The third edition of the Afro Nation festival kicks off today at Praia da Rocha (Portimão), in the Algarve, with Nigerian singer Burna Boy leading the first of three days of celebration of ‘afrobeat’ rhythms.
Burna Boy is repeating the event that is being held for the third time in this municipality in the Faro district, after having already performed in the 2022 edition of “the largest ‘afrobeats’ festival in the world,” as described by the organization.
Aya Nakamura, a French singer of Malian origin known for “Djaja”, and Popcaan, Ayra Starr, Oxlade, The Compozers, Nelson Freitas, Nissi, and Camidoh are other artists performing today.
On Thursday, Nigerian musician Wizkid and British ‘rapper’ Little Simz are the headliners, but also taking the stage are Asake, Tayc, Bnxn, Black Sherif, Victony, Ms. Banks, and Tyla.
The third edition of Afro Nation closes on Friday, with American hip-hop star 50 Cent, Nigerian musician Davido, and French ‘rapper’ Booba headlining a program that also includes concerts by Fireboy DML, Vegedream, Gabzy, Sauti Sol, Gyakie, and Soraia Ramos.
The festival also features more than two dozen other names, including musicians, ‘hosts’ and several DJs, who will be divided between two stages located on the beach of Praia da Rocha.
“Afro Nation is global and unites the diaspora from around the world. The festival receives fans from more than 140 countries, as well as a significant number of Portuguese spectators,” a source from the organization told Lusa.
In the first edition in 2019, Afro Nation welcomed more than 25,000 people mainly from the UK.
In 2020 and 2021, the festival was not held, due to restrictions imposed because of the covid-19 pandemic.
Last year, the event featured artists such as Megan Thee Stallion and Chris Brown, bringing tens of thousands to the concerts.
Afro Nation only admits people over 18 years of age, and “ID is required to prove age,” according to information available on the festival’s website.
