LIT STAGE 
LIT was born as the main stage of Afro Nation, with a mission to provide a major platform for African artists to celebrate and dance to all kinds of music and genres that unite us in rhythm and touch our souls.
Since the inception of our LIT stage in 2019, LIT has championed the holistic sound of Africa, becoming a window into everything hot in the motherlands and beyond; our soundscape has long gone global, including all the genres you can find under the Afrobeat umbrella: Afrobeats, Hip-hop, R&B, amapiano, dancehall, highlife, and more.
Since becoming one of the staple stages at Afro Nation, we have begun bringing our vibe into the best clubs in London. Our mission is the same: Lit brings you everything hot in Africa: raw energy and unforgettable vibes. The minute you step onto shore and feel the sand underneath your feet, you will feel your hips sway to the most infectious rhythms of Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, and R'nB.
BURNA BOY
Burna Boy, the Grammy-winning giant of African artists, is set to make his fourth appearance at Afro Nation, further solidifying his global Afrobeats dominance. Known for his electrifying performances and hits like "Last Last" and "Ye," Burna Boy continues to be a major highlight of the festival’s lineup
TEMS
Tems, the Nigerian sensation known for her soul-stirring hits like "Essence," is set to make a groundbreaking debut as a headliner at Afro Nation 2025! Expect an electrifying performance showcasing her dynamic range and captivating presence, promising an unforgettable experience as she takes the global stage by storm.
DAVIDO
Davido takes center stage as our headliner, bringing the magic of his latest album 5ive to life! This special performance aligns perfectly with the festival’s 5th-year anniversary, making it a celebration of milestones, music, and unforgettable moments. Get ready for a night where 5ive meets five years of festival greatness
MARY J BLIGE
A true icon of music and culture, Mary J. Blige is a Grammy and Emmy Award-winning, Oscar-nominated artist, actress, producer, and entrepreneur. With a legacy built on inspiration, transformation, and empowerment, she has defined generations with her soulful sound and powerful storytelling. Boasting eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (from 37 nominations), an Emmy, two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination, Blige stands as a global superstar whose influence transcends music. Get ready for an unforgettable performance from the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul at AfroNation!
BOOBA
Booba, the legendary French rap icon, brings his commanding presence and unmatched lyrical prowess to the stage. With a career spanning decades and a global fanbase, he’s set to deliver a powerhouse performance that blends his signature style with electrifying energy. Don’t miss this unforgettable set from one of hip-hop’s greatest!
AMAARAE
Amaarae is a critically acclaimed global singer & songwriter with her roots firmly planted in Afro-pop. Merging her unique alte sounds with R&B, rap, Eastern, baile funk, and other global influences, she has garnered accolades since her debut album, THE ANGEL YOU DON'T KNOW, landed on top of international best music lists in 2021.
DEXTA DAPS
Dexta Daps, the Jamaican dancehall sensation, is known for his smooth vocals and unforgettable hits that blend passion, rhythm, and emotion. With a career full of chart-topping tracks, he’s ready to bring his signature energy and sultry sounds to the stage for an electrifying performance you won’t want to miss
FRANGLISH
Franglish is a French-Congolese rapper known for blending French lyrics with melodic Afrobeat and hip-hop influences. Rising to fame with hits like "Petit Diamant" and "My Salsa," his smooth flow and infectious beats have made him a prominent figure in the French urban music scene. Franglish continues to gain international recognition, and we can't wait to see him light up the Lit Stage this year.
GABZY
Gabzy is a British-Nigerian artist known for his smooth fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and soulful melodies. His emotive lyrics and captivating vocals shine in tracks like "Hold My Hand" and "Stay." With a growing fanbase, Gabzy is recognized for his heartfelt sound and unique contribution to contemporary Afro-R&B.
INNOSS'B
Innoss'B is a Congolese singer and dancer who fuses Afrobeats, Soukous, and traditional Congolese rhythms. Known for his breakout hit "Yope" and its global remix featuring Diamond Platnumz, he has become a leading voice in African music. Innoss'B's energetic style and danceable beats have earned him international acclaim.
