The growing international community will once again gather on Praia da Rocha’s golden sands in Portimão from July 9 to 11 for an unforgettable celebration of music, fashion, food, and dance.

Nine-time Grammy winner and soul icon Mary J. Blige will join Afro Nation’s headliner trio on the LIT Stage. Known for delivering impassioned and commanding powerhouse performances of unifying anthems such as “Family Affair” and “No More Drama”, Mary J. has more than earned her reputation as the undisputed Queen of R&B. Backed by her full live band, she will take the stage for a special sunset performance at Afro Nation.

Mary J. Blige will share the spotlight with LIT stage headliners Burna Boy, Davido, and Tems, alongside the likes of Booba, Dexta Daps, Joé Dwèt Filé and Ronisia, plus Felo Le Tee, LeeMcKrazy, Scotts Maphuma and The Therapist on the Piano People Stage – as revealed in the third wave line up announcement.

No stranger to the Afro Nation main stage, Afrobeats titan Davido returns to carry out another timeless performance. Serving up the hits that have defined the genre time and time again, from “Fall” to “Unavailable” and with a highly anticipated new album “5ive” on the way, Davido’s impact on mainstream pop culture around the world is undeniable. Marking this amazing evolution since first headlining the festival’s debut event in 2019, Davido will step straight from London’s 80,000 capacity Tottenham Stadium on July 3 to the beach in Portugal for a crowning moment of the summer.

“Afro Nation 2025, let’s go! It’s always love when we come together to celebrate our culture, our sound, and our energy”, Davido spoke about his return to the beach this summer. “I can’t wait to shut it down with my people – get ready for an unforgettable night! Baddest!”

French rap legend Booba, a pivotal figure in European hip-hop, is also back on the Afro Nation Portugal lineup. Recognised for his influential career spanning over two decades and pioneering the French rap scene, Booba offers an electrifying performance that showcases his distinctive flow and genre-defining hits such as “92i Veyron”, “Scarface”, and “Mona Lisa”. Le “Duc de Boulogne” continues to cement his status as one of the most impactful rap artists in France and beyond, promising more memorable moments at this year’s festival.

With more still to come, Afro Nation’s star-studded lineup spans the most influential Afrobeats and Amapiano trailblazers as well as the most exciting new names, standing as the definitive moment for the culture every summer.

Afro Nation has set a new standard in live entertainment, with distinguished events across three continents, uniting fans from over 160 countries to celebrate the culture. As the momentous 5th year anniversary draws near, Afro Nation Portugal continues to champion the influence of African music on a global stage.

Author

A journalist that’s always eager to learn about new things. With a passion for travel, adventure and writing about this diverse world of ours.

“Wisdom begins in wonder” -  Socrates

Kate Sreenarong