Afro+ Fest, the East Coast festival celebrated the full spectrum of global Black music and culture and made history on Sunday, August 31, drawing an estimated 20,000 attendees to RFK Festival Grounds in Washington, D.C. True to its promise of “Africa, plus more,” the festival united artists and fans from across the diaspora for a daylong celebration spanning Afrobeats, hip-hop, dancehall, soca, R&B, amapiano, fashion, art and cuisine.

Gunna delivered a high-energy set, telling fans, “This is Afro+ Fest. It’s the first of many.” In a surprise moment, Wizkid joined Gunna on stage for the first-ever live performance of their Turbo-produced anthem, “Forever Be Mine,” a rare Afrobeats and U.S. hip-hop collaboration. The performance held special significance, as Gunna has yet to announce a tour for his critically acclaimed album “The Last Wun,” making Afro+ Fest his first major live appearance since the album’s release.

Asake closed the festival with a full live ensemble and choreographed dancers, featuring percussion, keys, strings, horns and vocalists. “You know D.C. is my favorite place in America,” Asake told the crowd to thunderous cheers.

Festival-goers waved flags from Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Haiti, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, the United States and more—creating a vivid mosaic of global Black pride and unity. On social platforms, attendees praised the atmosphere, with many saying the energy felt like Lagos or Accra.

Founder and executive producer Michael Awosanya declared: “The block party we dreamed about for a decade became reality, and it exceeded every expectation. This sold-out debut proved that Afro+ Fest is not just an event—it’s a movement.” With vital support from Mayor Muriel Bowser and Events DC, Afro+ Fest generated meaningful visibility and opportunities for local businesses, Black-owned brands and creators. “This was only the beginning,” said Awosanya. “Afro+ Fest is here to stay.”