AfroFuture, a global entertainment platform dedicated to celebrating the diverse culture and work of the African diaspora, and Bedrock will host AfroFuture Detroit this summer, Billboard can exclusively announce Monday (Feb. 3).
The highly anticipated U.S. debut of the festival will take place on Aug. 16-17 at Bedrock’s Douglass Site, at the corner of Alfred Street and Beaubien Boulevard. According to a press release, AfroFuture Detroit seamlessly blends the rhythms of Afrobeats and amapiano with the iconic sounds of Motor City’s Motown and techno, creating a one-of-a-kind celebration. This festival follows the success of AfroFuture’s flagship event in Accra, Ghana every December.
“We’re thrilled to bring AfroFuture to Detroit for our U.S. debut. As a cultural and musical powerhouse, Detroit is the perfect city to launch this transformative experience,” said Abdul Karim Abdullah, CEO/co-founder of AfroFuture, in a statement. “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.”
Co-sponsored by Bedrock — a full-service real estate firm specializing in innovative city building strategies — and produced by the Detroit-based event planner Paxahau, the inaugural U.S. event will feature performances from Afrobeats, Carribean and hip-hop stars as well as dynamic art installations and a marketplace celebrating the continent’s creativity.
“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,” added Bedrock CEO Kofi Bonner. “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.”
Additional information regarding the performance lineup, ticket sales and event packages will be announced soon.