Is It a Crime” and then with Rema’s global anthem “Calm Down.” The energy spiked, the audience roared, and phones lit up the lawn as thousands tried to capture the moment.
This unannounced collaboration wasn’t just a highlight—it became the moment of the festival. It was a reminder that Afrobeats isn’t about isolated stars; it’s about a movement, one where artists uplift each other and amplify the sound together.
Moments to Remember
- Unexpected Brilliance
Rema’s cameo elevated Ayra Starr’s set into a historic festival moment—one that fans will talk about long after the lights went down. - Unity in Afrobeats
The shared stage showed solidarity within the genre. It wasn’t competition—it was communion. Ayra and Rema’s chemistry embodied the collaborative spirit fueling Afrobeats’ global rise. - Cross-Genre Bridges
From Tyla’s pairing with Cardi B to Rema and Ayra’s joint magic, Afrobeats was not presented as “foreign flavor” but as a central force in shaping today’s pop music. - Activism in Rhythm
The festival’s goals—expanding energy access, protecting the Amazon, ensuring children’s education—hit closer to home when voiced by African artists. Their performances became vessels for advocacy, tying joy and rhythm to urgent global issues.
Impact on the culture
For young Africans watching, seeing Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Rema own one of the world’s biggest festival stages was validation: their sounds, languages, and styles are not just included but celebrated globally.
For the festival itself, the inclusion of Afrobeats powerhouses reinforced a truth: you cannot talk about global music, culture, or even activism anymore without Africa’s voice at the center.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Global Citizen Festival will be remembered for its calls to action, its political pledges, and its star-studded lineup. But for many, the defining memory will be the sound of Afrobeats thundering through Central Park—the sultry confidence of Tyla, the celestial fire of Ayra Starr, and the electrifying shock of Rema’s surprise.
In that moment, Africa wasn’t just represented. It led the way—reminding the world that the heartbeat of change often arrives wrapped in a rhythm.