MOVE AFRIKA: LAGOS A NIGHT OF MUSIC, CULTURE & IMPACT

Lagos doesn’t just host concerts, it breathes them, lives them, owns them. And on February 25, 2025, the city did just that as Move Afrika stormed The Palms Shopping Mall for a night of electrifying music, cultural pride, and a powerful message of change. Organized by Global Citizen, this was more than just a show–it was a movement, and Lagos showed up in full force to embrace it.

Hosting the night was none other than the ever-dapper Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, who once again reminded us that when it comes to steeze, he simply cannot be touched. Rocking a traditionally styled green, brown, and black top by I.N Official, paired with sleek black baggy dress pants, Ebuka carried the stage with his signature charm and effortless cool.

And then came the performances–because what is Lagos without music?

Global superstar John Legend took the stage in a crisp white three-piece tux by Orange Culture, finessed with a bright red flower brooch button fastening his jacket shut. He later switched to an elegant forest-green tux, complete with an overcoat, proving that class is second nature to him. But as dapper as he looked, it was his voice that truly stole the night–he’s John Legend after all. Lagos was treated to “Ordinary People,” “PDA,” “Green Light,” “All of Me,” and a heart-melting rendition of “Refuge,” during which he shared the stage with none other than Nigeria’s golden songbird, Simi.

Simi. Oh, Simi.

Dressed in an elegant yet cute and flowery black dress, she didn’t just perform–she enchanted. With a setlist that included “Joromi,” “Duduke,” and “Woman,” amongst other songs, she brought the kind of energy that can only be described as magical. But it wasn’t just her voice that transported the audience, it was the traditional elements woven into her performance. Backed by talking drum (gàn gán) players and cultural dancers who moved in perfect sync, Simi’s set was reminiscent of a Fela Kuti performance–raw, rhythmic, and deeply Nigerian.

And holding the night together like the maestro he is, DJ Consequence commanded the decks with an infectious mix that had the crowd moving nonstop.

Move Afrika: Lagos wasn’t just about the music–it carried a mission. The event spearheaded a citizen-led advocacy campaign for stronger health systems across Africa. In the lead-up to the concert, Global Citizen partnered with the Lagos State Government for the Stride for HER Rights Maternal Healthcare Walkathon, a movement dedicated to improving maternal and child healthcare services in Nigeria. Thousands participated, earning tickets to the show as a reward for their commitment to change. And in true Lagos fashion, the city didn’t just listen–it answered.

Move Afrika is shaping up to be more than just a concert series–it’s a blueprint for the future of live music on the continent. By combining world-class performances, social advocacy, and local industry development, Global Citizen is paving the way for a sustainable African music touring circuit. With 90% of the Lagos event crew being local and over 95% of the equipment sourced from Nigerian vendors, the night was not just about celebrating global talent but uplifting local expertise.

And if Move Afrika: Lagos proved anything, it’s that Africa’s music scene is not just thriving, it’s unstoppable. One thing’s for sure; this was not just another night in Lagos. This was history in the making.