Detroit-based real estate developer Bedrock is collaborating with global music festival organizer Afro Nation to launch the Afro Nation Detroit music festival.
Afro Nation organizes music festivals around the world that celebrate Afrobeats, Black music, and culture. The company has produced festivals in Portugal, Ghana, and Puerto Rico. It is preparing for its first festival in Miami this spring.
The Detroit festival, set to run Aug. 19-20 at Bedrock’s Douglass site in downtown Detroit, will become Afro Nation’s flagship festival in the U.S., featuring the biggest names in Afrobeats as well as superstars in hip hop, R&B, amapiano, dancehall, and reggae music styles.
Expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees each day from around the globe, the flagship U.S. festival will feature additional activations and events to honor Detroit’s musical contributions to the world and highlight its connection to present day American, African, and global Black culture and music.
“When considering which U.S. cities would be right for our Afro Nation festival, Detroit was a clear choice,” says Natasha Manley, CEO of Event Horizon. “The musical legacy, culture, people, and community of Detroit connects to why we started Afro Nation: to celebrate Black music and culture. Our diverse global audience will undoubtedly enjoy the unique Detroit show and appreciate the immense influence of Detroit on the evolution of music.”
The event is designed to be more than just a festival. Afro Nation Detroit should generate substantial revenue opportunities for many local Detroit businesses, while also providing opportunities to up-and-coming Detroit musical artists, DJs, and creatives.
Afro Nation’s flagship Europe festival in Portugal, attracts more than 45,000 people each day from over 130 countries, with each guest staying an average of five nights. This resulted in an estimated $125 million in direct consumer spending.
“The decision to bring Afro Nation’s world class festival to Detroit was easy,” says Kofi Bonner, CEO of Bedrock. “The rich diversity and arts culture in Detroit is self-evident, and the city’s music continues to move the world. We look forward to welcoming a global audience downtown to experience the hospitality, arts, and culture of our city. Detroit is Afro Nation.”
The festival lineup, ticket options and pricing, and detailed event information is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Sign up at Detroit.afronation.com for updates on headliners, ticket options, and additional festival information.
