Afrobeats has taken over festival stages worldwide in 2025, here’s a look at the top 9 standout performances that defined the first seven months of the year.
The first seven months of 2025 have truly marked a historic chapter for Afrobeats, as the genre’s unstoppable rise on the world stage continues. From sun-soaked beaches in Europe to packed-out arenas and festival grounds in North America, Afrobeats artists have taken their sounds global, captivating massive audiences and creating unforgettable moments along the way. These performances haven’t just thrilled existing fans, they’ve pulled in new listeners, proving once again the magnetic pull of African music.
Based on critical acclaim, fan reactions, and cultural impact, here’s our definitive roundup of the Top 9 Afrobeats Festival Performances of 2025 (So Far):
1. Burna Boy at Afro Nation Portugal 2025 (July 10)
Burna Boy shut down Portugal 🇵🇹 with a one-of-a-kind performance that left the crowd in absolute madness! 🔥 The energy, the vocals, the vibe unmatched. The African Giant reminded the world why he’s in a league of his own 🐐🌍 #BurnaBoy #NSOW #PortugalTurnUp #OneOfOne #Outsiders pic.twitter.com/xZeTmO8Ilh
— PenaYang_vii (@Realpenayang) July 12, 2025
Burna Boy reminded everyone why he’s still the African Giant. Headlining Afro Nation Portugal, the biggest Afrobeats festival in the world, his performance was the undisputed highlight of the weekend. From start to finish, Burna delivered an electrifying, high-energy set packed with hits, from dancefloor anthems to deeper, reflective cuts. Backed by his ever-reliable band, The Outsiders, his set was a masterclass in live performance: raw vocals, charismatic engagement, and seamless showmanship. Critics and fans alike hailed it as one of the finest festival performances of the year not just in Afrobeats, but across all genres.
2. Davido at Afro Nation Portugal 2025 (July 9)
Davido Shuts Down Afro Nation Portugal with “With You” — Crowd Goes WILD! 🇵🇹🔥🔥🔥😍😍😍💯 pic.twitter.com/zzsgphSseC
— 30BG ATL💙💜💞💞💞 (@phenixcity41137) July 10, 2025
Davido’s Day 1 set at Afro Nation was pure fireworks. Known for his infectious energy and ability to command a stage, he delivered a nonstop stream of bangers like Sensational and Kante that had the huge crowd screaming every word back at him. His connection with the audience was effortless, leading singalongs, sharing heartfelt moments, and keeping the vibe sky-high throughout. It was another reminder of why Davido is not just a hitmaker, but a truly captivating live performer and one of Afrobeats’ most important global ambassadors.
3. Tems at Afro Nation Portugal 2025 (July 10) & Dreamville Festival (April)
Tems took over the AfroNation Portugal 🇵🇹 festival with a beautiful performance 🔥❤️ pic.twitter.com/eTKIfHM9aB
— Dami’ Adenuga (@DAMIADENUGA) July 11, 2025
Tems continues her incredible ascent as one of Nigeria’s most compelling exports. At both Afro Nation Portugal and Dreamville Festival earlier in the year, she left audiences spellbound with her soulful, haunting vocals and undeniable stage presence.
Tems performing Higher at #DreamvilleFest ✨ pic.twitter.com/WCQgySI4Qr
— tems 𝖘z𝖓 (@temsszn) April 7, 2025
Her headlining set at Afro Nation was particularly special, a graceful, emotionally charged performance that balanced intimacy with star power. Tems effortlessly held the crowd in the palm of her hand, reaffirming her place as a global star whose appeal reaches far beyond Afrobeats.
4. Asake at DLT Malta 2025 (June 7)
Asake turned DLT Malta into a spiritual experience. Here’s a breakdown of every banger he performed and how the crowd lost their minds.
Thread 🧵Joha pic.twitter.com/alG6roTnGw
— ASAKE 📸 (@ASAKE_GALLERY) June 8, 2025
Asake brought his unmistakable brand of Amapiano-infused street pop to Malta and completely tore the place up. Dubbed Mr. Money With The Vibe, he lived up to his name with a frenetic, high-energy set that had the crowd in a euphoric frenzy. His stage presence is electric, a mix of raw street energy, spiritual fervor, and pure entertainment. DLT Malta proved once again that Asake isn’t just a fast-rising star, but a performer capable of captivating audiences far beyond Nigeria’s borders.
