The worlds of Afrobeats and Motown are about to collide in a way that nobody saw coming.
AfroFuture, the groundbreaking festival that has taken Africa by storm, is finally making its way to American shores – and it’s chosen Detroit as its launching pad.
Set for August 16 and 17, 2025, at Detroit’s Douglass Site, AfroFuture Detroit promises to transform the corner of Alfred Street and Beaubien Boulevard into a vibrant showcase of African diaspora culture, bringing together the pulsating rhythms of Afrobeats and Amapiano with the soul-stirring legacy of Motown and Techno.
“We’re thrilled to bring AfroFuture to Detroit for our U.S. debut,” says AfroFuture CEO and Co-founder Abdul Karim Abdullah. “As a cultural and musical powerhouse, Detroit is the perfect city to launch this transformative experience. By connecting African excellence with Detroit’s rich heritage, we’re bridging the diaspora across borders and oceans through the universal language of music. This is more than just a typical festival—it’s a moment of unity and a celebration of the power of Africa.”
The festival has drawn more than 160,000 attendees to its events across Africa, and attendees in Detroit can expect that same energy on U.S. soil. It will be a weekend filled with full sensory experiences including African cuisine, art installations, fashion showcases, and a marketplace celebrating African creativity and innovation.
Bedrock CEO Kofi Bonner emphasizes the significance of choosing Detroit for this milestone event: “AfroFuture is an experience built for the community, and we can’t think of a better place than Detroit, a city built on its own musical heritage, for its U.S. debut.”
The two-day experience will be produced by Detroit-based Paxahau, known for their work with the Detroit Movement Festival and Detroit Jazz Festival. While the full lineup of international Afrobeats, Caribbean, and Hip-hop megastars is yet to be announced, the festival promises to deliver electrifying performances that honor both African traditions and contemporary innovations.
AfroFuture’s journey from its origins as Afrochella in Accra, Ghana, to its current status as a global cultural phenomenon reflects the growing influence and recognition of African creative expression worldwide. What started as a groundbreaking festival in Ghana has evolved into a movement that spans the African continent, creating spaces where tradition seamlessly melds with contemporary innovation.
As anticipation builds for this historic U.S. debut, festival organizers are preparing to announce additional details, including the full performance lineup, ticket sales, and exclusive event packages. Music enthusiasts and culture lovers can stay updated on the latest announcements by following @BedrockDetroit and @AfroFuture on Instagram or visiting Detroit.AfroFuture.com.