Inaugural AfroFuture Festival Coming to Detroit This Summer

Bedrock in Detroit and AfroFuture, a global entertainment platform dedicated to celebrating the diverse culture and work of the African diaspora, will host AfroFuture Detroit on Aug-16-17 at Bedrock’s Douglass Site.
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Bedrock and AfroFuture will host AfroFuture Detroit on Aug-16-17 at Bedrock’s Douglass Site in Detroit. // Photo courtesy of Bedrock

Bedrock in Detroit and AfroFuture, a global entertainment platform dedicated to celebrating the diverse culture and work of the African diaspora, will host AfroFuture Detroit on Aug-16-17 at Bedrock’s Douglass Site.

The location is at the corner of Alfred Street and Beaubien Boulevard in Detroit (north of I-75 from Ford Field on the former site of the Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects).

AfroFuture Detroit blends the rhythms of Afrobeats and Amapiano with the iconic sounds of Motown and Techno, creating a one-of-a-kind celebration.

Sponsored by Bedrock in partnership with AfroFuture and produced by Detroit-based Paxahau, the inaugural U.S. event will feature performances from international Afrobeats, Caribbean, and Hip-hop megastars, art installations, and a marketplace celebrating the creativity of Africa.

The festival builds on the success of its flagship event in Accra, Ghana, as well as its global events across the continent which collectively have drawn more than 160,000 attendees from around the world.

“We’re thrilled to bring AfroFuture to Detroit for our U.S. debut,” says Abdul Karim Abdullah, co-founder and CEO of AfroFuture. “As a cultural and musical powerhouse, Detroit is the perfect city to launch this transformative experience.

“By connecting African excellence with Detroit’s rich heritage, we’re bridging the diaspora across borders and oceans through the universal language of music. This is more than just a typical festival — it’s a moment of unity and a celebration of the power of Africa.”

The festival will unite the world with Africa and Africa with the world, showcasing African cuisine, art, and fashion. With vivid colors, expressive outfits, and live musical performances, AfroFuture Detroit fuses tradition and innovation to bring the continent’s energy to life in the U.S..

“AfroFuture is an experience built for community, and we can’t think of a better place than Detroit, a city built on its own musical heritage, for its U.S. debut,” says Kobi Bonner, CEO of Bedrock. “Bedrock is proud to bring this universal celebration of Afrocentric art and culture to our Douglass Site, showcasing the creativity, expression, and legacy that is true to Detroit.”

Since 2006, Paxahau has produced Detroit’s Movement Festival, and served as the operations partner for the Detroit Jazz Festival since 2011, in addition to producing more than 70 big room shows and club events throughout the city. Paxahau is recognized across the world by artists, community members, and industry executives as a pioneering promoter rooted firmly in Detroit’s rich musical legacy.

Additional information including the full performance lineup, ticket sales, and event packages will be announced soon.

For more information, visit Detroit.AfroFuture.com.