Africa has always had a loud voice, but lately, it is getting louder. If you haven’t already been to one of the many music festivals that seem to crop up all over the place, you’re missing out.
Don’t know what we are on about, but love the way that music makes you feel? Check out our list of the top music festivals in Africa and get ready to party.
Lake of Stars, Malawi
Held at the Chintheche Inn on the picturesque banks of Lake Malawi, this diverse event celebrated its 15th anniversary this year. From Indie Pop to Afro Rock, you’ll find inspiring music to suit every taste.
Add engaging workshops and seminars to the mix, and it’s not hard to see why this beloved festival has won so many awards – plus you can pass it off as being an educational experience. Held over 3 days you can dance in the dust and then take a dip in the lake, what’s not to like?
Bushfire, Swaziland
Bushfire, held in the town of Malkerns, is one of the best-known events on the African music scene. Besides, it won the 2017 Best Responsible Event at the 2017 African Responsible Tourism Awards.
Expect to feel great about yourself as you enjoy music, poetry, dance, theatre and visual arts since all profits go directly to charity. CNN called this one of the “7 African music festivals you have to see” and who are we to argue? Do it.
Felabration, Nigeria
Yeni Kuti organised the first Felabration back in 1998, in honour of her father Fela Kuti. The Nigerian-born activist and Afrobeat pioneer had a wide global influence. Felabration is held at the New Afrika Shrine in the city of Ikeja in October, during the week of his birthday.
In addition to world-class local acts and international headliners, revellers get to experience important symposia on political events, photo exhibitions, debates and even street parades. If you love Afrobeat, you know where you need to be.
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
This is sub-Saharan Africa’s most significant musical event and has been dubbed one of the greatest gatherings on the continent. The two-day extravaganza is held at the Cape Town International Conference Centre, and other locales around the city.
Notable artists over the years have included Hugh Masekela, Beatenberg and Cannibal Ox, and this festival has a bit of a feel of a giant street party, so it’s well worth checking out, even if jazz isn’t your thing.
Sandbox Festival, Egypt
Want to party alongside the pyramids? El Gouna, the premier resort city in Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera, is the venue for this celebration of great vibes in an intimate setting.
This electronic music festival is one of the hippest to hit Africa, and you can also enjoy kiting, diving, snorkelling or simply sitting on the beach and soaking up the sun while listening to banging tunes from some of the world’s top DJs.
