Today, Afro Nation, the largest Afrobeats festival worldwide, unveiled its first headliner and more exciting details for its eagerly awaited Nigerian debut.
On the 19th and 20th of December, the show will make its way back to Africa, promising a momentous celebration of culture, music, and unity. This historic event will take place in Lagos, the vibrant and culturally influential hub of West Africa. The lineup is set to feature Nigeria’s reigning sensation, Burna Boy, alongside the UK’s trailblazing Afroswing star, J Hus.
Burna Boy, renowned for his unique sound and captivating stage presence, is set to deliver an unforgettable performance for fans in Lagos. His homecoming to Nigeria for Afro Nation Nigeria is a momentous occasion, showcasing his deep ties to the country. Demonstrating his remarkable global success, Burna Boy has made history as the first international Afrobeats artist to reach the top of the UK Album Chart with his acclaimed 7th album, ‘I Told Them…’. This achievement follows his consistent presence on the Official UK Afrobeats Chart since its inception in 2020. Headlining Afro Nation festivals worldwide since 2019, this complete cycle holds immense significance, marking a triumphant year for Burna Boy in his hometown of Lagos.
The pioneering British Afroswing artist J Hus, who was recently shortlisted for the Mercury Prize with his record ‘Beautiful and Brutal Yard’, is making a grand comeback to Afro Nation in December. This will be his first performance for the global festival brand since their debut in Portugal in 2019. J Hus has established himself as a prominent cultural icon by skillfully blending genres like grime, dancehall, R&B, and Afrobeats into a dynamic and refreshing style. Fans familiar with his captivating live shows in Lagos can expect an artist at the top of his game, delivering some of the biggest hits of the past decade, including ‘Lean & Bop’, ‘Did You See’, and his recent collaboration with Drake, ‘Who Told You’. He has also released multiple tracks alongside Burna Boy, the first ANN23 headliner, such as ‘Play Play’ and ‘Masculine’.
Today, the star-studded two-day show features Nigerian talents including the internationally acclaimed Igbo singer Flavour, the neo-fuji torch bearer Seyi Vibez, and the emerging Ghanaian Highlife rapper Black Sherif.
Additional lineup announcements are yet to be revealed, heightening the excitement for the momentous show. The highly anticipated event will attract a large fan base to Tafawa Balewa Square, situated in the heart of Lagos Island. This venue symbolizes Nigerian unity and perfectly reflects the festival’s focus on embracing the diverse range of African music, blending tradition with modernity.
Afro Nation Nigeria is committed to providing an extraordinary festival experience on a global level, following the success of recent festivals in Miami, Detroit, and Portugal. With grand-scale live productions, impeccable logistics, and top-notch security measures, every element of the event has been meticulously crafted to create a seamless and secure environment for attendees.
Afro Nation not only introduces Afrobeats globally, but also aims to enhance Africa’s live infrastructure. By collaborating with local creative communities, they produce top-tier shows, prioritizing audience safety and positive experiences. By bringing a world-class main stage to West Africa and showcasing international acts for the first time in the region, Afro Nation contributes to the ongoing celebration of African culture and talent worldwide.
Adesope Olajide, also known as Shopsydoo, the official host of Afro Nation and an Afrobeats historian, states that Afro Nation is the world’s largest festival dedicated to celebrating Afrobeats and Afropop culture. Having Burna Boy and J Hus perform at its inaugural edition in Lagos, Nigeria (the birthplace of Afrobeats), will undoubtedly make ANN2023 an exceptional experience that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Afro Nation Nigeria promises an unforgettable experience for fans locally and across the diaspora during Detty December. This unmissable party celebrates the vibrant tapestry of music and culture that defines Nigeria and the African diaspora, inviting everyone to come together and join in the festivities.
Afro Nation Nigeria 2023 takes place at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, between 19th & 20th December. VIP Pre-sale tickets to the festival are now sold out. Sign up below for access to VIP, GA+ and GA tickets this Thursday 28th Sept at 10am (WAT/GMT+1): https://nigeria.afronation.com/
About Afro Nation
Afrobeats, a rapidly growing genre worldwide, has had a significant impact on modern pop culture. Afro Nation, launched in 2019 to critical acclaim, is the largest and most influential Afrobeats celebration globally. It brings together the diaspora and caters to an underserved audience, delivering culturally important experiences. In 2022, Afro Nation returned with three major festivals across continents, featuring renowned Afrobeats artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, as well as exciting talents from Amapiano, Dancehall, R&B, and more. Held at culturally significant locations such as Portugal, Nigeria, Miami, and Detroit, Afro Nation offers a unique celebration of music, dance, food, and culture.
