Doja Cat to headline Move Afrika 2026 tour across Kigali, Pretoria

2026-02-19 - 13:07

Global Citizen has announced that Grammy Award-winning superstar Doja Cat will headline the third edition of Move Afrika, a pan-African music touring circuit aimed at boosting the continent’s creative economy and creating jobs for young Africans. The organisation made the announcement on February 13, 2026, stating that the 2026 edition of the tour will expand its footprint across Africa, with Rwanda and South Africa confirmed as host countries. The tour is scheduled to kick off with Move Afrika: Kigali at the BK Arena on March 17, before moving to Move Afrika: Pretoria at the SunBet Arena on March 20. Organisers said the initiative is designed to build the first-ever pan-African music touring circuit driven by global artists while supporting economic investment and youth employment in host cities. Speaking on the announcement, Doja Cat said the tour represents more than entertainment, but a platform for impact and opportunity across the continent. “From my South African roots straight to the world stage, we’re bringing energy, purpose, and real change to Move Afrika in Kigali and Pretoria. This isn’t just a tour, it’s a movement that creates jobs and opportunities that last,” she said. Co-Founder and CEO of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans, described the singer’s involvement as a major milestone for the initiative, noting that the project is redefining global touring by placing Africa’s creative excellence at the centre of the international circuit. According to Evans, the initiative is expected to strengthen local creative industries, create jobs, and drive long-term economic growth powered by culture across participating countries. “She has delivered unforgettable performances at some of Global Citizen’s most defining moments, from Paris to New York to the historic FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show. Now she joins us as we expand across the continent, from Johannesburg to Accra, Kigali to Lagos, and now Pretoria. Move Afrika is redefining global touring by placing Africa’s creative excellence at the center of the international circuit, creating jobs, strengthening local creative industries, and driving long-term economic growth powered by culture.” Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, also welcomed the return of Move Afrika, saying the partnership aligns with Rwanda’s vision of positioning itself as a premier destination for live entertainment while unlocking economic opportunities for young people. Since its launch, Move Afrika has reportedly created more than 2,500 jobs in cities such as Kigali and Lagos, with over 90 per cent of crew and production roles filled by local talent. The programme has also expanded youth training initiatives in areas including rigging, hospitality, security, and event production. Organisers added that additional details for the March 2026 tour, including access to limited free tickets through Global Citizen advocacy actions, will be announced in the coming weeks. The 2026 installment of Move Afrika builds on Global Citizen’s previous campaigns and events across Africa, including the 2025 installment of Move Afrika: Kigali and Move Afrika: Lagos, headlined by John Legend; the inaugural 2023 edition of Move Afrika: Rwanda, headlined by Kendrick Lamar; Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, which featured Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Eddie Vedder, and Chris Martin of Coldplay in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2018; Global Citizen Live: Lagos, with performances by Davido, Femi Kuti, and Tiwa Savage at Fela Kuti’s New Afrika Shrine in 2021; and Global Citizen Festival: Accra, which brought Usher, SZA, Stormzy, and TEMS to the Black Star Square in 2022.