5. Rema at Coachella 2025 (Weekends 1 & 2)
Rema performing ‘Bout U’ at the Coachella festival 🇺🇸#weekend2 #heistour pic.twitter.com/KgMYlAHp5R
— REMA NEWS (@heisremanewss) April 21, 2025
Rema took Coachella by storm, lighting up both weekends of the legendary California festival. As part of his Heis World Tour, he brought his signature Afrorave sound, a bold fusion of Afrobeats, trap, and global pop influences, to one of the world’s biggest stages. With dazzling visuals, infectious confidence, and a carefully curated setlist, Rema kept the diverse crowd dancing, singing, and fully locked in. His Coachella debut was more than a concert; it was a global statement about where Afrobeats stands today.
6. Ayra Starr at Montreal International Jazz Festival (July 1) & Summer Festival USA (July 3)
🚨Ayra Starr Performing at the Montreal Jazz Festival 🇨🇦🤩 pic.twitter.com/kWnLDnR52H
— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) July 2, 2025
Ayra Starr continues to show she’s far more than a rising star, she’s a future icon in the making. At the world’s largest jazz festival in Montreal, she defied genre boundaries with a soulful, Afro-soul-infused set that charmed both jazz purists and new fans alike. Just days later at the Summer Festival in the U.S., she proved her versatility again, delivering back-to-back anthems and captivating stage presence.
🚨Ayra Starr performing at Summer Fest 🇺🇸🤩 pic.twitter.com/gcVH81JigU
— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) July 4, 2025
Ayra’s performances this year have highlighted her rare ability to shine on diverse, eclectic stages without losing the core of her Afrobeats identity.
7. Omah Lay at Couleur Café Festival, Belgium (June 27)
Omah Lay performing “LO LO” in Belgium 🇧🇪🏜️
Clarity Of Mind is coming 🕊️☀️ pic.twitter.com/5fRHyqITRM
— Veinzell🌍🌹 (@iveinzell) July 6, 2025
Omah Lay delivered one of the most intimate yet powerful sets of the season at Belgium’s Couleur Café Festival. Known for his emotive, introspective songs, he created a deeply personal atmosphere on the Red Stage. His smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics connected effortlessly with the audience, especially during standout tracks like With You. The night hit another high when Davido joined him on stage for a surprise performance, creating one of the festival’s most talked-about moments.
8. Fireboy DML at The Royal Albert Hall, London (April 16)
Fireboy Dml Performing “Obaa Sima” at the Royal Albert Hall, London 🇬🇧🤩 pic.twitter.com/syoQUexuR9
— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) April 17, 2025
Though not a festival, Fireboy DML’s sold-out show at the Royal Albert Hall was too monumental to ignore. The historic venue, one of London’s most iconic, was packed to the rafters, and Fireboy delivered a flawless, emotionally charged performance. Mixing Afrobeats, R&B, and highlife influences, his set was both soulful and high-energy, proving he belongs on the world’s biggest stages. A special plaque presentation for selling out the venue added to the magic of the night, further reinforcing Afrobeats’ global takeover.
9. Shallipopi at Afro Nation Portugal 2025 (July 9)
Shallipopi performs Benin Boys with Zerrydl DL & Famous Pluto at Afronation in Portugal 🇵🇹 🔥pic.twitter.com/5yp2zSjfXl
— HipTv (@HipTv) July 10, 2025
Shallipopi made a huge statement at Afro Nation Portugal, bringing his distinct Pluto Presido street-hop style to one of the genre’s most important international stages. His set was packed with viral anthems and the kind of wild, unfiltered energy that has made him a fan favorite. For a relatively new act, his ability to command a massive crowd and hold his own among Afrobeats heavyweights was seriously impressive, and a sign of big things ahead.
In conclusion, the first seven months of 2025 has proven, once again, that Afrobeats isn’t a passing trend or regional sound, it’s a global cultural force. These Afrobeats performances at the festival stages captured hearts and moved bodies around the world, and with the rest of the year, 2025 still ahead, it is evident to say that Afrobeats is just getting started.
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