20th Cape Town Jazz Festival Cape Town, South Africa / This annual Jazz Festival at the convention center brings Jazz legends from around the world. In 2019, over 40 artists play on 5 stages over the 2 day event. 2018 performers include Alistair Izobell, Amanda Black, Corinne Bailey Rae, Nicholas Payton, and Miles Mosley.
Africa Nouveau Ngong – Racecourse Waterfront / A 3-day festival focused on Africa’s most innovative and progressive creators. Showcasing to the world the beauty that is African art, which can be fun, fierce, innovative, with the purpose to increase joy. This year’s experiences include fashion, film, virtual reality, non-stop music, and a unique camping site for overnight attendees.
Afro Nation Accra, Ghana / Ghana has become one of Africa’s most desirable destinations, hosting the biggest urban music beach festival. Headliners include WiztheKid, Davido, and African Giant Burna Boy . It’s one of the most exciting festivals of the year.
Afrochella Accra, Ghana / Afrochella, Ghana’s answer to Coachella, is back for it’s third year. The festival is designed to elevate and highlight the thrilling and thriving millennial talent from and in Africa. It introduces an interactive event that encourages collaboration, explains and explores the culture with a pioneering approach.
Afropunk Bahia Bahia, Brazil / “It’s important for us to show up and show out for all Black bodies across the world. Brazil, having grown to be the second-largest Black population outside of Africa, we are dedicated to elevate and celebrate Afro-Brazilians”
Afropunk Johannesburg Johannesburg, South Africa / The lineup for Afropunk Joburg is insane. Solange, Masego, GoldLink, Busiswa, Nao, the Destruction Boys and more will all be taking the stage alongside the hottest female DJs, Gina Jeanz, DBN GOGO, Fif Laaa, and multi-talented creative Lelowhatsgood.
Asa Baako Ghana / Bringing people together through dance, music, and love for Ghanian culture is one of the most inclusive. He music and line up are incredibly varied hosting established and local emerging artists, playing Afrobeats afro house, funk, dancehall, hip hop, afro-UK bass and more. Asa Baako also offers an endless amount of parties and activities, surfing, yoga, volleyball, boat trips, workshops their mentionable Jungle Party. I’ve never been but I hear they’re pretty legendary, so you may want to check it out.
Breakaway Music Festival Columbus, Ohio / The Breakaway Music Festival highlights EDM, indie, pop and hip-hop music.
Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival Brooklyn, NY / Established in 2005, The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival is New York City’s largest Hip-Hop cultural event that showcases the positive aspects of Hip-Hop culture by highlighting Hip-Hop’s legacy as an agent of artistic progression, community building and social change. In the last ten years, the Festival has achieved a number of memorable milestones with an impressive roster of Hip-Hop acts that include Grammy winner Lupe Fiasco, the front man of Jimmy Kimmel’s late night band Black Thought of The Roots and VH1 Hip-Hop Honoree Big Daddy Kane. They skipped 2019, but are expected to announce dates for 2020.
Bushfire Festival Swaziland / Nothing but good vibes were felt at last year’s Bushfire Festival. Hailed as one of the top African festivals by CNN and BBC, this African festival hosts panel discussions, workshops on regional partnerships and live performances from the hottest international artists like Nigeria’s Mr. Eazi, CJ Cybos, and all-female band The SheKings Emakhosikati.
Cape Town International Jazz Festival Cape Town, South Africa / International music powerhouses like Chaka Khan, Sho Madjozi, Amanda Black,and London saxophonist Nubya Garcia gave stellar performances at past festivals. Created & curated by Jay-Z and sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, this annual music festival is a massive musical celebration. Rihanna, ColleGrove, Chance the Rapper, FKA twigs, DJ Khaled, Travi$ Scott, Coldplay and several other acts will perform this year.
DC Jazz Festival / The DC Jazz Festival, originally the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, is a jazz festival held in early to mid June for nearly two weeks in Washington, D.C., United States. It was established in 2004 by jazz manager Charles Fishman and changed to its current name in 2010. It is sponsored “with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, and by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts”. At least 100 musicians perform annually in venues across the city.
Essence Festival New Orleans / The Essence Festival, known as “the party with a purpose”, is an annual music festival which started in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence, a magazine aimed primarily towards African-American women. It became the largest African-American culture and music event in the United States.
Felabration Lagos / The annual week-long celebration to honor of the contributions of late Nigerian icon Fela Kuti. The festivities will also include a dance and art competition.
Festival International de Jazz de Port-au-Prince Port au Prince, Haiti / Presented by the Haiti Jazz Foundation, this one week festival is in its 13th year. Enjoy Jazz artists from around the world including France, Canada, the US & Brazil as well as local Haitian favorite artists such as Rutshelle Guillaume, Wesli and JohnBern Thomas.
