Performances by ASAKE, Franglish, and Tyla were highlights of the opening day
The Afro Nation festival couldn’t have got off to a better start. Thousands of festivalgoers once again gathered in Praia da Rocha, Portimão, yesterday (Wednesday, June 26) for the first day of the world’s biggest celebration of African music and culture.
Following in the footsteps of previous years, the fourth edition of Afro Nation is expecting to attract around 35,000 revellers until Friday, June 28, maintaining its high standards of warmly welcoming everyone and providing the best entertainment for all.
Nigerian singer ASAKE was the headlining act on the first day, with performances also by French rapper Franglish and South African singer-songwriter Tyla, who got everyone dancing to her hit ‘Water’.
The Piano People Stage also buzzed with South African sounds courtesy of musician Tman Xpress and rapper Focalistic, ending with a performance by Eswatini DJ Uncle Waffles.
The first day of the event, which brings worldwide known Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, R&B, Dancehall, and Afrohouse artists to the Algarve, was marked by vibrant colours and glitter, with festivalgoers in beachwear enjoying the festival’s tribal decorations and infectious energy.
Portimão Council and festival organisers have worked together to ensure the logistics around the event go smoothly, with an additional 2,000 parking spaces offered compared to last year’s festival. There are also more activities on-site, from brand activations to opportunities for revellers to upgrade their look to fit the Afro Nation style.
The spirit of camaraderie among festivalgoers remains an Afro National hallmark, with an abundance of love and friendship, as organisers like to describe it. “Last year we even witnessed our first marriage proposal on the stand in front of the main stage,” they highlighted.
Today (Thursday, June 27), headliner and world-famous artist Nicki Minaj will take the stage, following performances by J Hus, Omah Lay, Flavour, and Odumodublvck. Meanwhile, the Piano People Stage will feature Musa Keys, Mellow & Sleazy, Kelvin Momo, KMAT, and many more.
The fun will continue on Friday, June 28, with Rema performing on the Lit Stage, along with Fally Ipupa, Dadju & Tayc, and Seyi Vibez. The secondary stage will host Major League DJz, Young Stunna, DBN Gogo, Kamo Mphela, Vigro Deep, and many others.
Entertainment is guaranteed for two more days, with the option to join VIP Beach Club Takeovers, featuring various DJ sets starting at 12 noon at NoSoloÁgua.
Last summer was the first time Afro Nation Portugal tickets sold out, with over 40,000 participants from 140 countries, and memorable performances by artists like 50 Cent, Burna Boy, Booba, and Aya Nakamura.
Text and Photos by BEATRIZ MAIO
beatriz@open-media.net
