BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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For years, J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival has been more than just a concert–it has been a cultural phenomenon, an annual gathering of hip-hop lovers, and a testament to the ever-growing influence of rap and R&B. But in 2025, it all comes to an end. The upcoming edition, scheduled for April 5th to 6th at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina, will be the last installment of the beloved festival. And among the stars gracing the stage for this grand finale is none other than Nigeria’s very own Tems.
Launched in 2018 under J. Cole’s Dreamville brand, the festival has steadily risen to become one of the premier hip-hop gatherings in the United States. What began as a single-day event featuring Dreamville’s in-house talent soon expanded into a two-day extravaganza, attracting some of the biggest names in the industry. Over the years, heavyweights like Drake, Usher, Burna Boy, and Lil Baby have all set foot on the Dreamville stage, making it a staple in hip-hop’s festival circuit.
Despite its success, J. Cole has decided to conclude the festival with its 2025 edition. While no official reason has been stated for the closure, fans are left to cherish what promises to be a legendary send-off.
Amidst a star-studded lineup featuring Lil Wayne, J. Cole, Erykah Badu, 21 Savage, Ludacris, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Glorilla and more, one name stands out for Afrobeats fans–Tems. The Grammy-winning Nigerian singer-songwriter has been riding an unstoppable wave of international success, cementing herself as one of the most sought-after voices in contemporary R&B and Afro-fusion.
Tems’ inclusion in the Dreamville Festival lineup is not just a win for her but for African music as a whole. Over the past few years, she has captivated audiences worldwide, from collaborating with global superstars like Drake and Future to earning several accolades for her distinct, ethereal sound, including two Grammy awards. Her performance at Dreamville will mark another major milestone in her career, further proving that Afrobeats has secured a permanent seat at the table of global music.
With this being the final edition, Dreamville Festival is pulling out all the stops. The two-day event will feature a mix of rap, R&B, and soulful performances, with J. Cole himself headlining alongside the legendary Erykah Badu. Other confirmed acts include Ari Lennox, Keyshia Cole, J.I.D, Wale, Coco Jones, and more.
As the festival prepares for its grand send-off, one thing is certain–Dreamville Festival 2025 will be one for the history books. Whether it’s the nostalgic performances, the emotional farewells, or the groundbreaking presence of artists like Tems, this final chapter is shaping up to be unforgettable.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the magic of Dreamville Festival, this is your last chance.
