Afrobeats festivals have gained immense popularity worldwide. The genre has a significant presence in the global music market because it blends reggae, juju, hip hop, highlife, and various other genres in different intensities.
Throughout human history, there has been a need for celebration, which festivals honour. With the increasing global popularity of Afrobeats and the migration of African people, the number of Afrobeats festivals across the globe has risen. Let's take a closer look at some of the most notable festivals, their history, key figures, and recent developments.
1. Afro Nation
Founded in 2019 by Nigerian entrepreneurs Obi Asika and Smade, Afro Nation has quickly risen to prominence as one of the largest Afrobeats festivals globally. Despite facing challenges such as cancellations due to COVID-19 and other logistics issues, Afro Nation returned to Portugal in 2022 after its 2019 debut.
2. Felabration
Felabration is an annual festival held in Lagos, Nigeria, honouring the legacy of Fela Kuti, the father of Afrobeat music. Established in 1998 by Kuti’s family, it features live performances by various artists, debates, dances, and art exhibitions.
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3. Afrochella (now Afro Future)
Initially known as Afrochella, this festival has rebranded to Afro Future while maintaining its mission to celebrate African culture and creativity. Started in 2019 by Abdul Abdullah, the festival is organised by Culture Management Group. Held in Ghana in December, it was part of Ghana’s “Beyond Return” initiative aimed at attracting Africans in the Diaspora as tourists.
4. Afrobeats Festival
The Afrobeats Festival serves as a platform for showcasing the genre's best talents in Berlin, Germany. While specific details about its history and ownership are less documented than Afro Nation's, it is recognized for celebrating the rich tapestry of Afrobeats music and culture through performances and community engagement.
Davido’s performance at Afrobeats Festival in Berlin, Germany.
Afrobeats Festival 2023 In Berlin Germany
5. Africa Festival Wuerzburg
One of Europe’s oldest African festivals, the Africa Festival Wuerzburg in Germany, showcases a wide array of African cultures through music, dance, food, and crafts. Established over 30 years ago, it continues to be a significant event for promoting African heritage including smudges of Afrobeats.
35th Africa Festival Würzburg 2024 Teaser
6. Afrikaburn
The Afrikaburn festival in South Africa features a diverse range of musical genres, including Afrobeats, as part of the Africa Burns Creative Projects. The event was originally conceived by Paul Jorgensen and was initially called Afrika Burns before being changed due to negative connotations. Known for its unique blend of art, music, and community spirit, the festival takes place in the Tankwa Karoo desert at Quaggafontein, which translates to the fountain of Quagga. It has been held annually since 2007, and the current Quaggafontein location was gifted to the festival by the Mapulu Trust.
AfrikaBurn 2024
7. Bole Festival
Bole Festival is a vibrant annual food and music event held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of the region. The festival centers around the popular street food "bole"—grilled plantain, often served with fish or other accompaniments—while also featuring live music performances, predominantly from Afrobeats artists. Known for its unique combination of food and culture, Bole Festival draws a large crowd of food enthusiasts and music lovers alike. The event showcases not only local cuisine but also a fusion of contemporary African music, arts, and fashion, making it a distinctive cultural experience that celebrates the spirit of Port Harcourt and the wider Nigerian cultural landscape.
Odumodu Blvck performs at the Bole festival in Port Harcourt
8. Afrofest
Afrofest is one of North America's largest and longest-running African music festivals, held annually in Toronto, Canada. Established in 1989, the festival celebrates the richness and diversity of African culture through live music, dance, art, and food. With performances from both emerging and renowned African artists, Afrofest has become a cornerstone of Toronto’s cultural calendar, showcasing genres like Afrobeats, highlife, soukous, and traditional African rhythms. The event is known for its lively atmosphere, bringing together tens of thousands of attendees each year to experience African music and culture in an inclusive and family-friendly environment
Alikiba at the AFROFEST 2024
Flytime Fest
Flytime Fest is one of Nigeria's most prominent annual music festivals, held in Lagos during the December holiday season. Organized by Flytime Promotions, it is renowned for bringing together a diverse lineup of top-tier Nigerian and international artists, primarily within the Afrobeats, hip hop, and R&B genres.
Davido Headlines the Flytime Fest
These festivals highlight the growing influence of Afrobeats on the global stage and serve as crucial platforms for cultural exchange and celebration within communities worldwide. Each event uniquely contributes to the rich tapestry of African music culture while fostering connections among artists and fans.
