Grammy Award-winning South African singer Tyla demonstrated both star power and compassion during her set at the 2025 Global Citizen Festival in New York City, when she paused her performance to assist a fan in distress.
The festival, held on Saturday, September 27, at Central Park’s iconic Great Lawn, drew a massive crowd of more than 60,000 attendees. Tyla, 23, was mid-performance of her global hit Water when she noticed a commotion in the audience. Without hesitation, she asked her DJ to pause the music.
“Someone needs help here? Are you guys okay? Guys, they need help over there. Sorry, stop [the music],” Tyla said as she pointed toward the situation.
After the fan received assistance and the crowd calmed, she checked in again before resuming: “You good? Everybody okay? Should I sing it again?” The singer’s quick action earned loud cheers from the audience and praise online, with fans applauding her kindness.
Tyla was one of the many international stars who graced the stage at this year’s Global Citizen Festival, which also featured performances from Cardi B, Shakira, Ayra Starr, Rosé (BLACKPINK), Rema, Mariah the Scientist, Camilo, and Elyanna. Together, they used their platforms to raise awareness on pressing issues such as expanding energy access in Africa, protecting the Amazon rainforest, and ensuring children worldwide receive quality education.
The Johannesburg-born star kicked off her set with Is It from her new EP WWP (We Wanna Party), and also thrilled the audience with Truth or Dare and Dynamite, her collaboration with Nigerian superstar Wizkid. Fans sang along to every word, reaffirming Tyla’s rapidly growing global influence.
With her rising stardom and down-to-earth compassion, Tyla proved she is not only a global hitmaker but also a performer who truly cares for her fans.
