Charlize Theron Hosts 6th Annual CTAOP Charity Block Party

Last night, the Universal Studios Backlot was transformed into a hub of philanthropy and entertainment as Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) hosted its 6th Annual Block Party. The event brought together Hollywood, community leaders, and musical talent to raise funds and awareness for youth health and safety initiatives in Southern Africa.

The evening’s core mission was to invest in grassroots organizations that create safe spaces, expand educational opportunities, and support the futures of young people. The funds raised will directly bolster the vital work of CTAOP’s partners on the ground.

The outdoor event kicked off with a dance performance by Flipz and his breakdance crew, followed by a live auction event raising money for the charity, and then Siphosihle Benge, a young South African leader and graduate of CTAOP’s Youth Leaders Scholarship program, who highlighted the tangible, transformative impact of the organization’s work.

The evening’s musical centerpiece was a performance by Kid Cudi, who performed his biggest hits, ‘Pursuit of Happiness,’ ‘Day ‘n’ Nite,’ and ‘Memories’.

Attendees enjoyed a diverse selection of food trucks curated by Curtis Stone Events, complemented by beverages from St. James Tea. Interactive activations included special Aura Readings, a sunglasses giveaway from TIJN, and product samples from Fly by Jing.

Joining Charlize Theron and Kid Cudi were Nick Kroll, Natasha Lyonne, January Jones, Patton Oswalt, Donna Langley, Chairwoman and Chief Content Officer of Universal, Sharlto Copley, Skye P. Marshall, Aggy K. Adams, Jeannie Mai, Heather Gay, Natalie Martinez, Andrew Zimmern, Thaddeus LaGrone, Shudu Musida, Thando Dlomo, Naledi Masilo, Michelle De Leon, Max Talisman, and Rodney Franks.

A coalition of sponsors made the 2026 CTAOP Block Party possible, including DIOR, CAA, Universal Pictures, Bloomberg, KPeriod Media, Red Bull, Cutwater, and the Durban Sharks.

Founded in 2007 by Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron, CTAOP works to unleash the power and potential of young people in Southern Africa. By partnering with locally-led organizations, CTAOP champions sexual and reproductive health and rights and works to prevent gender-based violence. The organization operates on the belief that transformative change must come from within the communities themselves. To date, CTAOP has served over 80 organizations, reached more than 4.8 million youth, and granted $16.5 million to organizations driving change across Southern Africa.

Scroll down to view photos from the evening.

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 19: (L-R) Kid Cudi and Charlize Theron attend Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party 2026 at Universal Studios Backlot on September 19, 2026 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for CTAOP)

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

(L-R) Natasha Lyonne and Carolyn Michelle Smith attend Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party 2026 at Universal Studios Backlot on September 19, 2026 in Universal City, California.

CTAOP

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

Charlize Theron speaks onstage during Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party 2026 at Universal Studios Backlot on September 19, 2026 in Universal City, California. 

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

Kid Cudi performs onstage during Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party 2026 at Universal Studios Backlot on September 19, 2026 in Universal City, California. 

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

Kid Cudi performs onstage during Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party 2026 at Universal Studios Backlot on September 19, 2026 in Universal City, California. 

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

Lucky Devils Band performs during Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party 2026 at Universal Studios Backlot on September 19, 2026 in Universal City, California

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

L-R) January Jones and Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

(L-R) Charlize Theron and Thando Dlomo

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

Skye P. Marshall

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

Aggy K. Adams

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

Rodney Franks (C) and The Six Compound perform onstage during Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party 2026 at Universal Studios Backlot on September 19, 2026 in Universal City, California.

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

Shudu Musida

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

Guests attend Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party 2026 at Universal Studios Backlot on September 19, 2026 in Universal City, California. 

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

Jeannie Mai 

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

Siphosihle Benge speaks onstage during Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party 2026 at Universal Studios Backlot on September 19, 2026 in Universal City, California. 

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

Thando Dlomo speaks onstage during Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party 2026 at Universal Studios Backlot on September 19, 2026 in Universal City, California.

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

(L-R) Rodney Franks, Naledi Masilo and guest attend Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party 2026 at Universal Studios Backlot on September 19, 2026 in Universal City, California. 

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

(L-R) Charlize Theron, Nick Kroll and Lily Kwong attend Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party 2026 at Universal Studios Backlot on September 19, 2026 in Universal City, California. 

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project’s Annual Block Party

Theo Bongani Ndyalvane

Via: Deadline