Gnaoua World Music Festival Essouria / Discover old and new music–pop, rock, reggae, jazz, hip hop–at this music festival in one of the most magical cities in Morocco. Since the late 90s, the festival has preserved Gnaoua traditions and music. Gnaoua music is a combination of African, and Arabic religious songs for prayer and celebration. Expand your horizons at this four-day event.
Hot 97 Summer Jam MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ / Past performers include Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, DJ Khaled, Trey Songz, Fat Joe & Remy Ma, Migos, Joey BADA$$ and more on the main stadium stage. On the festival stage they also feature emerging artists such as Young M.A, A Boogie, Don Q and Lil Yachty.
Houston Black Heritage Music & Arts Festival Downtown Houston / The annual Houston Black Heritage Festival is a Texas-sized African-American cultural celebration that takes place in the heart of Downtown. Gammy award winner Monica will perform as well as Blushhh Music, Brian Jack, Endurance, DeeSmuve and H.I.S.D. The event also emphasizes empowerment and features highly-regarded speakers and discussions on topics like education, health, wellness and economic literacy.
Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival Montego Bay, Jamaica / The annual Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues festival in Montego Bay at Cinnamon Hill Golf Crouse. More than 30,000 attend to watch jazz & blues artists along with Jamaica’s most popular bands. 2020 performers include Norah Jones, Dione Warwick, Roseanne Cash, Roberta Flack, Boyz II Men, Toots and Azucar Negra.
Jazz in the Gardens Music Fest Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens / This 2 day festival will include new and old school artists. Last years performers included Anita Baker, Smokey Robinson, Fantasia, Chaka Khan, Will Downing, Marion Meadows, Chante Moore & Betty Wright.
Kaya Fest Long Beach, CA / Reggae music festival. Past performers include the Marley Brothers, Sean Paul Wyclef Jean, Cypress Hill, SOJA and Inner Circle with special appearance by Ms. Lauryn Hill.
Lake of Stars of Festival Malawi / Attendees say Lake of Stars is more than a music festival. The annual celebration of artistic expression showcases some of the hottest South African acts. Past performers include rising singer/songwriter/producer Wandile Mbambeni and Gqom king DJ Lag , who co-produced on Beyonce’s The Gift album. The festival first launched in 2003 encouraging tourism and providing an international audience for Malawian artists.
Miami Haitian Compas Festival Mana Wynwood, Miami / In honor of May 18th 1803, creation of the Haitian blue and red flag, the Haitian Compas Festival in Miami was born. This will be the festival’s 20th year, and it has been ranked among the Best in Live Music Entertainment events by Billboard Magazine. The festival highlights different genres of Haitian music including Hip Hop, Konpa Direk, Nouvel Generasyon, Kreyol and more. Attended annually by over 25,000 people. Past performers include Harmonik, Tabou, AJAKOUT, Nu Look, Kai, Klass, ADA, DJ FMA, Gabel, T-VICE and more.
Montreal Jazz Fest Montreal, Canada / The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (English: Montreal International Jazz Festival) is an annual jazz festival held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Jazz Fest holds the 2004 Guinness World Record as the world’s largest jazz festival. Every year it features roughly 3,000 artists from 30-odd countries, more than 650 concerts (including 450 free outdoor performances), and welcomes over 2 million visitors (12.5% of whom are tourists) as well as 300 accredited journalists. The festival takes place at 20 different stages, which include free outdoor stages and indoor concert halls.
Music Midtown 2020 Piedmont Park – Atlanta, GA / Hip hop, electronic, pop and indie rock festival held in downtown Atlanta. This year it will feature more than 30 artists on 4 stages.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival New Orleans, LA / This will be the 51st year for this festival. Performers and guests alike come from all over the world to be a part of this great event. Jazz and Dixieland are the focal points, but many different kinds of music are performed. At the Jazz Fest site, there are about 10 stages and show areas and the included admission ticket allows the guest to roam between each venue at their own pace on an open-seating basis. The New Orleans Fairgrounds site is a short distance from the French Quarter. Last year’s performers included Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, Anita Baker, LL Cool J featuring DJ Z-Trip, Khalid, Smokey Robinson, Sting and Aerosmith. The musical lineup is usually announced and tickets go on sale near the first of the year.
Nyege Nyege Uganda / You won’t be able to resist the urge to dance at this festival. Highlighting underground music and musicians in Africa, the annual event stands for PEACE, LOVE, JOY, and pushing boundaries always with a sense INCLUSIVITY. Enjoy four days of non-stop partying, various music styles and creative workshops.
ONE MUSIC FEST Atlanta, GA / ONE Music Fest is the Southeast’s largest annual urban progressive music festival featuring a diverse range of music that includes everything from classic and next generation hip-hop, and soulful R&B, to alternative and rock. Now in it’s 7th year, ONE Music Fest pulls together the best in progressive music for an eclectic mix of talent that expands the boundaries of the urban genre. Past performers include SZA, The Roots and Janelle Monae.
