Afro Nation, the world’s largest Afrobeats festival, returned to Detroit, drawing thousands to the Bedrock Douglass site at 2490 Brush St., just north of downtown last weekend, per freep.com. The site, formerly known as the Brewster-Douglass Projects—the nation’s first federally funded housing project for African Americans—was alive with Detroiters and visitors from around the globe, including Dominique Redmon from Dayton, Ohio. “I came here to see Partynextdoor, Lil Wayne, and enjoy life,” said Redmon. “I like going to festivals; it’s cool to see everything they have going on here.”
The festival’s lineup featured Afrobeats stars Rema, Ayra Starr and Shenseea, alongside hip-hop icons Lil Wayne, Partynextdoor, and Detroit’s own Kash Doll. Essosa Uddoh, one of the festival’s organisers, highlighted the event’s two stages: one dedicated to Amapiano, an electronic genre from South Africa, and the main stage for Afrobeats and hip-hop performances. “It’s going to be an exciting time,” said Uddoh.
Amapiano, meaning “the pianos” in Zulu, blends jazzy house music with a thumping bounce, captivating festival-goers with every beat. The event also featured diverse food trucks, a pop-up Pistons basketball court, and a selfie station for fans.
“This movement is very, very important for everyone,” Afro Nation co-founder Smade declared. “Whether you’re Black, have friends who are Black, or are friends of Africans, you’ll find something to learn from Africa and Afro Nation Festival.”
- Featured image: Detroit-born rapper Kash Doll performs at Afro Nation on Saturday/Quinn Banks
