American rapper Kendrick Lamar and his creative collective, pgLang, have teamed up with Global Citizen to launch “Move Afrika,” an initiative set to transform the cultural landscape of the African continent.
The project aims to establish an annual touring circuit across Africa, commencing with Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying performance in Rwanda on December 6th.
Global Citizens, grab those calendars 📆 On Dec. 6, 2023, Global Citizen is heading to Kigali, Rwanda with @kendricklamar for #MoveAfrika: Rwanda! 🇷🇼 Learn more about how you can join us: https://t.co/577RXDf8kW pic.twitter.com/ce1HpvLCOp
— Global Citizen ⭕ (@GlblCtzn) November 3, 2023
The core objective of “Move Afrika” is to inspire local artists, drive Africa’s rich culture and creativity onto the global stage, and, perhaps most importantly, create sustainable employment opportunities through immersive concerts. With a five-year timeline, the project aspires to break down barriers and unlock the continent’s immense artistic potential.
Kweku Mandela, Global Citizen’s Chief Vision Officer, emphasised the importance of granting Africans equal access to the world’s largest concerts.
“The reason that is so often given is that there’s a lack of infrastructure and lack of technical crews. The reality is, there’s just a lack of will because we’ve seen some of the biggest artists come to this continent over the last few decades.” Mandela explained.
“Move Afrika” is poised to transcend borders and reach even more African countries, with plans to include tour stops in five additional nations by 2025. What sets this initiative apart is its commitment to showcasing the vibrant talent of the regions where each concert takes place. It’s a celebration of African diversity and creativity, bringing communities together through the universal language of music.
Underlining the project’s artistic curation, pgLang will play a pivotal role as “Move Afrika’s” curator through 2028. With his influential presence, Lamar is set to shape the initiative’s artistic direction and contribute to the lasting legacy of this extraordinary endeavor.
“Move Afrika” is not just a series of concerts but a transformative movement that promises to amplify African voices, enrich global culture, and lay the foundation for a future where African artists and creatives shine brightly on the world stage.