Considered one of the greatest charity music shows of all time, the Global Citizen festival did not disappoint as more than 60 artists answered the call to raise awareness about climate change and end poverty.
With thousands attending the main shows in New York and Accra, Ghana, millions of people around the world tuned in to the live-streamed event which ran for 24 hours over the weekend. The festival saw over $800 million (97 billion shillings) pledged to end poverty. A total of $440 million (53 billion shillings) has been earmarked for poverty eradication in Africa.
Jennifer Lopez, Coldplay, Billie Eilish, NY, Metallica, Charlie Puth, Jonas Brothers, Maneskin, Mickey Guyton and Rosalia are among the artists who led the performances in New York. African stars Gyakie, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Stormzy, Tems and Uncle Waffles have taken charge in Ghana.
In Paris, Elton John was the surprise actor as he took to the stage after the crowd enjoyed a pre-recorded performance by K-pop group BTS. Kylie Minogue, Green Day and Andrea Bocelli also had pre-recorded performances. Ed Sheeran, Stormzy and Black Eyed Peas have also performed in Paris. Stevie Wonder starred in the Los Angeles show.
And five Kenyans will be part of a special team of selected BeyGood Fellowships around the world, the Class of 2023 that will intersect with this year’s theme of ending poverty. Arthur Kamau, Charity Kithaka, Diana Cheronoa, Kamuel Oure and Sherly Kambuni will join the team of 15 people chosen from across the continent for the one-year fellowship.
“Across six continents, artists will help rally citizens to demand that governments, big business and philanthropists work together to defend the planet and end poverty,” Global Citizen said in a statement.
The first Global Citizen Festival took place on September 29, 2012 with 60,000 people in attendance on the Great Lawn of New York’s iconic Central Park.