Summer is almost here and the atmosphere is already heating up as festival season is set to begin. For African acts on the continent and diaspora, summertime festivals offer a distinctive opportunity for connecting with existing fans and building newer bases across the globe. Ahead of summer, the year has already seen some groundbreaking festival moments like Coachella where Tyla, Rema, Amaarae, and Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 each took to the stage to deliver electrifying performances.
As the gospel of African music continues to spread, so does its reach and this year, the festival lineup seems to be expanding to new exciting cities while featuring usual staples. Rolling Stone Africa has curated a comprehensive list of the most exciting festivals on the continent and diaspora celebrating African music and culture this summer. Grab a friend. Save the dates.
Afro Nation (Portugal)
Gearing up for its fifth anniversary, AfroNation will be continuing its legacy as a defining force in the global rise of African music culture at Praia da Rocha in Portimão, Portugal, from July 9-11, 2025. This year, American r&b powerhouse, Mary J Blige will be joining afrobeats heavyweights, Davido, Burna Boy, and Tems on the mainstage. The Piano People stage will also showcase the best of the Amapiano movement with performances from Felo Le Tee, LeeMcKrazy, Scotts Maphuma, and The Therapist.
Blankets and Wine (Kenya)
Since its launch in 2012, Blankets and Wine has become a cornerstone of East Africa’s music scene, bringing together a diverse array of music lovers. Promising to be its biggest and boldest iteration, the festival will make its return to The Laureate Gardens in Nairobi, Kenya on the 29th of June. While headliners are yet to be announced, previous editions have seen Kenyan talents such as Xenia Manasseh, Nyashinski, Necessary Noize, Njerae, Idd Azi taking the stage.
Hey Neighbour (South Africa)
Hey Neighbour is a 3-day festival in South Africa fostering community and offering a space for international and local acts to unite for the love of music. This year, Doja Cat will headline the festival and take to the stage to deliver her homecoming debut performance on South African soil. She joins the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Khalid, The Chainsmokers, and H.E.R who have previously headlined the festival. Hey Neighbour 2025 will take place at The Legends Adventure Farm, Pretoria on the 29th-31st of August, 2025.
Afro Jam Festival (Japan)
Afro Jam Festival will be bringing the new wave of afrobeats to Japan this summer with a lineup of the genre’s most exciting names such as Rema, Gyakie, and Ruger who will be joined by international acts like Shensea, and Jason Derulo. Rema is billed to perform on 20th, 22nd, and 27th of July in Okinawa, Osaka, and Tokyo respectively. Ruger will take the stage on the 23rd and 25th of July in Osaka and Tokyo respectively while Gyakie will perform on the 18th, 24th, and 27th in Okinawa, Osaka, and Tokyo respectively.
Giants of Africa Festival (Rwanda)
Giants of Africa is a non-profit organisation committed to enriching the lives of African youth through sports. Founded in Canada, the initiative focuses on using basketball as a tool to empower and inspire young people across the continent. On the 27th of July to the 2nd of August, 2025, all roads will lead to Kigali, Rwanda for a week-long celebration of basketball, music, and culture at the second edition of Giants of Africa Festival. Attendees will enjoy performances from South Africa’s leading DJ, Uncle Waffles as well as Nigerian stars Timaya and Kizz Daniel. Rwandan artists The Ben, Boukuru, and Kevin Kade are also billed to take the stage.
ESSENCE Festival (US)
The 2025 ESSENCE Festival of culture presented by Coca Cola will be returning this summer from the 4th-6th of July in New Orleans. To celebrate the 55th anniversary of the illustrious ESSENCE brand, Nigerian afrobeats maven, Davido, will be taking to the stage alongside Boyz II Men, GloRilla, Nas, Summer Walker, and more.
Yardland Festival (France)
Taking place at the Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes from July 4th-July 6th, Yardland Festival 2025 will bring together a mix of genres across the diaspora from rap, and dancehall to afrobeats and amapiano. The lineup features Uncle Waffles, Tiakola, Hamza, Latto, Young Nudy, Sahbabii, and more.
DLT Malta (Malta)
On the 5th-9th of June, DLT Malta will return for what promises to be unforgettable days of music at the UNO, Armier Beach, Café Del Mar and the iconic Bora Bora Ibiza-Malta. With artist performances and DJ sets, the 2025 edition is gearing up to be monumental with a stellar lineup featuring Asake, Shallipopi, TxC, Mariah the Scientist, Latto, and more.
Nyege Nyege Festival (France)
Following two sold-out editions in Paris, East Africa’s foremost electronic music festival is set to make its return to France on 12th and 13 of July for its 10th anniversary celebration. The festival will take place across two stages throughout the weekend with more than 20 international artists are expected for a 30-hour marathon.