JOÉ DWÈT FILÉ
Joé Dwèt Filé, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer, is renowned for his smooth blend of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, R&B, and heartfelt lyrics. With his soulful voice and captivating stage presence, he’s ready to deliver an unforgettable performance that will leave the audience spellbound
JUNE FREEDOM
June Freedom is a genre-bending artist whose sonic tapestry blends Afro-Latin rhythms, alt-pop, R&B, and worldbeat. Born in Boston and raised in Cape Verde, his music reflects a rich cultural journey across continents. As a transatlantic artist, June connects with a global audience through his multilingual approach, singing in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Kriolu.
NAZA
Naza (IPA: [naza]) is a French rapper and singer of Congolese descent. He is signed to Bomayé Musik and has released three albums, Incroyable (2017), C'est la loi (2018), and Bénef (2019). He is known to make songs with his best friend, French rapper KeBlack
RONISIA
Ronisia, the sensational French-Cape Verdean artist, captivates audiences with her soulful voice and heartfelt melodies. Blending Afropop, R&B, and urban influences, she’s ready to bring her signature sound and electrifying energy to the stage!
ODEAL
Odeal’s genre-surfing sound reflects his nomadic past. Born in Germany and raised between Nigeria, Spain, and the UK, the artist moved back to London in 2017, shortly before releasing his debut EP ‘Need Time’ (2017) and ‘Pragma.’ Showcasing his blend of mellow R&B and rhythmic pulses referencing Nigerian styles, these projects helped to cement Odeal as a pioneering force in the UK’s burgeoning Alté music scene. Since then, he’s worked on collaborative projects with Nigerian-born, London-based artist Marzi and his collective OVMBR.
QING MADI
Qing Madi, whose name translates into powerful, feminine (Qing), and heaven (Madi), is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and entertainer shaping the future of music with her unique genre-bending fusion of afrobeat, pop, soul, and R. The Nigerian artist is a master of her craft with nearly a decade of experience, having launched her career at 7 years old. Influenced by the lyrical arrangements and overall artistry of Kendrick Lamar, Qing Madi is looking to irrevocably change the direction of the industry with her brand of genius.
TIAKOLA
Tiakola is a French rapper and singer renowned for his captivating blend of rap and melodic Afrobeat influences. He is known for hits like "Freestyle" and "Mouvement," and his emotive lyrics and smooth flow have garnered widespread acclaim. Tiakola's distinctive sound and dynamic style make waves in the European and global music scenes.
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Founded in 2021, Piano People has quickly become a global force, championing Amapiano and African dance music across the UK and beyond. Showcasing world-class talent on some of the planet’s most iconic stages, their roster includes Kabza de Small, DJ Maphorisa, Uncle Waffles, Major League DJz, Focalistic, and a wealth of emerging talent.
Each year, Piano People takes over Afro Nation Portugal with the world’s most significant Amapiano stage, curating a lineup of renowned DJs and fresh, rising stars in the genre, all set against the stunning backdrop of the beach.
At its core, Piano People is more than a movement—it’s a community, putting the people and the music they love at the heart of everything they do.
SCORPION KINGS
Scorpion Kings, composed of DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, will headline the Piano People stage at Afro Nation 2025. Renowned for their pioneering Amapiano sound, the duo's electrifying sets blend deep house with vibrant rhythms. Their performance promises an unforgettable showcase of their signature beats and dynamic energy.
DBN GOGO
DBN Gogo is a South African DJ and music producer known for her influential role in the Amapiano genre. With her energetic performances and hit tracks like "Khuza Gogo," she has quickly risen to fame. DBN Gogo's unique sound and dynamic sets have made her a standout in the global music scene.
UNCLE WAFFLES
A cultural ambassador for the amapiano movement, her thirst for knowledge, creative spark, and unrivaled work ethic have put her at the top of the game and helped spread the sound she loves worldwide.
FELO LE TEE
Felo Le Tee is a dynamic and trailblazing artist redefining the sound of Amapiano with electrifying beats and unmatched energy. Get ready for an unforgettable performance that will keep you on your feet all night!
