By Cathay Yenana:
The rise of global citizenship festivals, epitomized by the Global Citizen Festival (GCF), presents a complex tapestry of philanthropy, entertainment, and social activism. While these events generate considerable awareness and resources for critical global issues, their curated nature raises essential questions about representation, inclusivity, and the very definition of global citizenship. I’ve had nuanced conversations with thought leaders in this ecosystem to get to their perspectives on the criteria for artist selection, the rationale behind audience voting, and the ethical implications of these choices, comparing the GCF with similar festivals in Africa, while ultimately questioning the festival’s potential curriculum of exclusion.
The process of artist selection and the Illusion of choice, in the world of festivals, remains largely opaque, raising questions about the balance between genuine artistic merit and strategic alignment with sponsors, political agendas, the complex tapestry of philanthropy, entertainment, and social activism. Are artists chosen for their commitment to the cause, their reach, or their ability to draw large crowds? The reliance on celebrity activism, while effective in raising awareness, risks overshadowing grassroots movements and local artists deeply engaged with the issues at hand. This is particularly pertinent when examining similar festivals in Africa, such as the Felabration in Nigeria or Sauti za Busara in Zanzibar, or even Coachella.
Sauti za Busara festivals where artists from outside the region are usually required to get their own travel sponsors and the festival will support where possible and Felabration does not charge artists any fees for registration nor performance opportunities and are funded through various sources, including ticket sales, sponsorships, and sometimes they could get support from the Lagos State Government. These festivals
often prioritize showcasing local talent and indigenous narratives, offering a stark contrast to the globally homogenized lineup of the other Festivals.
Voting as Validation: The Mechanics of Engagement and the Spectre of Elitism
The GCF’s model of “earning” your ticket to perform through engagement with specific campaigns raises questions about accessibility and genuine participation. Does this system privilege those with access to technology and free time, inadvertently creating a tiered system of global citizenship? While the gamified approach incentivizes action, it also risks reducing complex issues to clicktivism. Further, the inherent bias towards English-language content and Western-centric platforms exacerbates the exclusion of marginalized communities.
The Curriculum of Exclusion: Whose Voices are Amplified, Whose Remain Silent?
The GCF’s focus on specific Sustainable Development Goals, while laudable, inevitably leads to a selective narrative of global challenges. Are certain issues prioritized over others based on donor interests or prevailing political discourse? This curated narrative, while effective in mobilizing resources, can also reinforce a Western-centric view of development and marginalized local solutions.
The Global Citizen Festival event is supposed to unite individuals across various demographics, encouraging them to contribute to the fight against poverty, climate change, and inequality. Yet, beneath the celebratory surface lies a paradox that challenges our understanding of effective leadership in social movements. At its core, the Global Citizen Festival embodies the power of collective action. It brings together influential leaders, celebrities, and everyday citizens, creating a powerful platform for advocacy. However, one must ask: does the spectacle of such events dilute the very message they aim to promote? While the festival raises awareness and funds, it also risks becoming a performative act, where the urgency of social issues is overshadowed by entertainment and celebrity culture.
This paradox raises critical questions for leaders: How do we balance the need for visibility with the necessity of genuine engagement? Are we, as leaders, merely creating a stage for awareness, or are we fostering meaningful change that transcends the event itself? The challenge lies not just in mobilizing crowds but in the enthusiasm generated during the festival into sustained action that addresses the root causes of global issues.
Moreover, the festival’s reliance on corporate sponsorships and partnerships can complicate its mission. Their leaders must navigate the fine line between leveraging resources for positive change and compromising values for financial gain. This brings forth the question of authenticity. How do we ensure that advocacy remains true to the cause while engaging with powerful entities that may have their own agendas?
The Global Citizen Festival serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for collective action. However, it also highlights the complexities that their leaders probably grapple with in the pursuit of meaningful change. As we engage with such initiatives, let us reflect on our roles not just as participants but as stewards of a movement that requires more than celebrity appearances and catchy slogans. True leadership in this context calls for a commitment to long-term impact, grounded in authenticity and a relentless focus on the issues at hand.
My candid chat with Jamal Batiste, an artist based in New Orleans, who is currently on the Top 15 list as a possible artist that could perform at the Global Citizen Festival in 2025. Artists lobby for votes and if you land on the platform where you’re able to vote for the artist for free, or you can get the option to donate and your donations give you other voting options. We touched on algorithmic applause in today’s world, where technology plays a key role in getting votes and how that impacts access to marginalised artists.
Cathay Yenana:
What motivated you to want to participate in the Global Citizen Festival?
