SA: Big Nigerian acts confirmed for Bassline Fest 2019

The annual event celebrates Africa Day and forms part of the Johannesburg leg of the IGODA festival circuit, which includes Azgo Festival (Mozambique), MTN Bushfire (Swaziland), Zakifo Festival (Africa) and Sakifo Festival (Reunion). 

ASA and Mr Eazi will be joined by Dobet Gnahore (Ivory Coast), Blinky Bill (Kenya), Lindigo (Reunion), Sobantwana (South Africa), The Soil’s Buhlebendalo (South Africa), Mandla Mlangeni & the Tune Recreation Committee (South Africa), Alibombo (Columbia), Maia and the Big Sky (Kenya), Granmah (Mozambique) and Isabella Novella (Mozambique).

“The Africa Day celebrations are an exhilarating musical experience aimed to showcase African music, culture and diversity,” Bassline Fest said. “Under a 25-year celebratory theme, the Bassline Fest will not only celebrate Africa Day but also a milestone 25 years of democracy in South Africa, as well as the celebration of Bassline’s silver jubilee.”

Born in Paris to Nigerian parents, Asa earned fame with her first single ‘Eyé Adaba’ which received extensive airplay in Nigeria. Her debut self-titled album went platinum and appeared on several radio charts in Africa, Europe and Asia. In 2008, she was awarded a Prix Constantin Award. Her music is a fusion of pop, soul and a twist of reggae. It features English and Yoruba lyrics.

Mr Eazi shot to fame with the release of a series of singles including ‘Skintight’ and ‘Hollup’ in 2016, enjoying airplay with the laidback sound he calls 'banku music'. He has worked with big names in the Nigerian and Ghanaian pop scenes such as Wizkid and R2Bees. Mr Eazi has also worked with diverse artists in terms of genre and geography, like rapper Slimcase and US dance music trio Major Lazer.

Tickets to the event are available via the Bassline official website.