Taking place from July 9 to 11 at Praia da Rocha beach in Portimão, the festival is set to be a landmark event uniting artists and the growing community from around the world in a celebration of music, fashion, food and dance.

Following the recent unveiling of LIT Stage headliners Burna Boy and Tems, Piano People Stage headliners Scorpion Kings and DBN Gogo and more, these additions make Afro Nation Portugal 2025 even more unmissable, drawing together global diaspora communities with some of the most exciting names right now.

An incredible addition to the LIT Stage is the Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter Amaarae. Known for her bold creativity and her genre-blurring fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and alternative pop, Amaarae’s music speaks to a global audience. A welcome introduction to the Afro Nation community, and widely respected through collaborations with the likes of Stormzy, Childish Gambino and Jorja Smith, expected to see the whole beach swooming to hits such as “SAD GIRLZ LUZ MONEY” and “Angels In Tibet” next summer.

More names joining the LIT Stage party include Odeal, a standout figure in the UK’s burgeoning Alté music scene. His unique style saw him draw attention internationally from the start, which is only set to grow off the back of his upcoming tack with leading Atlanta R&B artist Summer Walker. Rapper and singer Naza will be making his Afro Natio debut as part of the curated selection of France’s finest, alongside Franglish and Tiakola. Further embodying the festival’s spirit of cultural fusion, June Freedom brings his unique blend of Afro-pop and island vibes, whilst Benin-born viral sensation Qing Madi adds to the list of debut appearances on the main stage.

The next Piano People headliner is none other than the iconic Uncle Waffles. A true force on Afro Nation stages, her return solidifies both the global rise of amapiano and Afro Nation’s pivotal role in championing the genre. Joining her this July are two of amapiano’s most celebrated vocalists: Young Stunna and Nkosazana Daughter. Between them, they’ve been the voice behind over half of the genre’s biggest hits since 2019. Young Stunna’s timeless anthem Adiwele even sparked Uncle Waffles’ viral moment in 2021, cementing its place in amapiano history.

This latest announcement further elevates an already impressive lineup boasting the world’s most popular Afrobeats star Burna Boy, Afro Nation’s first African female headliner Tems, London’s own Afro-fusion artist Gabzy, along with amapiano icons Scorpion Kings (DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small), DBN Gogo, Vigro Deep, and Oskido. Together they represent a full spread of contemporary African music and culture, on a scale unmatched by any other music festival.

Since 2019, Afro Nation has grown beyond a festival to become a global movement, bridging communities worldwide. With unforgettable events across three continents, Afro Nation has set a new standard in live entertainment, uniting fans from over 160 countries to celebrate the culture. As the momentous 5th year anniversary draws near, Afro Nation Portugal continues to champion the influence of African Music on a global stage.


Author

A journalist that’s always eager to learn about new things. With a passion for travel, adventure and writing about this diverse world of ours.

“Wisdom begins in wonder” -  Socrates

Kate Sreenarong