Africa Rise Up is a non-profit organization founded in 2014 by Alfred Norman Reid and Kirsten Uhl to empower people in Africa through employment, education, health care, orphan care, and cultural exchange. Its mission is carried out through music festivals featuring major reggae artists and local talent, merchandise productions, and music compilations. The organization seeks sponsorships from companies interested in supporting its humanitarian work in countries across Africa to allow its partner organizations to operate independently of donations. It is based in Essen, Germany and works with representatives on the ground in over 15 African countries.