SXSW to host Adekunle Gold, Simi and Efya

The pop act will be expected to play songs from his first and sophomore albums, Gold and About 30, in what could be his first performance in the US since reports of his wedding to fellow pop act Simi surfaced online.

Adekunle Gold will be taking part in a festival that has opened up to pop performers from the continent in recent editions. "Not limited in genre or regional focus, fans, fellow musicians, industry professionals, and creatives from every discipline can enjoy a variety of musical styles at SXSW," reads a statement from the festival.

"Each year, new, developing, and established showcasing artists from 60-plus countries are represented amongst the 2 000-plus official performers looking to enhance their careers by reaching new audiences."

The American festival, which celebrates "the convergence of the interactive, film and music industries", will also feature other Nigerian acts as at its 33rd edition. They include Mayorkun, Vector and Simi. All three Nigerian acts were announced when the third batch of performers was announced on 9 January. Ghanaian stars Jojo Abot, Samini and Efya were also announced as performers on the same day.

In November last year, months after SXSW issued a call for applications, Mr Eazi was announced as a performer when the second batch of artists to perform was released.

The festival has released a playlist comprising songs from its performing artists on YouTube. It features Efya's 'Paper Guns', Adekunle Gold's 'Damn, Delilah', Vector's 'Mad' and Simi's 'Owanbe'.

Watch the video for 'Owanbe' below: