
Performing Artists
Main Stage
Main Stage: This stage will feature performances by established artists. Examples include Shina Peters (Nigeria), Kidum Kibido and Bodaboda (Kenya), Salatiel (Cameron), Lauren Klaasen (South Africa), Rachelle Show (DR Congo), Kevin Florez (Columbia), Tich Maredza Band (Zimbabwe).
Baobab Stage
This highly energetic and engaging stage is the home of emerging artists and talent. It has shorter performances that focus on more interaction between the emcees and the audience.
AFROFEST 2025 BIOGRAPHIES
Friday July 4, 2025, Line Up
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MC Bonde - ( Zimbabwe)
MC Bonde, “The Voice of Africa,” is a celebrated MC, host, and actor with over 2,500 global
events hosted. From Afrofest to Netflix’s Clash, he brings charisma, dance, and humor to every
stage. He also hosts The MC Bonderai Show on AfroLive FM, spotlighting African music and
news.
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AJ Styles - (Nigeria)
AJ Styles is a Toronto-based Afrobeat artist AJ Styles fuses African rhythms with modern sounds. Known
for hits like “Ginja” and “YE YE,” he’s collaborated with stars like Davido and Tekno. Also a vibrant event
host, he’s elevating Afrobeat in Canada and beyond with energy, artistry, and cultural pride.
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Mr. Activated - (Niger)
Mr. Activated is a bold African emcee blending conscious rap with Afro-inspired club anthems. Known for
electric performances and sharp storytelling, he tackles social issues and youth empowerment. With
collaborations and continent-wide appeal, he’s fast becoming a vital voice in African hip-hop and creative
activism.
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Jean Assoma - (From Ivory Coast)
Jean Assoma is an award-winning Ivorian-Canadian performer, choreographer, and cultural educator.
Trained in Abidjan and New York, he founded Akwaba Cultural Exchange and champions West African
traditions through workshops, fashion, and stage performances. His work spans 20+ years, bridging
His work bridges the gap between heritage and community across North America.
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DJ Lucita ( Kenya)
DJ Lucita is a Kenyan electronic music curator known for Afro-house, melodic techno, and indie dance.
From Nairobi clubs to global festivals like Solouk and Blossom, her immersive sets and mixes—like “Zing
Zing Ratatata”—blend African rhythms with global sounds, redefining modern African electronic music on
the world stage.
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DJ Havil - (Nigeria)
Nigerian-Canadian DJ Havil blends Afrobeats, hip-hop, and dancehall with unmatched crowd energy.
Based in Toronto, he’s worked with Davido, Tekno, and Wande Coal, and rocked stages like AFROFEST.
With viral mixes on SoundCloud, he's a key name in Canada’s Afrobeats scene and beyond.
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DJ D-Ommy - (Tanzania)
DJ D-Ommy (born David Omary) DJ D-Ommy
Tanzanian DJ D-Ommy rose to fame via STR8 and Times FM, later joining Clouds FM. He’s rocked One
Africa Music Fest and won AFRIMMA’s Best DJ Africa. Known for his “Washawasha” app and Crown FM
leadership, D-Ommy mixes global beats with East African energy and innovation.
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AFTER PARTY CONTINUED
Saturday July 5, 2025, Line Up
Main Stage
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George Chukwu - (Nigeria)
HOST (AKA-Bluetooth)
TV Host of Global Access Entertainment Show on AFROGLOBAL TV.
President: Afrocentric Media Inc.
George Chukwu is a multi-talented media professional. He hosts the Global Access Entertainment Show on AFROGLOBAL Television, leads Africentric Media Inc., and serves on the Board of Directors for the Nigerian Canadian Association and the Igbo Canadian Community Association. He also hosts Schengen Story Media, highlighting the experiences of those navigating the Schengen Zone.
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Danae Part - (Jamaica)
HOST
A daughter of the Jamaican soil, Danae is a multi-hyphenate who is passionate about multiple issues and still believes a better society is possible. Former CEO of VIBE105 FM and VX3Exchange, she is a change maker, writer, cultural curator, media and business consultant.
