A comprehensive guide to all upcoming Afrobeats and Afro-fusion festivals worldwide, including lineup details and ticket information.
By Emmanuel Okoro
Afrobeats, in recent years, has emerged as a genre that blends different African cultures and unites people through the power of its infectious rhythms and soulful melodies. The genre has gained cross-continental appeal and has captivated audiences far beyond its African roots. From the genre’s pulsating drum patterns to its hypnotic vocals, Afrobeats’ unique fusion of traditional and modern elements promises an unforgettable experience for all music lovers. Afrobeats and Afro-fusion festivals provide a unique opportunity for African artistes to showcase their unique talents and introduce their music on the global stage.
Afrocritik walks you through some of the most anticipated Afrobeats festivals for the remaining half of 2023, which is set to electrify stages worldwide. We give you a comprehensive rundown of the events, including dates, locations, and lineups. These festivals promise to immerse you in an unforgettable experience of dance, music, and unadulterated vibes, whether you’re a seasoned music fan or a curious newcomer who is discovering the magic of Afrobeats. Mark your calendars and brace yourselves!
BLASTFEST 2023
Experience the rhythm and soul of Afrobeats like never before at the highly anticipated BLASTFEST 2023. BLASTFEST 2023 is the premier Afrobeats music festival of the Pacific Northwest. This event will hold at the iconic Seattle Centre, Washington, USA, and promises to be an electrifying celebration of diverse African music, culture, and community.
BLASTFEST 2023 boasts an impressive lineup of top-tier performances from Africa’s finest, including Asake, Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Focalistic, Mannywellz, and Blast. But beyond the music, BLASTFEST 2023 offers a feast for the taste buds. The festival promises food trucks to offer delicious African cuisine. One can also shop from an array of African crafts and fashion vendors showcasing the rich heritage and creativity of the continent. The festival is an all-ages festival, but the Beer Gardens and VIP lounge sections are 21+ only. BLASTFEST 2023 is not just a festival, it is an unforgettable experience that promises to bridge cultures and celebrate the beauty of diversity.
So come dance, connect, and immerse yourself in the global fusion of Afrobeats sounds that unite us all.
Date and Time: Saturday, 29th July. 2–10 PM PDT
Venue: Fisher Green Pavilion at Seattle Centre, 305 Harrison St. Seattle, WA 98109.
Tickets: $115 – $5,000. Get tickets for this festival here.
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AFROBEATS Festival, Germany
Prepare to be thrilled in a celebration of African culture, music, and art as the AFROBEATS Festival, Germany, returns for another groundbreaking edition. After the resounding success of the premiere event last year at the Rennbahn Hoppegarten, Berlin-Brandenburg, the festival is back and ready to ignite the spirit of Afrobeats at the iconic Zitadelle Spandau.
AFROBEATS Festival, Germany, represents a powerful movement that brings together music lovers, cultural connoisseurs, and curious souls to bask in the beauty and aura of African sounds. The two-day extravaganza promises to be an eclectic and precisely curated music programme that spans various African music genres. Headlining this cultural spectacle are two outstanding acts: Asake, the fast-rising Afrobeats star, and P-Square, Africa’s biggest pop star duo.
Also sharing the stage are Black Sherif, Mr Eazi’s Choplife Soundsystem, Oxlade, Kuame Eugene, Seyi Vibez, Rose May Alaba, CKay, Pheelz, Runtown, Uncle Waffles, and many more. AFROBEATS Festival, Germany is gearing up to ensure an unforgettable experience for every festival-goer.
Beyond the music, one can also look forward to many engaging experiences, such as cultural panel talks and an African Art Exhibition showcasing the continent’s creativity and talent. Again, there will be African and Caribbean cuisines to treat your taste buds to delicacies.
Date: Saturday 5th – Sunday 6th August 2023.
Venue: Zitadelle Spandau, Am Juliusturm 64, 13599 Berlin.
Tickets: €65.00 – €137.00. Get tickets for this festival here.
Afro Nation Detroit 2023
Afro Nation Detroit 2023 is a unique fusion of Afrobeats and Detroit’s legendary music history, and it is set to take the US by storm. This festival is regarded as one of the most anticipated Afrobeats festivals in the USA.
For two days, Afro Nation Detroit 2023 will bring together music enthusiasts and cultural aficionados to revel in the essence of Afrobeats. The event will have a lineup of who’s who in mainstream African music. This includes performances from Burna Boy, Davido, Naira Marley, Libianca, P-Square, Kizz Daniel, Stonebwoy, Victony, and Nissi.
Afro Nation Detroit 2023 also promises an opportunity to connect with Detroit’s lively music and artistic synergy. The festival’s location at the historically significant Douglass Site adds significance to the event as the first federally-funded housing project for African Americans in the US. This treasured place in history has been home to iconic figures such as Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, and other influential Black musicians.
