What is one thing we all have in common? No matter our background or home country, what is the one thing that proves our common humanity? Well, a love for music. It can bring people together from across borders and create a moment of shared understanding. In the case of African cultures, music has always been essential because despite years of colonisation, many facets of African music have survived to this day. Now, through the many music festivals that happen within and outside of Africa, music can be shown to the world and along with it the proof that African cultures are still growing, evolving and thriving in their own way. 

So, to spread the love, the rhythm and the good word about African and Afrodescent music festivals, we’ve curated a list of music festivals that are about entertainment; it's about creating memories, supporting local economies, and of course, having a good time. No matter your background or whether you’re Gen Z, Gen X or a millennial in between, you’re bound to enjoy what these festivals have to offer. Some of which are even said to “outshine Coachella”, but shh... you didn’t hear that from us! 

ONE MusicFest 

ONE MusicFest is one of THE premier music events in Black entertainment. The annual music festival held in Atlanta, Georgia whose dates are yet to be confirmed, focuses on inclusivity, musicality and Southern pride. The two-day event sees over 45,000 people and non-stop music from titans in the industry. This year’s lineup alone will feature the likes of music legends such as Kendrick Lamar, and Janet Jackson. The festival aims to bring together a diverse audience featuring people from all backgrounds and walks of life from the US and beyond. In previous years, the themes of ONE MusicFest were unity, connection and love. Besides its eclectic musical offerings, ONE Musicfest creates a multidimensional experience with elements such as art installations, fashion showcases, and culinary delights. Embracing community engagement and activism, the festival addresses social issues, fostering a positive and a vibrant atmosphere, all for a ticket price around US$200. Musicians aren’t the only ones who benefit from this landmark event but over 20 visual artists and 50+ merchants have an opportunity to sell their work and products to a giant gathering of music and art appreciators. Recognized for its unique blend of urban lifestyle and positive vibes, ONE Musicfest stands as a dynamic celebration of diverse music and cultural expressions.

AfroFuture

Forbes has labelled this must-see festival as “the New King of Music Festivals” and for good reason too. Formerly known as Afrochella, AfroFuture is a two-day festival that occurs in Accra, Ghana and is a celebration of the triumph and beauty of African music and culture. AfroFuture has taken place in December, also called Dutty December, a period of festivals and celebrations that is celebrated throughout Nigeria and Ghana, since 2019. Despite the festival’s short history and having to get through prime pandemic years, AfroFuture is already known for featuring top talent such as the likes of Grammy award-winning artist Burna Boy, alongside Tiwa Savage, Black Sherif and other Afrofuturistic musicians. The combination of exciting performances alongside stunning concert visuals draws crowds and talent from within Africa and all over the globe. This diverse gathering has several things in common: a love of music, festival atmospheres and having an unforgettable time. The main mission of AfroFuture is to show that African culture is still going strong and to increase accessibility to the latest news in African arts, fashion, culture and business. Beyond the music there are marketplaces, wellness workshops and even experience packages, so you can see all of what Ghana has to offer. Ticket prices are yet to be confirmed. But rest-assured, this event is true to their tagline it’s “not just a festival”, it’s a life-changing experience you’ll never forget.  

Essence Festival of Culture 

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. It’s the home of many afrocentric music genres like jazz, zydeco and Cajun music, the region has also influenced many other genres like hip hop and R&B. So, it’s only natural that it would be a location of iconic music festivals. The Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans is an annual celebration of African American music, empowerment, and heritage since 1995. This year marks the 30th edition of this festival, which is set to happen between the 5th and 7th of July in 2024. The festival uses music and genres like R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and soul. The festival also hosts empowerment seminars on personal development, health, entrepreneurship, and social justice. Cultural experiences include art exhibitions, film screenings, and fashion shows. With celebrity appearances and a focus on community engagement, the festival serves as a platform for activism. The marketplace offers products from various vendors, contributing to its status as a significant cultural event and attracting a large and diverse audience nationwide. Overall, this is a well-rounded event which covers many aspects of Black life. The lineup and programme for this event is yet to be confirmed, but it’s stil early days to see what this event will be like for 2024!

Afropunk 

Punk has always been associated with political movement and revolution. So, it’s about time this movement had an afrocentric spin on it. Afropunk is an annual music festival that originated in Brooklyn, New York, and has since expanded to other cities worldwide like Bahia in Brazil. It celebrates alternative and indie music with a strong focus on the African diaspora and multiculturalism. What also sets it apart from other musical festivals is its focus on activism and politics. Afropunk has previously highlighted a jazz odyssey from an Ohio author and poet on death row, Keith LaMar and raising awareness of hair discrimination. The festival showcases the achievements and innovations in the alternative arts scene among African and Afro-descent artists. It also has become an outlet for outspoken opinions and Black emotions that for too long have been bottled up by mainstream media. Afropunk is known for promoting inclusivity, diversity, and self-expression, creating a space where people of all backgrounds can come together to enjoy music and celebrate individuality. In addition to music, the festival often includes art, fashion, and activism components, making it a unique and vibrant cultural experience. Ticket prices are yet to be confirmed for this festival but their next event is set to happen on October 28th. 