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DJ - Flowmaster - (Kenya)
HOST
Solomon Okal (aka DJ FlowMaster) is a Toronto based Entrepreneur, community organiser, entertainment promoter, DJ just to mention a few of the hats he wears. In 2006, he quickly established himself as a household name in the African events scene working with various major event organizers from different African communities. He has witnessed AFROFEST grow into a world class Festival and is always honoured to be part of it.
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African Drums & Crafts - (Guinea)
Saikou Saho is a master drummer and teacher with over 25 years of experience. Based in Toronto, he
runs African Drums and Art Crafts in Kensington Market—a cultural hub offering workshops, instruments,
and community. His drumming classes engage learners of all ages in rhythm, tradition, and connection.
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Lerie Sankofa - (Ivory Coast)
Ivorian singer and percussionist Lerie Sankofa blends traditional rhythms with modern soul. A performer
since childhood, she has toured internationally and earned awards including bronze at the 2023 Jeux de
la Francophonie. Now leading Sankofart Sum, she continues promoting Afro-Light music and cultural
expression across continents.
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Amadou Kienou - (Burkina Faso)
Amadou Kienou is a renowned Burkinabé percussionist, dancer, and multi-instrumentalist. Born into a
griot family, he has performed globally with artists like Youssou N’Dour and Angélique Kidjo. Founder of
Ensemble Fôteban, he blends traditional West African music with modern artistry, earning accolades like
FESPACO’s Best African Artist.
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Dicko Fils - (From Burkina Faso)
Burkinabé singer and kamale n’goni player Dicko Fils blends Afro-pop, traditional rhythms, and activism.
Known for hits like “Denke Denke,” he has 12 albums and global performances under his belt. Now
based in Montreal, he leads Jaango, promoting girls’ education and social change through music.
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Kibra - (Eritrea)
Toronto-born R&B artist Kibra channels her Eritrean roots and powerful vocals into soul-stirring music.
Known for hits like “Rain or Shine” and viral performance “Laydown,” she’s toured Canada, the U.S., and
Ghana. Her upcoming album Soul Butter promises heartfelt storytelling and genre-bending sound.
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Lorraine Klaasan - (South Africa)
Juno Award winner Lorraine Klaasen carries forward South Africa’s rich musical legacy. Daughter of jazz
legend Thandi Klaasen, she’s renowned for her vibrant Township sound. From Soweto to Canada, her
multilingual albums and global tours spotlight heritage, resilience, and the power of South African music.
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Lydol - (Cameroon)
Cameroonian slam poet and singer Lydol fuses spoken word, soulful melodies, and social commentary.
Known from L’Afrique a un incroyable talent and albums like Slamthérapie, she’s also an activist,
educator, and founder of SHEroes. Her work empowers youth and women across Africa and the
diaspora.
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Salatiel - (Cameroon)
Salatiel, aka “High Man General,” is a Cameroonian Afro-pop icon, producer, and founder of Alpha Better
Records. Known for “Fap Kolo” and a collaboration with Beyoncé on The Lion King: The Gift, he blends
Afrobeat, dancehall, and makossa to champion Cameroonian music on a global scale.
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Kidum & Bodaboda - (Burundi & Kenya)
Kidum
Kidum is a Burundian-Kenyan Afro-Zouk icon known for peace-driven lyrics and infectious rhythms. A
Kora Award winner, he sings in five languages and has performed worldwide. His music blends
Burundian tradition with Afrobeat, and he continues advocating unity across East Africa through art and
activism.
BodaBoda -
BodaBoda Band is a high-energy Kenyan group fusing Afrobeat, reggae, and African rhythms. Known for
vibrant live shows and socially conscious lyrics, they capture Nairobi’s pulse and global ears alike. Their
Afrofest debut brings their signature sound to an international stage with rhythm, soul, and celebration.
