Afro Nation USA is an annual 3-day Music Festival that highlights artists from Afrobeats, Hip hop, R&B, Dancehall Amapiano, Afro House, and other music genres inspired by African culture. If you are in town to attend this festival, you are truly in for a treat! It's like you stepped into the African Diaspora and get to immerse yourself in upbeat, high energy music with African people from around the world.
I was so excited to attend Afro Nation Miami with my friend Alyssa this past May. We had been planning for this trip for over 3 months so when May finally came around we were so excited to drive down to Miami on Memorial Day weekend and have an unforgettable time at the festival.
When we stepped onto the festival grounds, we were hit with unmatched energy.
Look to the left, and voilà ! A cocktail paradise awaits you – You'll be sipping on gin & juice in no time.
But wait, look to the right, and it's party central! One of the festival stages with a DJ giving us all the nostalgic Afrobeats hits from the early 2000s.
Keep your eyes locked straight ahead, and you'll find tables showcasing amazing black-owned businesses.
And oh my gosh, all around you, it's like a vibrant and electric mosaic of colors! A sea of African people having the time of their lives. You can't help but get swept away by the energy.
In this blog post, I'm going to outline everything you need to know about attending Afro Nation. this information is based on my experience at Afro Nation Miami 2023. This Festival stops in multiple cities around the world so every Afro Nation experience is going to be different than the next. This guide is meant to help you navigate the overall experience of Afro Nation and prepare you for your own unforgettable festival experience.
Blog Contents
What is Afro Nation?
Afro Nation is an annual 3-day Music Festival that highlights artists from Afrobeats, Hip hop, R&B, Dancehall Amapiano, Afro House, and other music genres inspired by African culture. The first ever Afro Nation festival occurred in Portugal 2019. Ever since, the festival has been held annually (except for 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic).
U.S. Locations and Dates (as of July 2023)
Currently, Afro Nation USA has stops in Miami, Florida and Detroit Michigan.
May 27-28, 2023 Miami, Florida
August 19-20, 2023: Detroit, Michigan
Lineup and Performers
This festival highlights artists from Afrobeats, Hip hop, R&B, Dancehall, Amapiano, Afro House, and other music genres inspired by African culture.
Miami 2023 Lineup
Day 1: Burna Boy, Asake, Mavado, Dadju, CKay, Black Sherif, Nelson Freitas, Nissi, Shenseea, Musa Keys, Focalistic, Vigro Deep, Skyla Tylaa, AŸA, Cuhdeejah
Day 2: Wizkid, Rema, Fireboy DML, Beenie Man, Sech, Franglish, BNXN, Gyakie, Major League DJz, DBN Gogo, Kelvin Momo, TXC, DJ Walgee, Kamo Mphela
Detroit 2023 Lineup (Subject to change)
Day 1: Buran Boy, Ari Lennox, Kizz Daniel, Latto, Dadju, Skillibeng, Diamond Platnumz, Victony, Nissi, DJ Maphorisa, Musa Keys, Mako Mphela, DJ Moma, Tyla, 2wobunnies
Day 2:Davido, P-Square, Coi Leray, Naira Marley, Masego, TayC, Stonebwoy, Libianca, Ebony Riley, Major League DJz, DBN Gogo, Focalistic, Mr. Jazziq, Sha Sha, TXC
The Festival Experience
The overall festival atmosphere and vibe is positive, upbeat, and inviting. The vibes shift based on the performer, but overall it was a very exciting and high energy environment to be in! Make sure you get some rest the night before because you'll be standing, dancing and vibing all night.
There are 2 stages: the main stage and piano people stage. The more famous artists will be on the main stage, but the piano people stage is a lot more fun and upbearlier in the evening. I suggest you wait for the headliners to get on stage at the piano people stage and make your way to the main stage 3 or 4 artists before the headliner of the day.
Depending on the ticket level and venue, you might have some extra activities to do during the festival. Afro Nation Miami had lots of bars, food vendors, and black owned businesses selling items while the concert happened.
Afro Nation Miami was held at LoanDepot Baseball Park in Miami, Florida this year. General admission tickets were in the bleachers, while gold admission ticket were on the field, closer to the stage and speakers. Afro Nation has lots of rules for festival goers, so be sure to read their FAQ page before attending.
Outfits & Costumes
Afro Nation does have a dress code in place, but it didn't seem like it was being enforced. Either way, read the guidelines for outfits and festival costumes before you go. Below is a picture of what me and my friend wore!
I saw a lot of different styles worn by women at the festival, floral and flowy, tight leather, bathing suits and club dresses. I saw it all! Be sure to dress appropriately for the venue, though. Ours was an outdoor baseball field, so we had to keep that in mind considering the temperature was 87 degrees that day.
Tips for Attendance
Purchase a ticket before you get there. People selling tickets outside the festival are likely trying to scam you.
Purchase your ticket ASAP, don't wait til the last opportunity to get them. The prices get more expensive as the days get closer.
Get a hotel room ASAP, don't wait til the last minute. Hotels will sell out quicker than festival tickets, so if you have a certain standard or price point get your room early on.
Don't drive there, get a taxi or Uber. LoanDepot didn't have convenient parking, plus the traffic was horrible. It's be a lot easier and less stressful if you get a ride to the venue.
Bring a 1 bottle of water. You'll get thirsty quick if you're anything like me. Having something on deck just incase because the bar and concession lines always get long when you want something from there.
Bring sunglasses and wear sunscreen, especially for the daytime portion. It's gonna be hot in there.
Wear heels if you want, but I recommend a comfortable shoe depending on the venue type. You probably won't be walking much once you get inside.
Afro Nation Miami was a cash free event, so bring your debit/credit cards.
Arrive in the late afternoon (4-5pm). Any later, and you'll struggle to get a good seat in general admission.
Hopefully, this blog post helps give you a better understanding of the festival, and maybe you even consider attending Afro Nation and experiencing the vibrant celebration of African and diaspora music and culture yourself.
Would you attend this festival? Tell me in the comments! Talk soon.
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