According to the festival’s official announcement on X-@Afro Nation, the 2026 edition promises a powerful lineup that blends established legacies with exciting new voices on the global music scene.

The festival, regarded as one of the world’s premier celebrations of Afrobeats, Amapiano and R&B, is scheduled to take place from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5 at Praia da Rocha Beach in Portimao, Portugal.

Burna Boy, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist known for his dynamic fusion of Afrobeat, dancehall, and global rhythms, is scheduled to open the festival on July 3.

The ‘African Giant’ will share the stage with South African star Tyla, whose rise in Amapiano and global charts has cemented her status as a breakout international talent.

Asake, who is well celebrated for his infectious blend of Afrobeats, street pop, and soulful melodies will headline July 4 , while Wizkid  is slated to close the festival on July 5.

In addition to the headline acts, the Afro Nation 2026 lineup includes a diverse roster of international performers.

American R&B singer Kehlani and rapper Gunna are among the special guests confirmed for the festival, bringing cross-genre flair to the music fiesta.

Several Nigerian artistes are also billed to perform at the event , including Olamide, Young John, Darkoo, Wande Coal, and Mavo, a move that underscores the global rise of African music and culture.

According to the organisers, early access ticket sales will begin on February 5, allowing fans to secure passes ahead of the general public sale.

Afro Nation is an annual three-day music festival organised by The Malachite Group to unite the African diaspora in a celebration of dance, food, fashion, music.

The festival, which started in 2019 in Portugal, focuses on showcasing African and international artists across genres such as Afrobeats, Amapiano, RnB, Hip hop, Dancehall, and more.

Besides the annual Portugal edition, Afro Nation has also since taken place in Ghana, Puerto Rico, Miami and Detroit.

Acclaimed to be a global cultural movement, Afro Nation  has evolved into a platform that amplifies voices of African artists worldwide.

Past headliners include Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Megan Thee Stallion, 50 Cent, Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj, among others.

Source: NAN

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Davido’s father made this known on Wednesday during a news conference in Lagos.

According to him, the conference was aimed to provide clarifications following purported reports that Anuoluwapo is Davido’s daughter in spite of science proving otherwise via DNA.

He said that he enrolled Anuoluwapo’s mother in the Adeleke University but she dropped out in spite of the fact that she was doing well and was paid N50,000  monthly stipend.

Adedeji said that since he was contacted for help by Anuoluwapo’s aunt, a scientist, he had taken responsibility for the girl’s education and upkeep.

“I told her: ‘Since you are a scientist, please, take the two DNA results  and check your niece’s DNA profile on the two different results and see if they are the same and check David’s own from the two different labs and see if they are the same.

“She called me back to say she had already checked but that she needed my help and was not asking me to help the girl as a family member.

“She said she knew that I helped a lot of people to go to school through Springtime Foundation,” he said.

Adedeji said that at any given time, he had no fewer than 3,000 students studying under his scholarship scheme.

He said that the aunt told him to help and sponsor Anuoluwapo’s education, and he did.

“I asked how much her school fees was and she told me, and I sent her a little more than that because she needed to buy a computer and other things.

“Like I said, this aunt, I have never met her before but we have been talking on phone and she is very responsible, kind and nice,” he said.

Adedeji added that he also decided to sponsor Anuoluwapo’s mother’s education at the Adeleke University.

He said the university had a programme for mature adults where they would do work-study programmes and get degrees at the end of their courses.

He said that Anuoluwapo’s mother was enrolled there and given accommodation and N50,000 monthly stipend.

Adedeji, however, said that she dropped out after her second year in the university.

“This is her school records which I cannot show you. Until she left, she had good grades and she was studying English,” he said.

Adedeji stated that in spite of the abandoned scholarship, the education opportunity was still open to her.

Davido’s father said he suspected that Anuoluwapo’s mother dropped out of school to be able to personally take care of her daughter.

“I told the aunt to let Anuoluwapo’s mother know that if she would decide to go back to complete her degree programme, her daughter can be enrolled in Adeleke University High School.

“She would be enrolled in the boarding school on scholarship as well,  so that both of them will be in the same area, and the grandmother will not be burdened with taking care of the child,” he said.

Source: NAN

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This year’s nominations followed a record-breaking 10,717 entries, the highest since the inception of AFRIMA 12 years ago.

A 13-member International Jury, after 10 days of adjudication, shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa’s five regions and the diaspora.

The International Committee of AFRIMA confirmed that public voting would open globally on September 10, 2025, via the official AFRIMA website (www.afrima.org).

Music lovers across Africa and the diaspora will be able to participate in determining the winners in the various categories.

Voting will close on the eve of the main awards on November 30.

Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Davido both secured five nominations each.

Burna Boy’s album No Sign of Weakness and Davido’s 5ive were both nominated for Album of the Year, while their hit singles also earned them spots in Song of the Year and Best Collaboration.

