8.18.2024
Afro Nation Detroit: Saturday Recap
The World’s Biggest Afrobeats Festival Returned to Detroit For A Second Year, Bringing Global Superstar Rema, Along With Uncle Waffles, Kizz Daniel, Musa Keys, and More
Critical Praise:
“…Afro Nation has the accolade of being the world’s biggest festival centered on Afrobeats music.” – Billboard
“When an international Afrobeats festival comes to one of the Blackest cities in America, history was bound to be made.” – Essence
“Detroit is Afro Nation…Afro Nation is more than just a two-day music festival. It’s even beyond a gathering of Africans, American or otherwise, descending on a city to have a good time with good vibes. It’s a mecca of unapologetic Blackness that puts the spotlight on not just music, but unity, and community.” – Detroit Metro Times
“…Afro Nation Miami had an unmistakable African essence, fusing afrobeats, amapiano, and reggae.” – Variety
“The festival promises to deliver an impressive array of today’s hottest artists from Africa and the diaspora.” – Yahoo!
THE RECAP:
Afro Nation Detroit is a buoyant celebration of African and Global Black music, uniting the diaspora for two days of incredible vibes. The second annual festival kicked off with a bang on Saturday, bringing some of Africa’s biggest stars to the Motor City to show the American fans what they are made of.
Global hitmaker Rema was the day’s headliner, and he looked the part, strutting his stuff under the lights and flashing his towering charisma. He performed new songs from his high-octane album HEIS, and dipped into his back catalog of worldwide smashes like “Calm Down.” Prior to Rema’s set, a titan of Afrobeats as beloved in his own country as stars like Davido and WizKid, Kizz Daniel made a massive impression on the Detroit audience.
Earlier in the day, 21-year-old Ayra Starr proved her sky-high potential and showcased her smoky alto vocals, while local star rapper Kash Doll was enthusiastically welcomed by her hometown crowd. Meanwhile, on the Piano People stage, Uncle Waffles presided over a non-stop dance party, as she spun her bangers after a full-day of Amapiano from fellow South Africans like Musa Keys and 2wobunnies.
Beyond the music, Afro Nation Detroit was a vibrant display of African cultures, as fans rocked flags representing their heritage, and many wore traditional garb. Between sets, various DJs entertained the crowd with over a decade’s worth of African hits, demonstrating the evolution of Afrobeats from local affair to global sensation. All happening on the historic site where many of America’s greatest stars grew up (the former Douglass projects birthed Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and more), Afro Nation Detroit adds to the city’s rich musical legacy, all while creating a new global chapter.
Stay tuned for much more tomorrow, as Afro Nation Detroit continues with Lil Wayne, Asake, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and many more.
Follow Afro Nation U.S. on Instagram for in-the-moment updates.
View photos of Afro Nation Detroit 2024 (please credit all photos to Afro Nation / @photographer): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/i914o9is5r6qb881zhu5g/AAHFpHyiWWon1Jk9Mat3MxQ?rlkey=kj4m0yti6llghlhpl7dy2e3jf&st=7yxcgc92&dl=0
For all other inquiries, please contact Michelle, Kevin, Destiny, or T’Keyah
REMA:
Another…banger. The 24-year-old Benin City, Nigeria native sets the stage ablaze.
(Credit: Afro Nation / @izzynuzzophoto)
(Credit: Afro Nation / @shaunllewellyn)
KIZZ DANIEL:
The Afrobeats giant thrills with his charm and musicality
(Credit: Afro Nation / @garrettbruce)
UNCLE WAFFLES:
Uncle Waffles presided over a nonstop party at the Piano People stage
(Credit: Afro Nation / @garrettbruce)
(Credit: Afro Nation / @izzynuzzophoto)
AYRA STARR:
Just 21-years-old, Ayra Starr proved she has more than enough talent to join Africa’s upper echelon
(Credit: Afro Nation / @izzynuzzophoto)
KASH DOLL:
Detroit’s very own was a crowd favorite, as she brought the bass to the main stage
(Credit: Afro Nation / @_FLIXZ)
MUSA KEYS:
KING PROMISE:
The Ghanaian mainstay brought his unique brand of afrobeats flare
(Credit: Afro Nation / @FLIXZ)
2WOBUNNIES:
The mysterious South African DJ duo gets the Piano People crowd moving
(Credit: Afro Nation / @garrettbruce)
CHARITY:
Detroit-based R&B talent Charity brought smooth and soulful vibes to start the day
(Credit: Afro Nation / @shaunllewellyn)
SCENES FROM THE FESTIVAL:
(Credit: Afro Nation / @garrettbruce)
(Credit: Afro Nation / @izzynuzzophoto)
(Credit: Afro Nation / @izzynuzzophoto)
(Credit: Afro Nation / @JMULKA)
(Credit: Afro Nation /@JMULKA)
(Credit: Afro Nation / @JMULKA)
Links:
website | facebook | twitter | instagram
Find more information at afronation.com and detroit.afronation.com