John Legend Headlines Sold-Out Move Afrika Tour in Lagos, Promoting Local Talent and Advocacy

Move Afrika Tour made its debut in Lagos, headlined by John Legend. Hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the event highlighted local talent, including Simi and DJ Consequence, and focused on community advocacy for health issues. With over 90% local crew involvement, it aims to strengthen Africa’s music touring circuit and create economic opportunities.

The inaugural Move Afrika tour made its vibrant debut in Lagos, Nigeria, featuring internationally acclaimed artist John Legend as the headline performer. This remarkable evening was hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and showcased local talents including Simi and DJ Consequence, emphasizing local creativity through fashion. Move Afrika aims to establish a strong music touring circuit throughout Africa, promoting economic growth and community involvement.

John Legend delivered a captivating performance of his greatest hits such as “Ordinary People” and “All of Me,” expressing his joy at returning to Lagos: “It’s been too long, I’ve missed you all.” The concert highlighted local craftsmanship, including his outfits designed by Nigerian designers Eleven Sixteen and Orange Culture. Legend’s performance was backed by local talent, enhancing the event’s cultural significance.

Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO of Global Citizen, noted the importance of expanding the tour into Nigeria to foster a pan-continental music touring circuit. This strategy not only boosts local economies but also showcases Africa’s rich musical heritage. The initiative aims to inspire future collaborations between international artists and local musicians, creating opportunities for growth in the industry.

Move Afrika serves as a platform for advocacy, focusing on vital health issues across Africa. The tour includes community engagement efforts to elevate healthcare funding and improve access to maternal health services. In Lagos, the Stride for HER Rights Maternal Healthcare Walkathon attracted significant community participation, emphasizing the need for increased support for healthcare initiatives.

The tour leverages local resources with over 90% of the crew in Lagos being locally sourced, showcasing Nigeria as a leader in high-quality production within Africa. This commitment to local collaboration was also evident in Kigali earlier, signifying a strong partnership between local and international teams to deliver exceptional entertainment while generating job opportunities.

To enhance the music economy, the Music Economy Development Initiative (MEDI) was launched, aiming to unlock the economic potential of the music industry across the continent. Concurrently, the Music Policy Assembly convened experts to discuss critical issues in the industry. This initiative is supported by key partners including pgLang, Glenfiddich, and Pepsi, demonstrating a unified effort to elevate Africa’s music scene globally.

The Move Afrika tour represents a significant step towards strengthening the African music industry by promoting local economies and fostering international collaboration. With John Legend’s performance in Lagos as a highlight, the event not only entertained but also rallied support for vital advocacy work in healthcare. The establishment of initiatives like MEDI and the focus on local resources exemplify the dedication to nurturing African talent and creating sustainable growth in the music sector. Overall, Move Afrika showcases the vibrant cultural landscape of Africa and its potential to make impactful strides in the global music arena while addressing pressing social issues.

Original Source: www.cnbcafrica.com