BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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The Afro Jam Festival–an Afrocentric event focused on showcasing afro music to the world–is gearing up to take Japan by storm in the New Year, taking its place as the nation’s biggest Afrobeats music event. Scheduled across three major cities–Okinawa, Osaka, and Tokyo–the festival will run from the 18th to the 27th of July, promising a dynamic fusion of African-inspired rhythms and global sounds. With its growing reputation, Afro Jam has become a beacon for the global celebration of Afrobeats, showcasing its vibrant energy in bustling cultural hubs across the world including London and Switzerland.
Headlining the 2025 event are three global stars: Rema, Jason Derulo, and Shenseea.
Nigerian Afrobeats prodigy Rema, celebrated for the hot white trail he has blazed in the music industry with multiple critically acclaimed music projects, has become an international icon, transcending borders with his innovative sound. His recent musical successes particularly the global appreciation of his 2022 hit single, Calm Down as well as his sophomore album, HEIS, coupled with his long lineup of sold-out tours further highlight the global rise of Afrobeats.
Joining him is sensational American artist, Jason Derulo. In the years since he stepped into the realm of music, he has become a household name in pop and R&B, whose electrifying performances and chart-topping classics like Whatcha Say, Swalla and Savage Love have set him apart as a global star. Certainly his swashbuckling charisma and presence coupled with his oh-so-amazing voice, guarantees an unforgettable performance.
Rounding out the initial lineup is Jamaican artist and trailblazer in the dancehall scene, Shenseea. Known for her genre-bending style that blends reggae, hip-hop, and pop, Shenseea’s star power continues to rise. With hit songs like, Blessed (2022) and Hit & Run (2024), as well as collaborations with musical icons such as Drake, Rihanna and Wizkid, she stays charting her starlit path through the global music industry.
The festival will kick off in Okinawa (July 18-20) at the Okinawa Arena, before moving to Osaka’s Ookini Arena Maishima (July 22-24) and concluding in Tokyo at the Musashino Forest Sports Plaza (July 25-27). While these three acts set the tone, organizers have hinted at additional artists being revealed, ensuring an even more extensive lineup. Afro Jam is not just a music festival, it’s a cultural experience and visitors can expect a celebration of African culture through food, art, and fashion, creating an atmosphere that blends tradition with modernity.
As the global popularity of Afrobeats continues to grow, the Afro Jam Festival serves as a testament to its influence, uniting fans from around the world. Whether you’re a devoted follower of the genre or a newcomer to its rhythms, this festival promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of African music.
