AfroNation Miami Night 1, one of the most highly anticipated US music festivals of this year, kicked off with a bang. The celebration of African music comes as Rema’s Calm Down is spending 36 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and multiple African artists like Tems and Burna Boy are seeing success in the US. The two day festival which is being held at Miami’s LoanDepot Park is the brainchild of 38 year old Nigerian music entrepreneur Adesegun Adeosun Jr. and Obi Asika. With several hot ticket performers over Memorial weekend May 27 and 28, the event caused other reggae events to postpone their 2023 staging.
Night 1 attracted a diverse crowd of music lovers from all over the world with Mavado being the love Jamaican dancehall DJ on the lineup. The So Special artist did a quick 12 minute medley, which found favor with the eager audience but was nothing compared to the electric energy and infectious acrobats sounds that filled the night.
Stand out performers were Burna Boy and Asake who had the crowd singing along to their every word.
Burna Boy, who is known for his soulful voice and infectious beats, performed some of his biggest hits like “Last Last”, “Alone” from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Soundtrack.
The African Giant has been making waves in the music industry with his afro-fusion sound and consistent performances and Miami was no different. He brought Ghanaian singer Black Sheriff to perform their Second Sermon Remix.
Asake introduced himself to Miami in Stella form and suffice it to say a star was born. With shirt off, he performed hits like “Organize,” “Loaded,” and “Terminator,” with dances and African soul.
Uncle Waffles brought her usual vibes with an entertaining dance troupe with an Amapiano set on the Piano Peoples Stage.
Then Uncle Waffles had a dance troupe and the crowd ate every single minute of it up! WHAT?! #AfronationMiami pic.twitter.com/u3Iz747oNp
— Aunty Baddie (@_manaileng) May 28, 2023
Dadju also gave a commendable performance.
Dancehall artist Beenie Man announced earlier that he will not be making the festival “for reasons beyond his control”. The artist has been without a US visa since 2015. His last major US performance was at the BET Awards in 2013. Shenseea instead will be performing tonight at 7:00 pm Est. in light of King Of Dancehall’s absence.
Overall, the first day of Afro Nation Miami was a huge success, with each artist delivering a memorable performance, fans left the venue singing in the hallways.
Burna Boy left fans singing out his global hit “Last Last” loud and clear after he delivered an unforgettable and electrifying headline performance last night at Afronation Miami. pic.twitter.com/zMGiOt2dtu
— benny. (@benny7gg) May 28, 2023
The Festival goes to Detriot in August.