South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa matched them with five nods, including Best African DJ and Album of the Year.

Morocco’s rap star El Grande Toto also secured five nominations, with his album Salgoat and hit Diplomatico catching global attention.

Nigeria’s fast-rising street-pop sensation Shallipopi also stood tall with four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his collaboration Laho.

Senegal’s Mia Guissé and Ghana’s Moliy joined the top bracket with five nominations each, proving that female acts are now commanding major influence on the continent’s music stage.

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One of the best-selling artists in the whole of the Middle East, Egypt’s Amr Diab, scooped four nominations, just as Côte d’Ivoire’s Himra picked up three nominations, including Album of the Year.

His album Big Aka 4 Aka Kai and hip-hop collaborations have made him one of the strongest newcomers in this year’s race.

Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz grabbed four nominations, continuing his dominance in East Africa.

South Africa’s breakout star, Tyla and Eswatini’s Uncle Waffles, each earned four nominations, confirming the rising power of amapiano and Afro-house sounds.

Cote d’Ivoire’s Didi B got three nominations, including Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Album of the Year, while Gabon’s Eboloko was listed for Breakout Artiste of the Year among his three nods, just as  Emma’a also received three nominations, including Best Female Artiste in Central Africa.

DR Congo’s heavyweights are not left out.

Fally Ipupa bagged three nominations, including Artiste of the Year, while Ferre Gola earned three nods, among them Songwriter of the Year.

In North Africa, Morocco’s Jaylann received three nominations, while Tanzania’s Juma Jux also scored three, including Song of the Year for Ololufe mi. South Africa produced two triple nominees: Mawhoo, recognised for her hit Bengicela, and rap star Nasty C, who got three nods for his track Soft.

Nigeria’s Rema also emerged with three nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa.

Ayra Starr has two nominations, but she is contesting for the Artiste of the Year Award with big stars including Davido, Burna Boy and El Grande Toto.

The diaspora also shone brightly on the list, with male nominees such as DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L’Algérino, and Odeal making the cut. On the female side, the nominees include Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, and Zaho.

AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, who represents the Southern African region on the panel, described the 2025 nominees’ list as proof of how far African music has come.

“It’s been a dream of ours for a long time to work this hard to get to a place where African music can be heard by everyone. We were marginalised for so many years; our voices were not heard as artists, as creators, as songwriters, as producers, as engineers, as video makers, as filmmakers. Twelve years in, we’re now here. This is global. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the face of the continent,” he said.

In collaboration with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA 2025 is being organised alongside the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Official Host City, Lagos State.

The 2025 celebration will run from November 25 to 30, 2025, featuring the Welcome Soiree, the AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, the Nominees Party, and the Main Awards Ceremony.

The grand finale on November 30 will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide.

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According to Chart Data, a leading platform for music analytics and certifications, the acknowledgment comes after the album sold over 100,000 units in the UK, making it eligible for a silver plaque.

“Timeless”, which was released on March 31, 2023, explores diverse musical styles such as Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, konto, highlife and Afropop.

It features 17 tracks and includes collaborations with notable artists like Asake, Skepta, Dexta Daps, Fave, Cavemen, and Angelique Kidjo.

The album enjoyed massive success, breaking multiple streaming records on platforms such as Spotify Nigeria, Audiomack, Boomplay, and YouTube.

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It earned Davido a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album and a Headies nomination for Song of the Year.

A hit single ‘Unavailable’ has been certified Silver in the UK, and it also received a Grammy nomination for Best African Song Performance.

Another hit songs on the album ‘feel’, also received a Grammy nomination for Best Global song performance.

Following the release of the album, Davido embarked on “Timeless Tour”, a global concert tour promoting the Timeless Songs.

The tour includes North America and Europe, with stops in major cities like Washington D.C., Toronto, New York, and London, among others.

Source: NAN

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The mavin star girl announced the milestone in a post on her Instagram fan page on Monday.

The landmark achievement is largely propelled by her hit single “Rush,” which alone has garnered over 458 million views, underscoring her growing global influence and the widespread appeal of her music.

The new feat has made the “Sability” crooner  join  Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Davido  and Omah Lay as Nigerian artistes who have  surpassed a billion total views on Youtube.

Other artistes who  have also hit the one billion Youtube milestone include Kizz Daniel, Tekno, P-Square, Flavour, and Fireboy.

The 22-year-old singer also known as “sabi girl” has continued to grab both local and international accolades  since her debut in 2021.

Ayra was also on the list of the top most followed African Artistes on Spotify, with over 4.8 million followers on the streaming platform.

Her Grammy-nominated track ‘Rush’ has smashed over 450 million views, boosting her popularity and global reach.

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Earlier in May, she earned the  prestigious Platinum Certification in the United Kingdom for her hit single “Rush”,  for surpassing 600,000 units in combined sales and streams.

