Afrobeat stars Ayra Starr, Ruger, and Shallipopi will take centre stage at the debut of Afro Nation Punta Cana, set for November 7 to 9, 2025.
The new edition of the global Black music and culture festival will bring Afrobeats, Amapiano, dancehall, hip-hop, and more to the scenic beaches of the Dominican Republic in a vibrant three-day celebration.
Since launching in 2019, Afro Nation has become one of the world’s top festivals for fans of global Black music, hosting editions in Europe, Africa, the United States, and Puerto Rico. Now in its fifth year, the festival is returning to the Caribbean with an intimate and immersive experience.
The 2025 headliners include Afropop sensation Ayra Starr, celebrated for hits like “Rush” and “Bloody Samaritan,” American rap artist Sexyy Red, and South African amapiano pioneer DJ Maphorisa. Ruger, known for tracks such as “Bounce” and “Asiwaju,” and Shallipopi, whose blend of street slang and catchy hooks has won him fans worldwide, will join the lineup alongside South African DJ duo TxC, Major Lazer’s Walshy Fire, and UK-based artist Odeal. More acts will be announced in the lead-up to the festival.
The event will take place across three venues in Punta Cana. The first two days will be hosted at Pearl Beach Club, renowned for its high-energy beach parties, while the finale will be held at El Dorado Waterpark, featuring live performances, water attractions, and dynamic staging.
Afro Nation Punta Cana will offer a vacation-style festival experience, with partner resorts providing exclusive packages, daily activities, on-site dining, and easy transport to venues. The Caribbean location also holds cultural significance, reflecting deep musical and ancestral connections between the region and Africa.
In addition to music, the festival will feature pop-up markets with Black-owned brands, dance workshops, exclusive merchandise, and a showcase of Afrocentric fashion.
Tickets will go on sale soon, with early bird packages expected to sell out quickly. The event is set to be a cultural landmark in 2025, uniting global audiences for three days of music, culture, and celebration.
