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Music is more than just a collection of sounds; it carries with it the weight of culture and heritage. In Seattle, this notion is being celebrated through BLASTFEST, the city’s first-ever Afrobeats festival. Taking place at Seattle Center on July 29, BLASTFEST aims to bring the richness and diversity of African culture to new heights in a city that is slowly catching up to the global popularity of the genre.
Festival founder Bobby Akinboro, also known as DJ BLAST, explains that Afrobeats is not just music, but an integral part of Nigerian culture. With this in mind, BLASTFEST will incorporate various forms of artistic expression, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the African experience. From visual presentations to food trucks and vendors, the festival will place the culture at the heart of Seattle, embracing both those familiar with it and those new to it.
The lineup for BLASTFEST is not only comprised of Afrobeats artists but also includes performers who have never shared a stage before. Tiwa Savage, often referred to as the Queen of Afrobeats, will be one of the openers, having recently performed at the coronation concert of King Charles III. Other performers include Ayra Starr, Focalistic, and Mannywellz. The headliner, Asake, is a South African musician credited with popularizing amapiano, a subgenre of South African house music. The festival will also feature BLASTMART, a vendor market dedicated to supporting Black-owned businesses, as well as food trucks and visual representations that reflect the vibrant Afrobeats culture and community.
Afrobeats is a term used to describe music originating from West Africa and the diaspora, and its influence has rapidly spread globally. Artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tems have helped propel the genre’s popularity, resulting in the launch of the first U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart by Billboard in March 2022. Afrobeats artists have been collaborating with renowned musicians like Beyoncé and have even made appearances at major events like the NBA All-Star game, expanding the genre beyond its traditional roots and appealing to fans from diverse backgrounds. However, Akinboro acknowledges that in Seattle, Afrobeats has not yet reached beyond the African community, even amidst its significant rise in popularity.
Akinboro, who moved to Seattle seven years ago, decided to bridge this gap and bring Afrobeats to the city where he had established his DJ career. He envisioned BLASTFEST as a festival that would not only showcase the music but also create a sense of community and representation for Afrobeats enthusiasts. This sentiment resonates with Somtochukwu Muo, another Seattle resident who has embraced the local Afrobeats scene. Muo expresses excitement about attending BLASTFEST and looks forward to experiencing the food, music, and atmosphere with friends. For her and many others, attending Afrobeats events provides a unique and empowering sense of belonging and representation.
With the iconic Space Needle serving as its backdrop, BLASTFEST promises to elevate the energy of Afrobeats and transform Seattle Center into a hub of interstellar celebration. Akinboro reveals that the festival has attracted ticket holders from all around the world, eager to experience the diversity and global impact of the genre. While Afrobeats has become ubiquitous in various forms of media, from radio hits to viral TikTok videos, Akinboro highlights the scarcity of Afrobeats festivals. BLASTFEST aims to change that narrative and provide a platform for Afrobeats to thrive.
To attend BLASTFEST and witness the fusion of futuristic world music and African culture, visit the festival’s website for full lineup details and tickets. BLASTFEST represents an important milestone for the Afrobeats community in Seattle, and its impact is sure to be felt long after the stages have been dismantled. The festival serves as a testament to the power of music in connecting people, promoting cultural understanding, and creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard and celebrated.