The hit song marked Ayra Starr’s debut on the UK Official Top 100, cementing  her growing  status as one of the most sought-after African music artiste in recent times.

She had earlier in 2023 earned a Diamond Certification in France for “Rush”, a song released in September, 2022, and quickly gained viral success, charting in the top ten across several countries.

The track’s massive popularity also contributed to Ayra Starr’s first Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th annual Grammy Awards.

“Rush” has also earned platinum status in Canada and New Zealand, and 3-time Platinum in Nigeria, demonstrating its widespread acclaim and commercial success.

Source: NAN

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As part of prelude to the release of ‘5ive’, the singer had previously dropped three singles, ‘Be There Still’, ‘Funds’, featuring Odumodublvck and Chike and ‘Awuke’ featuring YG Marley.

The 17 track project includes features from artistes like Chris Brown, Omah Lay, Victony, Becky G, Shensea amongst others.

In one of the previously released track titled ‘Funds’, Davido gives his signature energy on the track while Odumodublvck’s gritty verses complements Chile’s smooth melodies.

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‘Titanium’ which features Chris Brown, speaks about a lover who tries to break them down emotionally, as ‘Offa Me’ featuring Victoria Monet wants his lover in a sexual way while ‘Nuttin Dey’ boasts of his confidence and longevity.

‘5ive’ arrives two years after his last studio album titled ‘Timeless’.

Source: NAN

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The hit single released on Friday is a dynamic blend of Afrobeat and contemporary sounds.

The five-time Grammy-nominated singer announced  the  release with a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, @davido, with the caption, “Midnight we feast” moments earlier before dropping the song.

“Be There Still” presents an impressive production team, featuring Marvey Muzique, DJ Maphorisa, and Black Culture as producer and the track’s mixing was handled by D-RO.

Davido had earlier announced to curious fans that his  highly anticipated fifth album was scheduled for release on April 18.

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As part of prelude to the release of “5IVE”, the singer had previously dropped two singles “Funds”, featuring ace singers Odumodublvck and Chike, and  “Awuke”, featuring YG Marley.

“Funds” presents a scintillating collaboration, as Odumodublvck’s gritty verses complements Chike’s smooth melodies, while Davido ties it all together with his signature energy.

According to him, ”5IVE” is  a reflection of his “story, truth, and growth.”

He said: “My people! The journey continues in 2025 with my new album, 5IVE!! This one is straight from the heart – my story, my truth, my growth.

“This one’s for the dreamers, the go-getters, and everyone chasing what’s theirs! Thank you for riding with me. Let’s make history again!!! Album pre-order link in bio! OBO 30BG.”

Source: NAN

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Davido shared the news in a post on his  X page (formerly Twitter), adding that the hit single would be the last to  drop before the release of his fifth album, ‘5IVE’.

He wrote: “001family! Some updates for you: ‘Be There Still’ drops March 14th, with ‘5IVE’ coming soon after.

“The wait is almost over, the process is almost finished and it’s all leading up to something special.”

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The five-time Grammy-nominated singer had earlier  announced to curious fans that his highly anticipated fifth album was scheduled for release on April 18 .

As part of prelude to the release of “5IVE”, the singer had previously dropped a hit single “Funds”, featuring ace singers Odumodublvck and  Chike.

“Funds” presents a scintillating collaboration, as Odumodublvck’s gritty verses complements Chike’s smooth melodies, while Davido ties it all together with his signature energy.

According to him, the new album,”5IVE’, is  a reflection of his “story, truth, and growth

Source: NAN

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The awards took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Tems clinched the award with her love song Love Me Jeje, defeating Tomorrow by Yemi Alade, MMS by Asake featuring Wizkid, Sensational by Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay, and Higher by Burna Boy.

Receiving the award, Tems said: “Dear God, thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing me this team.”

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She also dedicated the award to her mother.

Tems, 29, now has more Grammy awards than any other Nigerian artiste.

The award marks her second Grammy win.

In 2023, she won the Best Melodic Rap Performance for the song Wait For U with American hip-hop stars Future and Drake.

Source: NAN

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The music star, who took to his social media platforms to announce the dropping of the album in March to his fans and music lovers, also hinted at the album’s thematic richness and creative depth.

The singer promised his fans that he would continue the artist’s legacy of producing chart-topping hits while exploring fresh musical directions.

“Afrobeats can’t be brought up without my name. Impossible,” he said.

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“This album is a reflection of my journey—where I have  been and where I am going. ‘Funds’ is just the beginning of what I believe will be a special project for my fans and African music”.

‘5ive’ marks Davido’s return after the immense success of his previous albums ‘A Better Time’ released in 2020 and ‘Timeless’ released in 2023.

Both songs solidified his position as a global ambassador of Afrobeats and it is poised to dominate charts and streaming platforms upon release of the ‘5ive’.

The singer had continued to prove that his influence in shaping the global Afrobeats narrative is unmatched.

Source: NAN

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