Saturday, July 5, 2025, Lineup
Baobab Stage
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MC Bonde - Zimbabwe
HOST
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Afternoon Line Up
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Mr. Activated - Niger
HOST
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DJ King Bizzy - Ghana
Bismark Marni, better known by his entertainment name DJ King Bizzy, is the official disc jockey at Toop Lounge and Ricchiericch. He is based in Toronto and started DJing in 2010. King Bizzy is a professional afrobeat, dancehall & soca DJ for events such as weddings, concerts, and festivals, and in 2017, he won the best DJ award in Canada at the African Entertainment Awards.
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Devean Dixon - (Jamaica)
Devean Dixon is a singer-songwriter from Brampton with a soulful, Afro-Caribbean style. A former child
actor, she shifted to music early, with tracks like “Caribbean Boy” and “Fallen.” She’s performed at
Jamaica Day and community showcases, and uses her smooth voice and lyrics to tell heartfelt stories of
love, growth, and empowerment.
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4Sante - (Ghana)
4sante is a Ghanaian-Canadian rapper, producer, and dancer blending playful energy with experimental
flair. A Remix Project graduate, he emerged with hits like “NEXT!” and “BEGGAR’S PLEAD!” His self-
described “Jolly Rancher Rap” fuses danceable beats, offbeat humor, and diasporic pride into a fresh
hip-hop wave.
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Mūmbi - (Kenya)
Mūmbi is a Kenyan spoken-word artist and poet known for her fearless truth-telling. A Slam Africa finalist
and author of When I Learned How to Walk, she gained global recognition with the CNN-featured poem
“Dear World Leaders.” Her art centers justice, womanhood, and collective healing.
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Duperal - (Cameroon)
Duperal is a Cameroonian singer and songwriter blending R&B, Afropop, Afrobeat, and soul. Born in
Ngaoundéré and raised on Michael Jackson, his breakout came with the 2020 single “Tu es à moi.”
Known for his emotive voice and storytelling, he’s helping define modern Cameroonian pop.
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Kushe - (Nigeria)
Kushie (Oluwaseun Adebisi) is a Nigerian Afro-pop and Amapiano artist making waves with melodic,
upbeat tracks like “My Jigga.” Signed to Multra Empire, he previously featured on Mayorkun’s “Under the
Canopy.” He’s building a sound that bridges heartfelt lyrics with high-energy Afro rhythms.
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DJ D Ommy - (Tanzania)
DJ D-Ommy is a Tanzanian DJ and radio personality from Dar es Salaam. He’s known for genre-blending
sets and won Best DJ Africa at the 2016 AFRIMMA and AEA-USA awards. A former MTV Base “DJ Take
Over” host, he’s Head of Music at Crown FM and founder of the “WashaWasha” app.
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AFROFEST FASHION SHOW
Orikrea Fashion Show is hosted by Nigerian media star Oreka Godis. She brings charisma and
professionalism from her work in radio, TV, and film to this showcase of African fashion. The event
merges tradition and modern style on an interactive runway celebrating Afro-inspired creativity.
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Steven Zaïre - DR Congo
Steven Zaïre is a Congolese-Canadian hip-hop and R&B artist raised in Toronto and Texas. With tracks
like “WAÏT UR TURN” and “Dreamin,” he fuses African roots, Southern soul, and Toronto lyricism into
immersive storytelling that explores identity, ego, and resilience.
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GhCALI - (Ghana)
GhCALI (Kwabla Jacob Dunyo) is a Ghanaian-Canadian artist and son of a master drummer. His style
fuses African music with classical, soca, and hip-hop. Based in Toronto, he founded World Premiere
Productions and studied audio engineering to elevate Afro music globally.
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AFROFEST Fashion Exhibit- (Multinational)
AFROFEST Fashion Exhibit is a live runway contest where festival-goers show off their best African or
Afro-inspired attire. Daily finalists are selected by fashion scouts and social media tags, with two winners
earning cash prizes. This crowd-powered event blends fashion, culture, and celebration.
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Coalesce Academy - (Multinational)
Coalesce Academy is a diverse dance team founded in 2023 and led by Victoria Ferreira. Known for their
high-energy hip-hop fusion and unity in motion, they’ve quickly earned a reputation for powerful
performances that inspire youth and light up the stage with artistry and joy.
