Superstar Tyla is once again in the international spotlight. Fresh off her performance at the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup halftime show, she is now set to grace the legendary stage of the Global Citizen Festival in New York’s Central Park on September 27, 2025. This achievement is not just a personal milestone; it is a proud moment for South Africa, highlighting how a local talent can captivate a global audience and become a force for positive change.
Tyla's inclusion in a lineup of this magnitude speaks volumes about her rapid ascent. She will perform alongside global powerhouses like The Weeknd and Shakira, with Ayra Starr and Mariah the Scientist also taking the stage. Hosted by the long-serving Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman, the festival is more than just a concert; it's a powerful advocacy event designed to drive action on some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
For Tyla, this performance is a deeply personal and symbolic moment. It shows just how far her music has traveled, carrying the rhythms and spirit of South Africa with her every step of the way. With millions watching and thousands gathered on the Great Lawn of Central Park, her voice and artistry will not only entertain but also serve as a powerful representation of her country. It is a reminder that local stories have the potential to become global ones, and that music is a universal language that can bridge cultures and inspire collective action.
The 2025 Global Citizen Festival is anchored by three bold, ambitious goals that aim to make a tangible impact on a global scale. The first goal is to ensure energy access for 1 million people across Africa through renewable power projects and youth skills development, tackling a fundamental issue of development and sustainability. The second is to protect 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest with a significant funding commitment of $200 million for Indigenous-led initiatives, highlighting the urgent need for environmental conservation. Finally, the festival aims to provide quality education for 30,000 children worldwide through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, emphasizing the transformative power of learning.
This festival is a powerful call to action for everyone—from governments and corporations to philanthropists and everyday people. The unique model of the event is that tickets are not bought; they are earned. Attendees must take meaningful action on these pressing issues to secure their spot, transforming the audience from passive spectators into active participants in a global movement
As Hugh Jackman reflected, "The growing impact of the Global Citizen movement touches every corner of the world, and I’m eager to advocate alongside my fellow ambassadors, performers, world leaders, and private sector executives to leave the world better than we found it." Tyla's presence on this stage is a testament to this vision, a reminder that artistry and advocacy can go hand-in-hand.
