May 29, 2023
Michigan Chronicle
Miss AJ Williams
May 16, 2023
Bedrock has announced its exciting partnership with Afro Nation, a renowned global festival brand, to introduce Afro Nation Detroit. This internationally acclaimed festival, which celebrates Afrobeats, Black music, and culture, has successfully organized events in Portugal, Ghana, and Puerto Rico. It is gearing up for its inaugural festival in Miami this spring. Taking place from Aug. 19 to Aug. 20, 2023, at Bedrock’s Douglass site, the Detroit festival will become Afro Nation’s flagship event in the United States. It promises to showcase top Afrobeats artists alongside superstars in Hip Hop, R&B, Amapiano, Dancehall, and Reggae.
Anticipated to attract tens of thousands of attendees from around the world, the flagship U.S. festival will also feature additional activations and events honoring Detroit’s significant musical contributions. These celebrations will highlight the city’s connection to present-day American, African, and global Black culture and music.
Natasha Manley, CEO of Event Horizon, expressed why Detroit was chosen as the ideal city for the Afro Nation festival: “When considering which U.S. cities would be right for our Afro Nation festival, Detroit was a clear choice. 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.”
Beyond being a remarkable festival, Afro Nation Detroit is set to generate substantial revenue opportunities for local Detroit businesses. It will also provide a platform for up-and-coming Detroit musical artists, DJs, and creatives to showcase their talents. Afro Nation’s flagship festival in Portugal attracts over 45,000 people each day from more than 130 countries, with guests staying an average of five nights. This results in an estimated $125 million in direct consumer spending.
Kofi Bonner, CEO of Bedrock, explained the decision to bring Afro Nation to Detroit: “The decision to bring Afro Nation’s world-class festival to Detroit was easy. 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, pricing, and detailed event information will be announced in the coming weeks. Hiram E. Jackson, Publisher of the Michigan Chronicle and CEO of Real Times Media, commended Bedrock and Event Horizon’s commitment to making this event possible. He stated, “From Motown to Techno, Detroit’s musical legacy is undeniable. Serving as the host city for events like Afro Nation is not only part of our DNA, it is an extraordinary opportunity to spotlight our city’s rich culture, talent, and character on a global stage. Bedrock and Event Horizon’s commitment to make this event possible is commendable, and I look forward to the launch of Detroit’s newest festival series.”
For more information about the Afro Nation Detroit festival, visit Detroit.afronation.com and follow them on social media:
Twitter: @afronation Facebook: @afronationfestival Instagram: @afronation.us
