With 60 000 Global Citizens gathered in Central Park and millions tuning in from across the globe, South Africans were part of a spectacular show which saw a special live intro to Johannesburg from New York and headlining performances on stage at the Festival by local artists alongside The Weeknd, Janet Jackson, Shawn Mendes, Cardi B & Janelle Monáe and a special Guest performance by John Legend.
The Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 was presented and hosted by The Motsepe Foundation, with major partners, Johnson & Johnson, Cisco, Nedbank, Vodacom, Big Concerts, House of Mandela, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Goalkeepers, Eldridge Industries, and Associate Partner, HP.
Since the first Global Citizen Festival in New York in 2012, Global Citizen has grown into one of the largest, most visible platforms for young people around the world calling on world leaders to honour their responsibilities in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and ending extreme poverty by 2030.
We caught up with Isibaya actress Nomzamo Mbata onwhat the highlights of the day were.
What was your highlight from today’s show? Everything about Saturday was spectacular and far exceeded my expectations. Seeing the backdrop of New York City whilst singing along to John Legemd and his piano put me in the most beautiful state of euphoria!
Who was your favourite performer?
Cardi B was amazing and of course the iconic Janet Jackson, when she brought out the weekend my heart did cartwheels!
Having seen the show what can South Africa expect in December?
The line up already speaks volumes. Expect the biggest festival the world has seen and he pride that comes in knowing that we will be the hosts of that!
What memory will you cherish from tonight?
The actions taken and commitments made! This is the spirit of Global Citizen.
