So, if you want to dance, connect, and discover something truly special about the African festival this summer, we have pulled together some of the best ones you can add to your itinerary.
By Abioye Damilare Samson
There are one thousand and one reasons why people love the summer season, but perhaps the most exciting is how the world feels more open for movement, music, and memories. This year, African artistes have already made powerful appearances at some of the top music festivals across global stages. Rema, Tyla, Amaarae, and Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 performed at Coachella in the spring. At the same time, Tems brought her magic to the Dreamville Festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and the Roots Picnic.
Now that June is here and the summer season begins to take shape, attention turns to a series of festivals, stretching from the beaches of Portugal to the arenas of Japan, the parks of London to the stages of Nairobi, where African music, culture, and energy take center stage in intimate and electric ways.
So, if you want to dance, connect, and discover something truly special about the African festival this summer, we have pulled together some of the best ones you can add to your itinerary.
Afro Nation Portugal — Portimão, Portugal
From July 9 to 11, Afro Nation Portugal marks its fifth anniversary with a lively return to Praia da Rocha Beach, transforming the stunning coast into a three-day celebration of music, fashion, food, and dance. This festival has firmly established itself as a global hub for Afrobeats and African rhythms, drawing fans from around the world.
This year’s lineup is packed with stars: Davido, Burna Boy, and Tems headline alongside the American singer, Chris Brown. The Lit Stage will feature standout performances from Amaarae, Odeal, Qing Madi, and more, while the Piano People Stage will bring the heat with Scorpion Kings, Uncle Waffles, DBN Gogo, and other Amapiano heavyweights. Afro Nation Portugal is one of the few African festivals where summer energy meets the heartbeat of the continent.
Afro Jam Festival — Okinawa, Osaka, and Tokyo, Japan
This July, Afro Jam Festival makes history as Japan’s first-ever Afrobeats festival, stretching across three major cities with a powerful celebration of African sound and global Black culture. From Okinawa to Osaka to Tokyo, the festival blends island energy with city lights, offering a rare and thrilling meeting point of cultures.
Jason Derulo, Saweetie, Shenseea, Ruger, and Rema will lead the charge as headliners across the three stops: July 17 to 20 at Okinawa Arena, July 22 to 24 at Ookini Arena Maishima in Osaka, and July 25 to 27 at Musashino Forest Sport Plaza in Tokyo. Supporting acts like Gyakie, TitoM, and Yuppe will add even more fire to a lineup that captures the full spectrum of today’s Afrobeats soundscape.
Blastfest — Seattle, Washington
On July 19, Blastfest returns to the Seattle Centre for its third edition, cementing its place as the Pacific Northwest’s premier Afrobeats festival. What started as a bold experiment has grown into a full-fledged movement, bringing the pulse of African music to one of America’s most eclectic cities.
This year’s lineup is anchored by Omah Lay, Fireboy DML, and Odumodublvck, three of the leading voices in contemporary Nigerian Pop. They’ll be joined by Wande Coal, Moliy, and other rising stars, set to deliver a night of music that blends smooth melodies, soulful rhythms, and boundary-pushing sounds.
ESSENCE Festival — New Orleans, USA
Every July, New Orleans becomes the heartbeat of Black culture, and this year is no different. From July 4 to 6, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture returns with its signature mix of celebration and purpose, marking the 55th anniversary of the iconic ESSENCE brand.
Often called “the party with a purpose”, the festival blends music, empowerment, and culture into a three-day experience that draws global attention. This summer, Nigerian Afrobeats powerhouse Davido joins a stellar lineup featuring Boyz II Men, GloRilla, Nas, Summer Walker, and more.
It doesn’t matter if you’re there for the music, the panels, or the atmosphere of joy and pride, ESSENCE 2025 offers a soulful reminder of why this festival remains one of the most important cultural gatherings in the world.
Giants of Africa Festival — Kigali, Rwanda
From July 26 to August 2, Kigali will once again transform into a hub of inspiration, sport, and celebration as Giants of Africa returns for its third festival. Founded by Nigeria’s Masai Ujiri, Vice-Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, the nonprofit uses basketball as a tool to empower African youth, but the festival itself is much more than hoops.
Set across iconic venues like BK Arena, Amahoro National Stadium, Petit Stade, and the Paralympic Gymnasium, this year’s edition brings a whole week of community-building, education, culture, and entertainment to Rwanda’s capital.