Moga City Festival

Moga Festival happens in two editions in North Africa’s Morocco and Europe’s Portugal, which fosters cultural exchange mostly from these areas. Overall, Moga City Festival  is an electronic music and arts festival held in the beautiful seaside city of Essaouira, Morocco, which is a UNESCO world heritage site and was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones’s Red City. This coastal festival offers a diverse lineup spanning electronic and world music, creating a unique and immersive experience. Previous performers at Moga City include Jamaican-British musician A Guy Called Gerald, Moroccan producer Adam Dirk’heim and many more artists from Africa and across the globe. Emphasising cultural fusion, Moga celebrates music alongside spiritual and wellness activities like yoga and wellness workshops. The festival incorporates art installations, adding visual and interactive elements every year. Moga Festival stands out for its blend of diverse musical genres, cultural richness, and scenic coastal setting, making it a vibrant and holistic celebration of music and the arts. This year’s Essaouira iteration of the iconic festival will happen from October 6th to the 8th. The ticket price for the Portugal version of Moga City in Caparica is confirmed at 160 euros but the Essaouira tickets are yet to be confirmed. It’s likely it will follow similar pricing.  

Africa Festival Würzburg 

The Africa Festival Würzburg in Germany is the oldest and biggest African music and cultural festival in Europe. It was established in 1989, and this year will take place between 30th May and June 2nd 2024. So, if you’re an enthusiast of African art, music, storytelling and other facets of the culture then this is a definite addition to the bucket list. What makes this festival even more special is that it’s a family-friendly event and children twelve years and up can also attend the festival too. Compared to other festivals, the tickets are relatively cheap as well. So, instead of forking out hundreds of dollars for an experience, it’s only 46 euros and provides a full day’s access to the whole showground. Depending on the day, this can include the open air cinema, children’s programme, fashion show and, of course, access to the evening music shows. The musical performances include a diverse musical lineup, consisting of traditional African music, Afrobeat, reggae, jazz, and hip-hop, with participation from renowned and emerging traditional and neo-traditional artists. Cultural exhibitions showcase African arts, crafts, and traditions, complemented by workshops and seminars on social issues and history. The festival also features diverse food stalls and a marketplace that sells African-inspired products. With a family-friendly atmosphere, the festival combines entertainment, education, and cultural exchange.

The New Orleans Jazz & Music Festival

While the Essence festival had more of an overall focus on New Orleans and Black Southern culture, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is all about the music. Also known as Jazz Fest, this event is set to run from April 25th to the 5th of May and is a dream for any music aficionado. It is one of the most popular and revered music festivals on the planet and is rich with Black history. The first edition of this historic festival took place in 1970 and featured legends like Duke Ellington, Mahalia Jackson and Fats Domino. The festival is a world-renowned and iconic celebration of New Orleans' music, culture, and heritage and has been around since 1970. At this festival, you can expect to see a diverse musical lineup, such as jazz, blues and R&B, which is only a sample of the talent onstage, This year, the festival, featuring both local and international, will include the likes of Queen Latifah, Jon Batiste, the Rolling Stones and more. Beyond music, Jazz Fest showcases Louisiana's cultural richness through exhibits, traditional crafts, and a focus on local cuisine like gumbo and jambalaya. Ticket prices for this event range from $290 for an early bird ticket to VIP passes over $2000.  

Rocking the Daisies

This South African music festival is getting up to big things in the southern hemisphere. Rocking the Daisies, an annual South African music and lifestyle festival, has been running since 2006. This festival, like many others, is founded on the belief of the transcendental power of music and its ability to unify people, even if only for a few days. It is renowned for its diverse music lineup, spanning pop, rock, EDM, hip-hop, and indie. Previous performers included the likes of the US’s Joey Bada$$, Kehlani and Mac Miller along wth local talent like Sho Madjozi and Black Coffee. The festival offers a unique camping experience with various accommodation options and emphasises sustainability, incorporating waste reduction and recycling initiatives to minimise its ecological impact. This festival occurs twice yearly, once in Johannesburg, where only international artists perform, and for a second time in Cape Town, which includes local talent. Both events start on the 3rd of October. Rocking the Daisies also engages in social initiatives, promoting community awareness. The festival stands as a vibrant celebration of music, art, and culture, coupled with a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability practices.Tickets for this event come in phases and prices are yet to be confirmed. 

Africultures Festival

Free and family-friendly? If that’s what you’re looking for then you’ve struck gold via the Africultures Festival, which is one the biggest community-based events in Western Sydney, Australia. Held annually as a one-day event in Sydney, Olympic Park, the Africultures Festival is the biggest celebration of African cultures in Australia. The event has been around since 2009 and is dedicated to the African-Australian community. It aims to strengthen relationships within the African community and between other communities as well and is made for all-ages and backgrounds. So, everyone and anyone can enjoy the wonders of African cultures. This is encouraged through a jam-packed day full of music, food, arts, children’s activities, dance and 

more. The festival’s location along with the low ticket cost of $5is done with the needs of accessibility in mind. Previous performances have included mostly local talent which contributes towards supporting budding Afro-Australian talent and creating that close-knit community feeling. All in all, these activities and performances contribute towards cultural understanding and provide a platform for African creatives to showcase their skills. In short, the day is all about a mixing and melding of cultures where people from Africa and Australia can celebrate their common ground together. 

More than just a show… 

By sharing in the joy of African culture, these events become educational platforms, fostering cross-cultural understanding and pride in one's identity. They serve as stages for emerging talents, promoting representation and collaboration within the industry. But music isn’t the only way to support African culture and there’s a way to maximise your immersion in African culture. African fashion is just as colourful and vibrant as African music.

At ADJOAA, we have over 100+ African fashion brands, many of which create amazing festival outfits. Iconic Black musicians have touted ADJOAA brands, such as the Knowles sisters, Beyoncé and Solange. So, with ADJOAA, you can dress like a legend to see the legends of the music industry.  

Image credit: via Tourradar