Nigerian DJ, philanthropist, and cultural ambassador Cuppy took the global stage at this year’s Global Citizen Festival in Central Park, New York, delivering a heartfelt and urgent call for compassion toward displaced people around the world.
“I am coming all the way from Lagos, Nigeria, a continent called Africa, and it feels so good to be standing here with all of you in Central Park, New York,” she began, smiling at the sea of cheering festivalgoers. But the moment quickly shifted to purpose as she raised one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time: the struggles faced by millions forced to flee their homes due to war, violence, and climate disasters.
“The millions of people around the world who are displaced are vulnerable, and they are facing food insecurity… When conflict, violence, or disasters occur, it forces people to flee, and they have to start from scratch. And that is not their fault,” she said passionately, before asking the crowd, “Do you think these people deserve the full support of the community? Do you believe that everyone should have the chance to build safe, secure, and dignified futures?”
Her words drew loud applause and chants from the diverse audience of activists, students, artists, and global leaders. The Global Citizen Festival, known for blending world-class music with urgent calls for action, has become one of the most powerful advocacy platforms for ending extreme poverty and driving social change.
This year’s edition featured performances by international stars and appearances from activists and heads of state, all rallying support for global equity, climate action, and food security. The 2025 campaign theme, “End Extreme Poverty Now,” sharpened its focus on vulnerable populations displaced by crises, while also addressing the global hunger crisis and the urgent need for climate resilience.
Cuppy, known for her vibrant career as a DJ and her philanthropic work through the Cuppy Foundation, has consistently used her platform to advocate for children’s welfare and education across Nigeria and Africa.
By stepping onto the Global Citizen stage, Cuppy amplified African voices on a truly global platform, reminding the world that displacement is not a statistic but a human story, one that requires empathy, policy change, and collective action.
As the festival ended with pledges from governments, NGOs, and corporations to tackle food insecurity and support refugees, many in the crowd credited voices like Cuppy’s for keeping the message personal and urgent. For Nigerians and Africans watching, her speech was a proud moment, a Lagos-born creative championing humanity in one of the world’s most influential advocacy arenas.
