The debut of the highly anticipated urban beach festival proved its cultural significance
SURPRISE GUEST: J-Hus graced the stage at Afro Nation
LAST WEEKEND, Afro Nation celebrated its triumphant debut with fans flocking to Portimao’s sands for an unforgettable four days of world class music spanning afrobeats, hip-hop, UK rap, reggae and dancehall.
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Crowds, artists and staff all praised the undeniable community atmosphere and family spirit of this trailblazing event, proving its significance and staple as the festival to watch.
Afrobeats royalty, Burna Boy, Davido and Wizkid closed the mainstage each night with very special surprise guest, J Hus topping the bill on Friday. Breathtaking Portugese sunsets were the backdrops for D’Banj, Busy Signal and Buju Banton, whose long awaited performance delivered the essence of Jamaica to the Algarve on the opening day. Day 4 saw the soul of the scene brought to life by son of Afrobeat originator, Femi Kuti for this climactic twilight slot.
Burna Boy
A selection of UK artists also played out across the week with sets from Ms Dynamite, Stefflon Don, Octavian, Mostack, Ms Banks and The Compozers, reaching revellers partying pool side and on the pristine beaches on which the festival made its home. Party hosts included Steel Banglez, BET and MTV’s Yo! Raps brand.
Standout performances accompanied by full live bands, dynamic dancers and DJ sets across the site and on lively boat parties all came secondary to the contagious positive energy and sense of togetherness present at the event.
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A spokesperson for the event said: “Afro Nation was true cultural milestone as the first celebration of this nature and scale and with it’s Ghana edition this December, it has proved itself as a touchstone in this unstoppable movement.”
Many took to social media to praise the event and share their excitement for the second edition which will take place in Ghana.
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One social media user tweeted: “I’m so happy afronation is amazing because that means Afronation in Ghana will be x1000000,” while another said: “Afronation Ghana is a must this year.”