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AFROFEST Dance-off - (Multinational)
AFROFEST Dance-off is a nightly crowd-favorite competition on the Baobab Stage. Solo dancers and
groups bring their best Afrobeats, Amapiano, and traditional moves in front of live audiences and judges.
Audience response helps choose the winner. It’s one of the most energetic showcases of the weekend.
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Schedule
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Ozee B - (Nigeria)
Ozee B (Osazee Amadasun) is a Nigerian-Canadian Afrobeat artist who began as a sound engineer in
Toronto. Known for blending Edo dialect with AfroHipHop and dancehall, his singles like “Omo Nomose”
and “Ex Man” earned him festival slots and awards across Canada.
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Rachelle Show - (DR Congo)
Rachelle Show is a Congolese-Filipina Afro-pop singer from Toronto whose music blends Afro-dance,
R&B, and Congolese rhythms. Influenced by her father Show-do-man, she’s a CBC Searchlight finalist
and has performed at TIFF and international festivals. Her debut EP SHOW drops in October 2025.
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AFROFEST AFTER PARTY
“La Nuit” takes place Saturday night at Amore nightclub. Hosted by AJ Styles
and Mr. Activated, the event features DJs like Sound Curator, DJ King Bizzy, and Zuruvi Sounds. With
Afrobeats, dancehall, Amapiano, and more, it’s the official turn-up to end the night right.
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DJ D Ommy - (Tanzania)
DJ D-Ommy (Encore) returns for a second high-energy set Saturday night, showcasing his global appeal,
expert mixes, and signature East African flavor. Expect a packed dancefloor as he closes the main stage
with flair and skill.AFROFEST After Party - (National Event Venue, Event at 10PM Saturday)
Sunday, July 6, 2025 Line Up
Main Stage
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George Chukwu - Nigeria
HOST
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Danae Pert - Jamaica
HOST
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DJ Biggy- Ethiopia
DJ BIGGY" Full name Berhanselassie Haile was born in Ethiopia, Raised in Addis Abeba, In 1992 Berhan moved to Toronto and started working with many African musicians and dancers in various show like the Ethiopian day Festival, Bana 'y' Africa, the African Dance Festival, The Sudbury Cabaret Africain and the well-known and the biggest African music Festival in the world AFROFEST for the last 25 Years.
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AGABA Masquerade My Roots Foundation - (Nigeria)
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Bantü Salsa - (Multinational)
Bantü Salsa is a Montréal-based collective fusing Afrobeat, salsa, and traditional African rhythms. Led by
Cameroonian artist Just Wôan, their sound blends poetic kora, bold brass, and multilingual lyrics. With
global members and critical acclaim, they bring cultural celebration and rhythmic unity to stages
worldwide.
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Rayzalution Band - (Jamaica)
Rayzalution is a dynamic all-female reggae band from Toronto, founded by Chantel “Cee Cee” McKnight.
Known for powerful performances and uplifting messages, they’ve toured with legends like Marcia
Griffiths and Beenie Man. Their debut single “Hold Ah Vibe” marks a bold voice in women-led Caribbean
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Tich Maredza Band - (Zimbabwe)
Led by Toronto-based Zimbabwean artist Tich Maredza, this band blends Afrojazz with traditional
rhythms like jiti and mbira. Known for energetic performances and conscious lyrics, Tich brings diasporic
storytelling to life. He also performs with the Juno-nominated Okavango African Orchestra and leads the
album The Journey.
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Kevin Florez - (Colombia)
Kevin Flórez, Colombia’s “King of Urban Champeta,” fuses Afro-Colombian rhythms with reggaetón and
hip-hop. Known for hits like “La Pikotera,” he’s earned global recognition and collaborations with stars
like Nicky Jam. His electrifying performances celebrate culture, movement, and the Afro-Latin spirit of
Cartagena.
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Shina Peterz - (Nigeria)
Sir Shina Peters is a legendary Nigerian artist and creator of Afro-Jùjú—a fusion of Jùjú and Afrobeat.