The opening show features performances from Uncle Waffles, Sherrie Silver, and Kevin Kade, setting the tone for a dynamic week. To close out the festivities, Kizz Daniel and Timaya will take the stage as a fitting send-off to a festival rooted in purpose, rhythm, and youth-driven energy.
Blankets & Wine — Nairobi, Kenya
Since 2008, Blankets & Wine has stood out as one of Kenya’s premier music festivals, creating the perfect space where emerging and established African artists come together for a day of rich sounds and vibrant culture.
This year, the festival returns to Nairobi’s Laureate Gardens on June 29. The live stage will feature Joshua Baraka, Micasa, Matata, We Are Nubia, and more, while the Onja Onja Stage will host Ghedi, DJ IV, DJ Paps, Bune, and others.
More than just a festival, Blankets & Wine offers a laid-back celebration of African music and culture.
Afrofest — Toronto, Canada
As North America’s largest free African music festival, Afrofest Toronto is a cultural movement. Since its inception, Afrofest has grown into one of Canada’s most significant African cultural organisations, using music and events to celebrate African heritage while actively working to challenge anti-Black racism.
The 2025 edition will take place from July 4 to 6 at Woodbine Park, promising a diverse lineup that highlights the rich tapestry of African and African diaspora sounds. While the complete list of headliners is still being finalised, confirmed performers include Shina Peters from Nigeria, Kenya’s Kidum & BodaBoda, DR Congo’s Kin Orchestra, Colombia’s Kevin Florez, Cameroon’s Salatiel & Lydol, and Tanzania’s DJ D Ommy.
Best of all, admission is free, making Afrofest Toronto a must-attend for anyone ready to experience the vibrant energy and unity that African music inspires.
Gnaoua and World Music Festival — Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira will once again become a global stage for rhythm, dialogue, and tradition as the Gnaoua and World Music Festival returns from June 19 to 21, 2025. Now in its 26th year, the Moroccan festival offers a rare meeting point for ancestral Gnaoua music and a spectrum of global sounds, from jazz to Afrobeats.
This year’s edition promises standout performances from Maâlem Hamid El Kasri, Senegal’s Bakalama dance company, Abir El Abed, Kya Loum, and Maâlem Houssam Gania. Also on the bill is jazz virtuoso Marcus Gilmore, bringing contemporary texture to the festival’s musical mix.
In a landmark appearance, CKay will become the first Afrobeats act to play the festival, introducing Essaouira to his signature blend of melancholy and solemn groove.
AfroFuture — Detroit, USA
After shaking up the globe with massive events in Accra and across Africa, AfroFuture is making its highly anticipated U.S. debut this summer in Detroit. The two-day music and culture festival will take place on August 16 and 17 at Bedrock’s Detroit Douglass Site, with entry at the corner of Beaubien Boulevard and Winder Street.
The lineup brings a mix of African and global acts to the Motor City. Asake, Davido, Flavour, King Promise, Kidi, Lojay and Fave are among the African stars set to perform, while Ludmilla and Kaytranada bring international heat. DJs like DJ Maphorisa and DJ Obi will also take over the decks.
AfroFuture Detroit promises a dynamic celebration of music, art, culture, and community. If you’re searching for an African festival to experience this summer, this one deserves to be at the top of your list.
Piano People in the Park — London, UK
Amapiano’s infectious rhythms will take over Southwark Park, London, on August 22, 2025, as “Piano People in the Park” returns for another electrifying edition. Known for spotlighting the genre’s biggest names, the festival offers a rare open-air experience for Amapiano lovers in the UK.
Kabza De Small, widely hailed as the king of Amapiano, will headline with a special two-hour extended set. He’ll be joined by DBN Gogo, Felo Le Tee B2B ScottsMaphuma, Kelvin Momo, Mdu aka TRP, Mthunzi, Nicky Summers, Oscar Mbo, Shamiso, Charisse C, and more.
Following past appearances by Uncle Waffles, Focalistic, and Vigro Deep, this year’s lineup keeps the energy high. Pre-sale tickets are available exclusively via sign-up on the official website.
Abioye Damilare Samson is a music journalist and culture writer focused on the African entertainment Industry. Reading new publications and listening to music are two of his favourite pastimes when he is not writing. Connect with him on Twitter and IG: @Dreyschronicle