Gunna and Nigerian superstar Asake are set to headline the first-ever Afro+ Fest in Washington, D.C., taking place on August 31, 2025, at the RFK Festival Grounds. This one-day event is being hailed as the East Coast’s first large-scale festival dedicated to the full spectrum of global Black music, with an expected audience of around 20,000 attendees.
The Afro+ Fest lineup is designed to showcase music from across the African diaspora, featuring a diverse slate of performers that includes British-Nigerian singer Gabzy, Ghanaian artist Shatta Wale, Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea, soca legend Machel Montano, South African amapiano DJ Uncle Waffles, Wande Coal, DJ Tunez, and DMV-area rapper Foggie Raw. D.C.’s own Shy Glizzy will appear as a special guest to offer “A Tribute to DC.” With genres ranging from hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, amapiano, soca, and dancehall represented, the festival reflects the deep influence of Black music worldwide.
The festival aims to offer a full cultural experience beyond music. Attendees can expect food vendors serving authentic global cuisine, immersive art installations, fashion activations, and a marketplace featuring Black‑owned brands and local creators. The event is family-friendly and runs from 12 PM to 11 PM.
Afro+ Fest is the result of over a decade of planning and community engagement, led by founder and executive producer Michael Awosanya. In a statement, Awosanya described the festival as “the block party we’ve dreamed about for a decade,” highlighting its dual mission to celebrate the sound and spirit of the diaspora while providing tangible opportunities for local businesses and creative entrepreneurs. Supported by Mayor Muriel Bowser and Events DC, the festival is expected to have a significant economic and cultural impact on Washington, D.C..