Rising from bands with Ebenezer Obey and Prince Adekunle, he soared with albums like Ace. A cultural
icon with 16 albums, he remains a vital force in African music.
Sunday July 6, 2025, Line Up
Baobab Stage
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AJ Styles - (Nigeria)
HOST
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AFROFEST 2025
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MC - Ebone (Ghana)
HOST
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DJ Kathy - (Uganda)
DJ Kathy is a groundbreaking Ugandan DJ and producer known for her genre-blending sets and early
success in Kampala’s nightlife scene. A former music school student and ICT scholar, she’s earned
accolades and inspired a new generation of East African women in music.
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Chindo - (Cameroon)
Chindo is a rapper and singer from Cameroon’s Northwest region. Influenced by Lauryn Hill, Nicki Minaj,
and MI Abaga, she fuses Afro rhythms with bold lyrics, creating energetic performances rooted in identity,
resilience, and global African womanhood.
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Ancelmo Pifashion - (Angola)
Ancelmo Pifashion is an Afro-pop singer from Angola blending smooth vocals with soulful urban rhythms.
With standout singles like “Atrofio” and “I’m Back,” he brings introspection and energy to a rising career
shaped by Portuguese and African influences.
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DJ Freez -(Kenya)
DJ Freez is listed internationally for his work in Drum & Bass, Jungle, and Afro-house, with performances
mainly in the U.S. While details on his Kenyan roots are unclear, his electronic sound and deep mixes
have appeared on labels and platforms worldwide.
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Advocate of Truth - (DR Congo)
Advocates of Truth is a Congolese-Canadian duo blending Afro-pop, Zouk, and R&B in English, French,
Swahili, and Lingala. Brothers Rajab and Gallyna, joined by Nova Scotian drummer Andrew Dahms,
deliver rhythmic, multilingual performances full of spirit and Afro-fusion energy.
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AFROGEN - (Multinational)
AFROGEN is a bilingual youth dance collective from Toronto high schools, blending Afrobeats,
Amapiano, Hip Hop, and African dance styles. Through energetic, culturally rooted performances, they
celebrate identity, unity, and pride—uplifting audiences while shaping the city’s artistic future. AFROGEN
is the next generation of rhythm, creativity, and expression.
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MC Bonde - (Zimbabwe)
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Schedule
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Mr. Activated - (Niger)
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Fashion Show AFROFEST - (Multinational)
A celebration of Afro-inspired style, AFROFEST’s Fashion Show features festivalgoers competing on the
runway for best-dressed honors. With music, prizes, and vibrant creativity, it’s a live showcase of African
fashion and cultural expression.
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KAYO - (St. Lucia)
St. Lucian artist Kayo blends hip-hop, reggae, and R&B with poetic flair. Based in Canada, he’s toured
nationally, scored NBA 2K placements, and leads Soulstice Sounds—sharing Caribbean soul with a
global audience through music he calls “poetry in motion.”
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RevBwoy - (Uganda),
RevBwoy is a Ugandan-Canadian performer fusing Afropop, dancehall, and Afrozoku. Known for his
vibrant stage presence and cultural bridge-building, he headlines international concerts and shares
messages of empowerment through high-energy music rooted in African rhythms.
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AFROFEST Dance off - (Multinational)
The Dance-Off brings festivalgoers together for a thrilling contest of Afrobeat, Amapiano, and traditional
moves. Judged on creativity, skill, and crowd reaction, this high-energy event captures the spirit of
AFROFEST through dance and community participation.
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MAN Fongo feat DJ Dullah - (Tanzania)
Man Fongo, Tanzania’s “King of Singeli,” teams up with DJ Dullah to deliver a rapid-fire fusion of
electronic beats and street-inspired energy. Together, they represent the cutting edge of East Africa’s
thriving music scene.
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Clo Clo Claudel - (DR Congo)
Claude, a Congolese-born pop singer in the Netherlands, broke out with “Ladada” and represented the
country at Eurovision 2025. Blending soul, chanson, and Afro-European identity, his heartfelt lyrics and
smooth vocals captivate a growing international audience.