Ayra Starr delivered a electrifying performance, cementing her status as the Voice of African Gen Z. Her set included hits like “Gimme Dat,” “Goodbye (Warm Up),” “Hot Body,” and the Grammy-nominated “Rush,” which had the crowd on its feet. Starr’s stadium-ready anthem “Sability” brought high energy, and she closed her solo segment with a poignant mashup of “All The Love” and Coldplay’s “Strawberry Swing,” dedicating it to the festival’s mission. In a surprise highlight, she brought out fellow Nigerian star Rema for a dynamic performance of “Rush,” followed by Rema’s hits “Calm Down” and “Baby (Is It A Crime)”. Ayra Starr also made a heartfelt gesture, asking the audience to light up their phone torches to highlight the need for energy access in Africa, aligning with the festival’s goals. Her performance was a powerful blend of cultural pride and global advocacy.

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Grammy winner Tyla turned Central Park into an amapiano-fueled dance floor with her 15-minute set. She opened with “Is It” from her recent EP ‘WWP (We Wanna Party)’, followed by “Truth or Dare” and “Dynamite,” her collaboration with Wizkid. Her performance of the Grammy-winning “Water” was a standout, though briefly paused when Tyla compassionately stopped to ensure a fan in distress received help. After restarting the song, she rallied the crowd with, “Now we’re gonna scream,” creating a defining festival moment. Tyla’s viral “Tyla Dance”—featuring rhythmic hip rotations and shoulder rolls—captivated social media, with a choreography and bold stage presence in a fringed, athletic outfit. Her set underscored her rising global influence and commitment to representing African artistry.

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The Global Citizen Festival also saw Shakira headline with a sizzling set, performing hits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Whenever, Wherever,” and “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” backed by a vibrant dance crew that electrified the crowd. Cardi B, stepping in as a last-minute headliner after The Weeknd’s cancellation for personal reasons, brought her signature high-energy performance, commanding the stage with her bold presence and hits that kept the audience hyped.

Rosé of BLACKPINK delivered an intimate acoustic set, including her popular track “APT,” earning praise for its raw and breathtaking quality. Mariah the Scientist performed in striking GI Jane-inspired attire, showcasing tracks from her latest album Hearts Sold Separately, adding a soulful vibe to the night. Camilo and Elyanna rounded out the lineup with their unique sounds, contributing to the festival’s global and cultural diversity.

The 2025 Global Citizen Festival was a vibrant celebration of music and purpose, with Ayra Starr and Tyla stealing the show through their electrifying performances and meaningful engagement with the festival’s mission.

WATCH THE FULL PERFORMANCE!!!

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The film, scheduled for release on July 18, 2025, features Rihanna voicing the character Smurfette and contributing original music, including the newly released single “Friend of Mine”, marks her first release since 2022’s “Lift Me Up” from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. The track debuted alongside the film’s trailer, offering fans a glimpse into the vibrant world of the Smurfs.

Tyla’s inclusion in the soundtrack underscores her rising international profile, following the success of her hit singles like ‘Push 2 Start’, ‘Water’ and news about her hosting this year’s Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards to be held in June.

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Another standout track from the soundtrack is “Higher Love,” a reimagining of Belinda Carlisle’s classic “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” performed by Desi Trill featuring DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania, and Subhi. This song blends hip-hop with South Asian musical elements, marking a unique addition to the film’s musical offerings.

The Smurfs movie, directed by Chris Miller, promises a vibrant adventure as the beloved blue characters embark on a mission to rescue Papa Smurf from evil wizards in the real world.

And with its star-studded cast and diverse musical collaborations, the upcoming Smurfs film is poised to be a summer blockbuster.

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