African artists set for Roskilde Festival 2026 line-up

The festival, one of Europe’s largest music gatherings, is expected to attract more than 100 000 attendees. This year’s programme features 177 music acts and more than 90 participants from the fields of art and activism across 16 stages and festival venues.

The African contingent reflects the continent's musical diversity, spanning Afrobeats, amapiano, hip hop, highlife, singeli, Gnawa music, spoken word and experimental fusion.

Lojay to represent Nigeria

Nigerian singer and songwriter Lojay is among the artists confirmed for the festival. Known for blending Afrobeats, amapiano, R&B and rap, Lojay rose to international prominence with his 2022 hit ‘Monalisa’.

His appearance follows the release of his debut album XOXO, which he described as “messy, emotional, sexy, and honest. I wanted it to feel like a late-night text you probably shouldn't send... but do anyway”.

DBN Gogo brings amapiano to Denmark

South African DJ and producer DBN Gogo will represent the country’s amapiano movement at the festival.

Widely regarded as one of the genre’s leading figures, DBN Gogo has played a significant role in expanding amapiano’s global reach. Her latest EP, The GodMother, combines amapiano with South Africa’s emerging 3-Step sound.

Egyptian artists feature prominently

Egyptian rapper and producer Marwan Moussa will return to Roskilde Festival following the release of his 2025 album The Man Who Lost His Heart. The project explores themes of grief, healing and personal reflection and follows a string of successful releases that established him as one of the Arab world’s leading hip hop artists.

Also representing Egypt is poet and vocalist Abdullah Miniawy, who will perform with his trio. Miniawy’s work combines Arabic poetry, Egyptian musical traditions, jazz improvisation and electronic elements.

Ghanaian talent on display

Ghanaian musician Ata Kak will bring his blend of highlife, electronic music and hip hop to the festival. The veteran artist recently released Batakari, his first album in three decades.

Singer and activist Lamisi is also set to perform. Her latest album, Let Us Clap, draws on musical traditions from northern Ghana while incorporating electronic influences. Through her Lamisi Music Foundation, she advocates for the rights of women and girls.

Congolese and Tanzanian acts join the programme

From the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kin’Gongolo Kiniata will showcase its distinctive sound created using instruments made from recycled materials and urban waste. The band's music combines punk influences with Congolese rhythms and social commentary.

Tanzania will be represented by singeli supergroup Pili Pili Girls and traditional music duo The Zawose Queens.

Pili Pili Girls are expected to make their first appearance at a major international festival, while The Zawose Queens continue to build international recognition following the release of their debut album Maisha in 2024.

Moroccan Gnawa and Kenyan spoken word

Moroccan musician Saad Tiouly will introduce audiences to his contemporary interpretation of Gnawa music, combining traditional instruments and rhythms with modern influences.

Kenyan spoken-word artist Rixpoet, whose real name is Onyango Otieno, will present a performance focused on themes including identity, masculinity, social justice and human rights. His appearance forms part of Re, a collaboration involving Roskilde Festival, Rapolitics and the Danish Institute for Human Rights.

Diaspora representation

The line-up also includes Finnish-Ghanaian musician Grande Mahogany, whose psychedelic fusion of funk, soul and rock has attracted international attention since the release of his debut album As Grande As.

His appearance highlights the growing presence of African diaspora artists within global festival circuits.

The announcement underscores Roskilde Festival’s continued focus on international programming, with African artists expected to play a prominent role across multiple stages during the eight-day event.