For the fourth time and the third consecutive year, Afro Nation Portugal has returned to Praia Da Rocha Beach in Portimão. As with previous editions, this year features an extensive lineup of some of the biggest music superstars from across Africa and its diaspora.
Festivities for the three-day festival kicked off yesterday, with performances on the Lit Stage from Nigerian singers Ruger and BNXN, French rap artist Franglish, Cape Verdean singer Lisandro Cruxi, and more. The Piano People stage was an all South Africa affair, featuring sets from Uncle Waffles, Focalistic, Tyler ICU, and many more.
The first day also saw the return of South African Grammy winner Tyla to live performing, after an undisclosed injury caused the singer to cancel her tour. Tyla performed songs off her eponymous debut album to the thousands of festival goers present, closing out her set with a typically vibrant performance of her uber-hit song, “Water.”
Nigerian singer Asake closed out the first day with a headline set packed with hit songs. Taking the term Lit Stage literally, he appeared on stage with a flamethrower.
In the highlight of the night, he brought out British rapper Central Cee to perform their new single, “Wave,” for the very first time. It was an invigorating surprise that drew roars of acceptance from the crowd, and even Asake seemed to be having the time of his life, as he lifted Central Cee off the ground soon after he hit the stage.