KMAT
KMAT is an emerging South African Amapiano DJ and producer known for her energetic sets and infectious beats. One of the rising stars in the Amapiano scene, she blends deep house grooves with local rhythms. Her growing influence reflects her passion for pushing the genre to new heights.
MÖRDA
MÖRDA, formerly Murdah Bongz, is a South African DJ, producer, and one-half of the acclaimed duo Black Motion. Renowned for his fusion of Afro-house beats and electronic elements, MÖRDA's solo career showcases his unique sound and innovative artistry, making him a standout in the global music scene.
NKOSAZANA DAUGHTER
Nkosazana Daughter is a South African singer and songwriter. Nzama gained national recognition after she released her 14-track debut album that featured notable artists such as DJ Maphorisa, Makhadzi, Master KG, Kabza de Small, Tyler ICU, Major League DJz, Young Jonn, Chronical Deep, and others. In June 2023, her debut studio album was released, charted at number 34 on Spotify's Top Albums, and debuted at number 3 in South Africa.
OSKIDO
Oskido is a legendary South African DJ, producer, and pioneer of the Kwaito and Afro-house genres. With a career spanning over three decades, he's been instrumental in shaping South Africa's music landscape. As the founder of Kalawa Jazmee Records, Oskido has nurtured countless talents, solidifying his legacy in African music.
SCOTS MAPHUMA
Scotts Maphuma, a pioneer in the Amapiano scene, is known for his infectious beats and dynamic stage presence that always gets the crowd moving. This year, he’s bringing something truly special to the festival as he goes back-to-back with Lee Mckrazy for the first time ever. Together, they’ll deliver an unforgettable, high-energy performance that will make history and keep the dance floor buzzing all night long
LEE MCKRAZY
Lee Mckrazy, a rising star in the Amapiano world, is celebrated for his fresh sound and ability to command any stage with his high-energy performances. This year, he’s making history by going back-to-back with Scotts Maphuma for the first time ever. Together, they’ll create an electrifying synergy that promises to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience and keep the crowd dancing until the very end
ROSEY GOLD
Rosey Gold, a European-based South African DJ and producer, has quickly made a name for herself on the international music scene, performing in countries like Tanzania, Germany, and Canada. Known for her electrifying DJ sets blending Amapiano, Gqom, and House, she debuted with the hit track "Kanye West" and followed up with her 2023 E.P. "Deep Rooted," featuring standout tracks like "Toxic Drumz." Raised during the final years of Apartheid, Rosey Gold is passionate about sharing Southern African sounds globally. She holds a monthly residency on Rinse FM and runs her own event series, "Deep Rooted."
SHAKES & LES
Shakes & Les are a dynamic South African DJ and producer duo known for their innovative blend of Amapiano and house music. Their energetic performances and catchy tracks have made them standout figures in the electronic music scene. Shakes & Les continue to captivate audiences with their unique sound and rhythmic flair.
VIGRO DEEP
Vigro Deep is a prominent South African DJ and producer known for his deep house and Amapiano fusion. Known for his intricate beats and smooth rhythms, he has made a significant impact on the electronic music scene. His innovative sound and compelling performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
YOUNG STUNNA
Having only risen to fame for his Amapiano music in 2021, his debut album “Notumato” received critical acclaim and won Best Amapiano Album at the 2022 South Africa Music Awards (SAMA). Within this project, his single “Adiwele” reached number 1 across South African radio and he has featured on many of South Africa’s biggest hit songs, including “Bopha” by Mellow and Sleazy and more recently “SETE” by K.O. In 2022, he also won a SAMA for TikTok Viral Song of the Year and for Best Selling Artist. His recent nomination for a BET Award as Best New International Act reflects his growing international fanbase as he continues to tour worldwide.
THE THERAPIST
The Therapist is a rising star in the Amapiano scene, blending soulful melodies with infectious grooves that captivate audiences worldwide. Don’t miss his magnetic performance, bringing fresh vibes to the dance floor!