Afro Nation Detroit 2023 presents a chance to celebrate diversity, embrace African roots, and honour the artistic spirit of Detroit.
Date: Saturday 19th – Sunday 20th August, 2023
Venue: Bedrock’s Douglass Site, Detroit, Michigan.
Tickets: $200 – $500. Get tickets for this festival here.
Afro Nation Lagos
Prepare for a sensational celebration of Afrobeats music and culture as the world’s biggest Afrobeats festival, Afro Nation, will make its debut in Lagos, Nigeria. Following the success of the Ghana edition last year, the organisers, Live Nation, have confirmed that Lagos will be the next destination for the music concert.
The Afro Nation Festival has earned a reputation for uniting music lovers from around the globe, and its arrival in Lagos promises to be a game-changer for the Nigerian music scene. Lagos is perfect for an event of this magnitude with its rich musical heritage and vibrant cultural landscape.
While an official date and location are yet to be announced, fans can anticipate a lineup of top-tier Afrobeats artistes, electrifying performances, and an unparalleled atmosphere of celebration and unity.
Date: To be determined.
Venue: To be determined.
Tickets: To be determined.
Visit this link to sign up and receive priority access to tickets for the event.
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Felabration 2023
Felabration is a week-long celebration of music, art, and activism. This event honours the life of Fela Kuti, the creator of the Afrobeat genre and a revered human rights activist. Conceived in 1998 by Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, Felabration is one of Nigeria’s largest music festivals.
This year’s edition carries the theme “Question Jam Answer,” drawing inspiration from the classic record released by Fela in 1972. The song’s message resonates with the current socio-political climate of the country, making it a fitting theme for the festival.
According to the Felabration Organising Committee, Felabration 2023 will feature Senior Secondary Schools, Afrobics Dance Competition, Dress Fela Fashion Competition, artwork exhibitions, and a musical concert that offers a lineup of Afrobeat and Afrobeats stars.
Date: Monday, 9th – Sunday, 15th October 2023.
Venue: The New Afrika Shrine, NERDC Rd, Agidingbi 101233, Ikeja, Lagos.
Tickets: To be determined.
Davido’s “Timeless” North America & Europe Tour
Get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats as Davido, Afrobeats singer, songwriter, and producer, embarks on his highly anticipated Timeless Tour. The tour, which kicked off in early July, will see the superstar take over stages across North America and Europe, promising fans an unforgettable musical journey.
The tour celebrates the best of Afrobeats and showcases Davido’s acclaimed 2023 album, Timeless. Davido’s “Timeless Tour” promises to be an unparalleled experience in arenas far and wide, solidifying his position as a global musical sensation. One can expect a grand spectacle with Davido pulling out a mesmerising production, and an electrifying set to complement the brilliance of his music. The “Timeless Tour” promises an immersive experience that transports fans to a world of rhythm and euphoria.
Date: 1st July – 18th November 2023.
Venues: Selected arenas in the US and Europe.
Tickets: $20 – $400. Get a ticket to the US tour here and the Europe tour here.
Ayra Starr’s 21: The World Tour
Rising Nigerian music sensation, Ayra Starr, has announced her first-ever headlining tour, “21: The World Tour.” This tour will take Starr’s music to global stages across North America, the UK, Europe, Africa, and Australia, leaving a trail of musical enchantment.
With stops in iconic cities like Paris, Vancouver, Cape Town, Berlin, and more, fans around the world will have the opportunity to experience her magic firsthand. “21: The World Tour” promises to celebrate Ayra Starr’s musical journey and showcase her incredible talent as an artiste. Audiences can expect soul-stirring performances, energetic beats, and a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Date: July 27th – November 30th
Venue: Selection locations in the US, Europe, Africa, and Australia.
Tickets: $27 – $250. Get tickets for this tour here.
Adekunle Gold’s “Tequila Ever After” North American & Europe Tour
The stage is set as Nigerian star, Adekunle Gold, announces his much-anticipated album Tequila Ever After, and the aptly named “Tequila Ever After” North American Tour. This tour, spanning 17 dates, promises to be an unforgettable musical journey, showcasing the essence of Afropop and the mesmerising talent of Adekunle Gold.
The tour will kick off at the House of Blues, Dallas, Texas, and sweep through major cities in North America and the UK, including Atlanta, Brooklyn, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Montreal, Birmingham, and London. Each stop is carefully curated to bring Gold’s music to fans far and wide, spreading his soulful rhythms.
Date: Friday, 22nd September – Sunday, 5th November 2023.
Venue: Selected locations across the US and UK.
Tickets: $35 – $150. Get tickets for this tour here.
Emmanuel Okoro is a content writer and journo with an insatiable knack for music and pop culture. When he’s not writing, you will find him arguing why Arsenal FC is the best football club in the multiverse. Connect with him on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads: @BughiLorde