Jamal Batiste:
I was motivated by seeing some amazing artists/bands performing at GCF on TV and online. I have a vision of performing at GCF with my band and having a positive impact.
Cathay Yenana:
How do you reconcile the festival’s corporate partnerships with its social justice aims?
Jamal Batiste:
I think a way to reconcile that is
1st – to have all parties in agreement to meet up in the same room to discuss the real issues in social justice.
2nd – and discuss and act on honest and real solutions that will truly help the people in need so they can thrive as well.
Cathay Yenana:
Do you believe Global Citizen Festival genuinely empowers marginalized communities?
Jamal Batiste:
Yes, I believe that they are genuine with that because they have a community of leaders that are aware and showing in some way, shape, or form that they are intentional about helping marginalized communities and creating that awareness.
Cathay Yenana:
How does the Global Citizen Festival compare to other music festivals with a social justice focus?
Jamal Batiste:
GCF has a very large community of festival attendees/goers, like many of the national and international music festivals. While GCF is focused on social justice and informing attendees, some other
festivals may be focusing on just entertaining the attendees.
Cathay Yenana:
What are the ethical implications of tying ticket access to specific campaigns?
Jamal Batiste:
I think one ethical implication of tying ticket access is to see who really wants to support whatever the cause is that’s being campaigned for. Causes such as – to end poverty, end hunger, improve physical
health – mental health – improve education in the arts – technology – medical, etc.
Cathay Yenana:
How do you think the Global Citizen Festival addresses concerns about its Western-centric perspective?
Jamal Batiste:
They can address concerns about that by having a clear understanding that everyone around the world didn’t grow up with the Western-centric perspective. Therefore, the natives of the countries may not be able to identify with that perspective. Which means people would need to listen to each other more,
to get to a common perspective that everyone can identify with.
Cathay Yenana:
Do you feel that the Global Citizen Festival adequately represents the diversity of global voices and experiences?
Jamal Batiste:
Yes, because I think they understand the importance and significance of a diverse team that shares the same mission to help people in need.
Cathay Yenana:
In your view, how do you think Global Citizen Festival can support grassroots movements and local artists better?
Jamal Batiste:
One of the ways the festival can better support is to pay attention to these grassroots movements and local artists and be more inviting to them. Then they both can see how to work together, as partners.
Cathay Yenana:
What is the role of music in fostering global citizenship?
Jamal Batiste:
It’s to bring people together, to work together for a common cause, which can be to help and support each other and those in need.
Cathay Yenana:
What are the limitations of celebrity activism within a framework like GCF?
Jamal Batiste:
I’m not sure if there are any limitations on celebrity activism in the GCF framework, depending on who the celebrity activist is. If activists, who so happen to be celebrities, have the same mission and vision as GCF, then there really isn’t any limitations on what can be done to create public awareness on the issues that are important and ways to impact the community for a long-term positive outcome.
Cathay Yenana:
What are the long-term impacts of GCF, beyond the immediate spectacle that is the Festivals?
Jamal Batiste:
The long-term impacts are improvement in living conditions in poverty areas, improvement in the education system, improvement in the environment and climate, and improvement in physical and mental health.
Cathay Yenana:
How can we ensure the Global Citizen Festival campaigns translate into tangible and sustainable change?
Jamal Batiste:
We can do that by listening and paying attention to the issues of the people that are affected by poverty, inequity, etc. then act on the solutions that will have and be proven to be a long-term impact
for the better of the people.
Cathay Yenana:
What are your thoughts on the criticism of Global Citizen Festival’s curated narrative?
Jamal Batiste:
I think the criticism could be from someone who used to work with/for GCF, which at times can have validity. And/or someone on the outside who may have had a bad experience at GCF.
Cathay Yenana:
How do you think the Global Citizen Festival can foster a more inclusive and participatory model of global citizenship?
Jamal Batiste:
They can foster that by understanding the importance of diversity and the needs of the people. Therefore, they can stay aware of what’s happening and what they can do to help with real solutions.
Cathay Yenana:
What advice would you give to future iterations of the Global Citizen Festival?
Jamal Batiste:
The advice I would give is to listen and pay attention closely to the people, especially those on the grounds, in order to have a genuine connection, empathy, and understanding of what is needed to
help improve any conditions and environment. Most importantly, stay true to the mission of helping and serving the people.
By engaging in critical dialogue about the mechanisms and implications of global citizenship festivals, we can move beyond the curated conscience and towards a more authentic and equitable engagement with global challenges. Perhaps this requires a commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and a genuine partnership with the communities most impacted by the issues being addressed. Only then can these festivals truly live up to their potential as catalysts for positive
change. – @NewsSA_Online
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