Cardi B has been announced as the latest addition to the artist lineup for the upcoming Global Citizen Festival in New York City this Saturday. She steps in to fill the vacancy left by The Weeknd, who is unable to perform due to personal reasons.
Expressing her excitement, Cardi B shared in a statement, “Central Park, I’m coming for you! I’m thrilled to be back home in New York and share my new songs and all the DRAMA at the Global Citizen Festival. This is more than just a music festival; it’s about uniting for the greater good, and supporting children worldwide. I’m proud to be part of this cause.”
In response to his withdrawal, The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, expressed his regrets, appreciating the support of his fans and the festival’s mission.
Hugh Evans, Co-founder & CEO of Global Citizen, expressed gratitude for Cardi B joining the lineup, praising her as an exceptional performer. He also acknowledged The Weeknd’s contribution and extended support to him.
Aside from Cardi B, the event will feature performances by stars such as Shakira, Tyla, Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist, Camilo, and Elyanna. Hugh Jackman, a Global Citizen ambassador, will host the festival on the Great Lawn of Central Park. Tickets for the festival are available and can be earned through efforts to combat extreme poverty via the Global Citizen app.
This year’s festival is set to take place on September 27 and will be broadcast globally on various platforms, including YouTube, Apple Music, and Amazon Music’s En Vivo channel on Twitch, among others. It will also feature in-person watch parties, such as the official one at Hudson Yards in New York City.
The Global Citizen Festival aims to achieve several ambitious goals. Among them is providing energy access to one million people across Africa, securing education access for 30,000 children globally, and mobilizing $200 million to protect 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest. Efforts are extended to engage 40,000 New Yorkers in volunteer activities, aligning with Global Citizen’s broader mission of ending extreme poverty.
The festival’s campaign also encourages support from governments, philanthropies, and the private sector to fund essential services such as healthcare, nutrition, and safe classrooms, which are critical for enabling children’s access to education.
This year’s Global Citizen Festival partners include notable organizations such as Cisco, Delta Air Lines, and P&G. Presented in partnership with New York City Parks, this impactful event is produced by the award-winning teams of Done+Dusted and Diversified Production Services.
For those looking to contribute and earn a chance to experience the festival firsthand, they can download the Global Citizen app and partake in impactful actions against issues like energy access and rainforest protection. Through collaborative efforts, Global Citizen partners with multiple nonprofits, fostering a significant impact across New York’s five boroughs while also empowering youth through mentorship opportunities worldwide.