The organizers of Afro Nation, the world’s largest Afrobeats event, have canceled their highly anticipated show in Nigeria.
Afro Nation is a yearly celebration of Africans in the diaspora. The festival is widely considered as one of the world’s largest music festivals.
Afro Nation organizers confirmed the date and location of their first-ever performance in Nigeria in September.
They stated that the performance would take place on December 19 and 20 at Tafawa Balewa Square.
However, according to Smade, co-founder of Afro Nation, the two-day festival will no longer take place.
Although the organizers could not provide any explanation for their decision, they did express their disappointment at the cancellation.
“Unfortunately the Afro Nation Nigeria festival in Lagos will now not be taking place. As event organisers, we hold ourselves to extremely high standards and it has become clear to us that it is currently not possible to deliver a show that is of the quality that Nigeria deserves in December 2023, the statement reads.
“We are honoured to play our part in the Afrobeats community. providing a platform for artists to connect with fans and to create events that have such a positive impact on the culture, globally, as well as launching the Afrobeats chart in the US and the UK.
“We have put on incredible shows in Portugal, Ghana, Puerto Rico. Miami and Detroit but Nigeria holds a special place in our hearts, so we are heartbroken not to be able to celebrate with you this year.
“Please know, we are 188% committed to creating an Afro Nation show in Lagos that we can all be proud of.
“We know that you are as disappointed as we are and to all those who have purchased tickets, we love you and thank you for supporting us on this journey.
“We will refund all tickets including booking fees. Ticket buyers do not need to do anything but will receive an email with information outlining the refund process.”
The Afro Nation festival debuted four years ago in Portugal.
The festival was founded by Obi Asika and Smade, in association with BBC 1 Xtra. It is produced by Live Nation, Event Horizon, Smade Entertainment, and Memories of Tomorrow.
