Afro Nation, the groundbreaking festival that has quickly become a global sensation, continues to make waves in the music world. Afro Nation was born out of a need to showcase African talent on an international stage. This year’s Afro Nation is particularly special, marking its only North American stop in 2024 at the historic Douglass Site in Detroit, MI, on August 17th and 18th. The festival features a unique lineup that blends Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, Amapiano, and R&B, showcasing the best of Black music from around the globe. Headliners include rising star Rema, who will perform hits from his debut album “Rave & Roses,” and Nigerian powerhouse Asake, fresh off his critically acclaimed album “Work of Art.” Shenseea will also be bringing her dancehall flair to the stage, alongside Omah Lay, known for his soulful hits. Additionally, South African DJ Uncle Waffles will add her unique Amapiano beats to the mix. The North American roster is bolstered by one of the GOAT’s Lil Wayne and Toronto’s PARTYNEXTDOOR, who will bring his newly released album “PARTYNEXTDOOR 4” to the stage.
As the festival gears up for its latest edition, we sat down with organizers Josh and Esosa to discuss the history, vision, and future of Afro Nation.
The Genesis of Afro Nation
Afro Nation’s origins trace back to a pivotal event called Afro Republic, held at the O2 Arena and headlined by WizKid. The show’s immediate sell-out success highlighted a significant demand for African music and culture. “We realized we had something special,” Josh recounts. “This audience in the UK was eager for more, and we wanted to create a destination experience.”
In 2019, Afro Nation held its first official festival in Portugal, marking the beginning of what would become an international phenomenon. Despite initial skepticism, the event sold over 20,000 tickets and set the stage for future editions. “We wanted to give artists from Africa a platform to be seen globally,” Josh emphasizes.
A Journey Across Continents
Afro Nation has since expanded beyond Europe, with events in Puerto Rico, Miami, and now Detroit. The choice of locations reflects the festival’s ethos of creating unique experiences. “We don’t do the normal thing,” Josh explains. “Puerto Rico was different, and it was a great experience. We wanted to make each location special.”
Detroit, a city with a rich musical heritage, became a fitting choice for Afro Nation. “Detroit has such a big black history, especially in music with Motown and techno,” Josh notes. “The city’s culture and history resonate with Afro Nation’s mission, and the community welcomed us warmly last year.”
Curating the Lineup
This year’s festival promises to be a remarkable experience, acts like Lil Wayne, PND, Rema, and Ashake. The lineup reflects Afro Nation’s commitment to inclusion and diversity. “We aim to bridge the gap with our audiences,” Josh says. “From hip hop to Afro beats to Amapiano, there’s something for everyone.”
In addition to big names, Afro Nation also shines a spotlight on emerging talent. “I’m particularly excited for Amaarae,” Esosa shares. “She just hit one billion streams on Spotify, and I think she’s destined for big things.” Local talents like Detroit’s own Kash Doll and Charity also add a unique flavor to the festival.
Building a Community
One of the most compelling aspects of Afro Nation is its ability to foster a sense of community. “When you come to Afro Nation, it doesn’t matter if you come by yourself,” Esosa says. “People leave with new friends and a sense of belonging. It’s a judgment-free zone where everyone celebrates African and black culture.”
Josh echoes this sentiment, highlighting the positive feedback from attendees. “People felt like they were transported to another world. There were no issues, just positivity. That’s the Afro Nation experience.”
The Future of Afro Nation
Looking ahead, Afro Nation aims to become a truly global festival. “We want to have at least one show a year on each continent,” Esosa reveals. “The sky’s the limit. We want to spread the gospel of Afro beats, Amapiano, and all African music genres.”
Josh agrees, emphasizing the festival’s mission to connect with supportive partners worldwide. “Any country, any place that aligns with our brand’s storytelling, we’ll consider.”
Afro Nation is more than just a music festival; it’s a celebration of culture and a powerful platform for artists. As the festival continues to grow, it remains dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences and building a global community. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Afro Nation, this year’s festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of music, culture, and unity.