Afro Nation shares video spotlighting Afrobeats and amapiano

Titled Afro Nation: A Movement, the 17-minute-long film, produced by the Malachite Group and shot during the 2023 Afro Nation Portugal event held beachside in Praia da Rocha, Portimão, is now available on YouTube.

Afro Nation, held in different locations around the world, traditionally welcomes more than 40 000 patrons from more than 130 countries. Headliners over the years have included a long list of leading African acts, notably Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Rema, Major League DJz, Uncle Waffles, Kamo Mphela, DJ Maphorisa and Stonebwoy alongside global popstars such as Chris Brown and Megan Thee Stallion, Beenie Man and Popcaan, among others.

The video includes interviews with festival founders SMADE and Obi Asika, as well as performances by artists such as The Compozers (Ghana/UK), Camidoh (Ghana), Black Sherif (Ghana), Musa Keys (South Africa) and Kamo Mphela (South Africa). Additionally, broadcasters Adesope “Shopsydoo” Olajide (Nigeria) and Eddie Kadi (UK/Congo) provide insight into contemporary African pop and the event’s ongoing global impact.

Speaking in the video, SMADE says: “It’s everything I’ve always wanted to see: the beauty of it, so many people together to celebrate.”

“In the heart of Afrobeats is African culture, African heritage, African vibes, music, sound and soul,” Olajide notes.

While The Compozers add: “Even if you don’t understand the language or what part of Africa it’s coming from, you gravitate toward the music. You’re always going to feel Afrobeats in your core.”

“For many years, I’ve always believed that African music has been at the forefront, but the world just didn't know it,” Kadi argues. “We’ve set the foundation for a lot of genres that have been going on around the world. A lot of artists who are leading in other genres are actually African, and their inspiration came from Africa.”

Speaking about amapiano, Musa Keys stresses that the sound “has a taste of its own, it has its own flavour and, more importantly, it’s African. I love the groove. I think that’s what makes it what it is.”

To Kamo Mphela, the genre is “more of a feeling thing and that’s why it can exist in so many different spaces. You can have DJs, you can have rappers on it, and you can have people like me who dance and sing at the same time. It doesn't really exclude anyone. It’s everybody’s contribution to where it’s at.”

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who plays a part, from our fans and community travelling from around the world, and our phenomenal artists gracing the stage, to the dedicated teams working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the safety, comfort, and enjoyment for all,” a statement from the organisers reads at the end of the film. “Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together we move.”

Meanwhile, Afro Nation Portugal returns to Portimão this June featuring a star-studded line-up including Rema, Asake, J Hus, Tyla, Uncle Waffles, Omah Lay, Nicki Minaj and more.