OVO Fest (Drakes Event) Toronto, Canada / Every summer, hip hop megastar Drake curates, hosts, and performs at the OVO Fest, hands-down the biggest rap festival north of the border – and with past headlining acts like Snoop Dogg, B2K, Mario, Ying Yang Twins, Chingy, Wiz Khalifa, Machel Montano, Future, and Beenie Man, it’s no wonder it has become one of the top music festivals to attend.
Pure Grenada Music Festival St. George, Grenada / Grenada is unique, and the Pure Grenada Music Festival will offer a unique experience due to its picturesque location at Port Louis Marina on the lawn, overlooking the picturesque Carenage, Grenada’s natural harbor, welcoming people, going green focus while offering a variety of musical genres of excellent standard. Although you will see some Grammy winners performing, the focus is to give exposure to local new artists.
Reggae SumFest Montego Bay, Jamaica / Jamaica’s Premier Reggae Festival. 2020 marks the 28th anniversary of Jamaica’s biggest summer festivals. Its organizers intended for Reggae Sumfest to be a testament to Jamaica’s indelible impact on music in international genres like R&B, hip-hop, soka, and reggaeton. Today, the event has no problem attracting elite performers and tens of thousands of attendees and from all over the world. Past performers include Beyonce, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, LL Cool J, Missy Elliott and Akon. 2017 performers include Alkaline, Mavado, Tory Lanez, TJ, Sizzla, Mystery Star and Deep Jahi.
Dream Weekend: Jamaica’s Premier Independence Music Festival Negril, Jamaica / Dream Weekend is Jamaica’s #1 and most anticipated music festival held on the white sand beaches of Negril, Jamaica. Enjoy 5 days of parties with high energy genres of music, inclusive or liquor and food. Appleton Rum is the main sponsor and the parties for Dream Weekend include Yush, Twisted Spiritz, Igloo, Daydreams, Dream Live and other events.
Rocking the Daisies Cloof Wine Estate / Experience the beauty and magic of South Africa for an unforgettable weekend camping music experience, featuring an amazing lineup of local and international artists. US artists such as Russ, Smino, UK rappers, and international hip hop artists Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, and Shekhinah.
Saint Lucia Jazz Festival Pigeon Island, Rodney Bay, Derek Walcott Square & Soufriere, St. Lucia / St. Lucia is a small, out-of-the-way island, but its annual jazz fest is often cited as one of the world’s best. Performances take place during the day and at night, at sweeping venues and intimate spots, all around St. Lucia. Performers include Arnaud Dolmien, Avery Sunshine, Lalah Hathaway, R+R=Now, Zara Mc Farlane & more.
Sauti Za Busara Zanzibar, Tanzania / Celebrate African culture with 400+ musicians and live performances carnival style-over four days and three enormous stages. Every year, Stone Town, Zanzibar is buzzing with music, dancing, fire eaters and an appetizing food market with Zanzibari favorites and delicacies, visited by thousands around the world.
Soul Beach Music Festival Aruba / The 20th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival will offer a unique combination of excitement and sophistication nestled in an intimate setting. Be part of the action, because our festival is sure to amaze you with sultry day and night events, the hottest internationally renowned performing artists in music and comedy, all in one jam packed weekend of music, fun and sun! Just when you thought it couldn’t get any hotter, loyal followers and newcomers alike are sure to enjoy the sexy, smoldering beaches and entertainment! Past performers include Usher, Mary J. Blige, The Roots, Faith Evans, DJ Jazzy Jeff and DJ Chubb Rock.
Soul’d Out Music Festival Portland, Oregon / In its 9th year, this festival features a mix of jazz, funk, electronic, fusion and hip-hop artists from around the world to Portland’s most popular venues. The festival aspires to unite music lovers of all generations and provide a platform for new artists as well. Enjoy Erykah Badu, De La Soul R+R = Now, Wyclef Jean, Zapp, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Noname, The Dazz Band, BJ The Chicago Kid and more.
St. Kitts Music Festival / By blending exciting music with exhilarating performances, The St Kitts Music Festival is now the most diversified musical show in the Caribbean. Performers include Davido, Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah, Nadia Baton, Popcaan, French Montana, Buju Banton, Smokey Robinson, Farmer Nappy & more.
Tampa Bay Black Heritage & Music Festival Tampa Bay, FL / This ten-day celebration includes live entertainment, exciting cultural events, relevant health tutorials, business advising seminars, renowned speakers, food vendors, craft vendors, a music fest with national recording artists and more. Tampa Bay’s annual family-friendly festival commemorates the many contributions and influences African Americans have made in our society. Previous performers included Rick Braun & Richard Elliott.
Vic Falls Carnival Zimbabwe / Party into the new year at the Vic Falls Carnival. You’ll spend the first day dancing into a world of mystery and freedom on the lively carnival train and secret bush party. An electric night of fun all the way into the new year with traditional dancers, fire breathers, and other popular artists during the final concert.