Nigerian Afrobeats stars Rema and Ayra Starr delivered a show-stopping performance at the Global Citizen Festival 2025 in New York City’s Central Park on September 27, 2025. Performing a collaborative medley of Rema’s global hit Calm Down and Ayra Starr’s soulful Is It a Crime, the duo captivated more than 60,000 fans gathered at the annual event.
The festival, dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and climate change, was broadcast globally, amplifying the message of social change alongside top-tier musical performances. Rema and Ayra Starr’s set stood out not only for its electrifying energy but also for its symbolism—blending Afrobeats rhythms with themes of African unity and sustainable progress.
Beyond the stage, Ayra Starr connected with international stars, including Cardi B, backstage. The encounter highlighted the growing synergy between Afrobeats and hip-hop, reflecting the genre’s expanding global influence.
The Global Citizen Festival also featured speeches from world leaders and climate activists, urging action on clean energy initiatives. By pairing music with advocacy, the festival once again reinforced its mission: to inspire collective action toward a fairer, greener world.
For Afrobeats fans, the moment was historic. Rema and Ayra Starr not only represented Nigeria on one of the world’s biggest stages but also showcased how music can drive cultural pride and spark global conversations about change.
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