The Africa Centre partners with Afro Nation organiser

According to The Africa Centre, the partnership, which coincides with its 60th anniversary, will involve “driving a strong social responsibility agenda and jointly hosting events that honour our rich history while envisioning the future.”

“Our shared passion for Africa’s potential, particularly among young people, will ensure our work is impactful,” The Africa Centre CEO Olu Alake said.

Key 2024 highlights of the partnership include the Mandela Day Commemoration in July, the 90th birthday celebration of Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, also in July, the 100th anniversary of Bissau-Guinean and Cape Verdean agricultural engineer, political organiser and diplomat Amilcar Cabral, and a Royal Albert Hall variety performance in December, among others. 

Over the years, The Africa Centre has hosted African music icons like Remmy Ongala, Kanda Bongo Man, Angélique Kidjo and Baaba Maal. 

SMADE founder Adesegun Adeosun Jr, who is also the co-founder of the Afro Nation festival which traditionally welcomes more than 40 000 patrons from more than 130 countries, said the arrangement “directly aligns to the work I have been doing for over 20 years, promoting, celebrating and providing a platform for African music and culture.”

Recently, Adeosun delivered the keynote address at this year’s University of Cambridge Africa Conference, discussing his journey navigating the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. 

In August, Afro Nation will be returning to Detroit following its maiden American edition in August 2023. It will be headlined by Afrobeats stars Davido, Burna Boy, Asake and Rema, as well as US rapper Lil Wayne.