Organisers of one of the biggest Afrobeats festivals in the world today, Afro Nation Portugal, have released a star-studded lineup list of expected performers ahead of its 2026 edition.

As this year event—the sixth edition of what has become the undisputed pilgrimage for the global African diaspora—beckons, the organisers have pulled off a logistical miracle: bringing together the definitive “trinity” of modern Afrobeats—Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Asake—on a single stretch of sand as headliners alongside South African Grammy winner Tyla, and US heavyweights Gunna and Kehlani, bridging the gap between Atlanta trap, R&B, and African rhythms as special guest performers.

Scheduled to hold from July 3 to 5 at the iconic Praia da Rocha beach, the festival will see other Nigerian music heavyweights Olamide Baddoo Young Jonn and Darkoo, alongside other music stars including Soukus legend, Awilo Longomba; R&B international sensation Mariah the Scientist, French rapper Niska, Kehlani (making her debut), Ludmilla (Brazil), Bien (Kenya), and Djodje.

The 2026 “LIT Stage’ continues the festival’s tradition of blending African excellence with international star power. The African Giant hitmaker, Burna Boy alongside South African music diva Tyla, will on July 3 headline the opening night. Burna’s relationship with Afro Nation is legendary, and rumours are already swirling about a high-concept set following his No Sign of Weakness album run.

Fresh off his history-making stage dives and high-tempo Fuji-fusion dominance, Asake will on July 4 take the center stage and he is expected to turn the venue into a massive, shimmering mosh pit. Starboy Record chief and Afrobeats biggest export, Wizkid will close the festival on July 5.

Meanwhile, anticipation for this year’s festival is tenfold, as fans are eager to see if he and Asake will perform tracks from their record-breaking joint EP together on the same stage.

While the headliners grab the billboard, the presence of Olamide Baddo (The Godfather) and Young Jonn on the Lit Stage lineup gives the festival a “street-to-global” credibility. Olamide’s appearances at international festivals have become increasingly selective.

Having him on the beach in Portugal is a massive win for the fans who remember the days when he single-handedly carried the Lagos street-hop sound. He brings a level of prestige and “Legacy Energy” that few others can match.

Perhaps the most impressive evolution in recent years, Young Jonn the “wicked producer” turned-superstar is finally getting his flowers on the global stage. His transition from the board to the microphone has been seamless, and his infectious hooks are practically tailor-made for a sun-drenched crowd of 40,000.

The fan-favourite Piano People Stage, dedicated haven for the Amapiano movement headlined by Uncle Waffles, Kelvin Momo, and the iconic duo Madumane and Focalistic will showcase the best of Amapiano.

This year’s Afro Nation feels different as Afrobeats no longer just being exported, it’s taking dominance in the global music ecosystem. Also, the inclusion of travel packages like “The Zen Den” and “The Marina Drip” suggests that festival has evolved into a full-scale luxury lifestyle experience. (Guardian)

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