Best Upcoming Pan-African Music Festivals to Attend in 2025

Sebastiane Ebatamehi
Monday, June 2, 2025

Yoruba Eyo masquerade dancers, symbolizing ancestral spirits, perform along the red carpet during the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Lagos on November 12, 2017. PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP via Getty Images
Africa has always been a great tourist destination. But today, people no longer travel to and within the country just for wildlife and nature, many people now travel for rhythm! Africa is now the heartbeat of global music. The continent has become a cultural powerhouse that attracts large audiences, artists, and brands from across the globe.
As live music returns to full force, 2025 is poised to be the most vibrant year yet for Pan-African music festivals. 2025 promises to be a memorable one packed with breathtaking experiences through wonderful music festivals. These festivals are more than just entertainment, they’re platforms for collaboration and Pan-African unity.
Ready to catch the rhythm or looking for a getaway outside the norm? Add these festivals to your calendar and experience the sound of Africa.
Here are the best upcoming Pan-African music festivals you should attend in 2025. Check them out!
7. Sauti za Busara – Zanzibar, Tanzania
Taking place in February 2025 at Stone Town, Zanzibar, Sauti za Busara promises to be a superb experience of Swahili Fusion, Taarab, and Afro-Jazz. The event is held yearly at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stone Town, Sauti za Busara (Sounds of Wisdom) is East Africa’s crown jewel. It champions live African music with a focus on regional languages and traditions. The backdrop of historical architecture and the Indian Ocean breeze makes it a magical destination. Notable past performers include; Nneka, Msafiri Zawose, and Mokoomba.
6. Felabration – Nigeria
What started as a small tribute to the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Felabration has grown in leaps and is bound to become one of Africa’s biggest music festivals and pan-African political-cultural movements. The event is held annually at the New Afrika Shrine and features performances, lectures, street carnivals, and art exhibitions. It will be held in October 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria, and will thrill guests with amazing performances from global superstars such as Seun Kuti, Femi Kuti, Asa, and Burna Boy.
5. Visa For Music – Morocco
Rabat, Morocco is set to host the world in November 2025 at the Visa For Music event. As a key professional music market, Visa For Music combines performances with conferences, B2B sessions, and networking. It’s ideal for music managers, artists, and promoters looking to tap into North Africa’s cultural ecosystem. The fusion of Moroccan and international music offers a unique sonic experience. Superstars like Oum, Hindi Zahra, and Aziz Sahmaoui, amongst others, are expected to make return performances and thrill large crowds with serenading African music.
4. Afro Nation Festival – Ghana
Afro Nation is the global face of Afrobeats in Africa and in December this year, it would put the spotlight on Ghana. Originally launched in Portugal, the Ghana edition has become the biggest beach party in West Africa. Featuring chart-topping African artists and global stars, the festival is a magnet for the diaspora returning for “Detty December.” Popular African superstars like Wizkid, Davido, Megan Thee Stallion, and Burna Boy have performed at the Afro Nation Festival in the past, and fans would be looking forward to electrifying performances from them and other stellar artists.
READ ALSO : Top 10 African Artists Dominating the Global Music Scene in 2025
3. Nyege Nyege Festival – Uganda
In September, all roads lead to Uganda for the Nyege Nyege Festival. The festival is regarded as Africa’s wildest, most experimental music festival. Known for its boundary-pushing sound, cultural inclusion, and celebration of African underground scenes, it attracts thousands of music lovers, digital nomads, and creators. The vibe is untamed, with dance floors overlooking the Nile and music playing from dusk till dawn. International superstars like Kampire, DJ Edu, MC Yallah, DJ Marcelle, and many others have headlined the event in the past and will be leading a host of other artists to this year’s event.
2. Lake of Stars Festival – Malawi
While booking your trips to Uganda for the Nyege Nyege Festival, another electrifying music festival to look up to in September 2025 is the prestigious Lake of Stars Festival, held yearly in Malawi. Set on the stunning shores of Lake Malawi, this award-winning festival blends music, visual arts, and development. Lake of Stars attracts global tourists and top-tier African acts in a unique beach setting that encourages cultural exchange. It’s known for its relaxed, creative vibe and community-focused programming. Notable past performers at the event include Sauti Sol, Major Lazer, Mokoomba, M.anifest, and a host of other top-performing music artists.
1. AFRIMA (All Africa Music Awards) Festival – Nigeria
AFRIMA is coming to Lagos, Nigeria in December 2025. Over the years, the event has evolved from being an awards ceremony into a week-long celebration of African music, culture, and excellence. The festival includes music conferences, artist showcases, red-carpet glamour, and a world-class awards gala that brings together top African and diaspora talent. The 2025 edition promises bigger stages, live collaborations, and industry networking events. Expect performances from top superstars like Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Diamond Platnumz, Yemi Alade, and a host of others.