Afro Nation 2025 will take place from November 7 to 9 in the tropical setting of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Ayra Starr will headline the three-day music spectacle alongside American rapper Sexy Redd and South African DJ Maphorisa, both known for electrifying performances and chart-topping hits.
Ayra’s inclusion not only brings Afrobeats to the forefront of the festival but also affirms her growing influence across continents. She’ll be joined by fellow Nigerian stars Shallipopi and Ruger, adding more homegrown firepower to a lineup that blends Afrobeats, Amapiano, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Dancehall.
Afro Nation: From Ghana to the Caribbean
First launched in 2019, Afro Nation was built to celebrate the music and culture of the African diaspora. From Accra to Puerto Rico, Miami to Detroit, the festival has become a globe-trotting celebration of Black music and culture. It has previously hosted heavyweights like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Nicki Minaj, and Chris Brown.
This year’s Dominican edition continues that tradition, and with Ayra Starr at the top of the bill, the festival adds a fresh, female-led energy that reflects the current wave of African pop dominance.
A Monumental Year for Ayra Starr
The Ayra Starr Afro Nation Dominican Republic appearance caps off what has already been a blockbuster year for the 22-year-old. In 2025 alone, she’s:
-
Headlined the St. Kitts Music Festival
-
Performed at the Canadian Jazz Festival
-
Joined Coldplay on their “Music Of The Spheres” World Tour as a supporting act
She has also stacked her trophy cabinet with major international wins:
-
BET Award for Best International Act, making her only the second African woman to win it after Tems
-
Two MOBO Awards, underscoring her crossover appeal
-
Headies Award for Best R&B Single with ‘Last Heartbreak Song’ featuring Giveon
On YouTube, she recently hit a career milestone: 1 billion views, becoming the first Nigerian female artist to do so.
What to Expect in Punta Cana
With this momentum, fans can expect nothing short of a high-octane set in Punta Cana. Ayra’s performances are known for their energy, emotion, and effortless style. Her recent
, ‘Hot Body’, is already heating up charts and will likely be a festival highlight.
Sharing the stage with artists like Sexy Redd, who’s made waves in the U.S. rap scene, and DJ Maphorisa, a key figure in the global Amapiano explosion, Ayra will be at the center of a genre-melding showcase that speaks to the power of African music today.
A Cultural Movement, Not Just a Festival
Beyond music, Afro Nation is a cultural movement. The Dominican Republic edition will include food, dance, and fashion inspired by the diaspora, making it more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of heritage, creativity, and Black excellence.
For Ayra Starr, this performance isn’t just another gig. It’s a statement: that African women are not only part of the global music conversation — they’re leading it.
Final Word
Ayra Starr’s Afro Nation Dominican Republic performance is set to be a milestone moment, not just for the artist herself but for the entire Afrobeats movement. With a record-breaking year behind her and a festival built to elevate African voices, this November will be one for the books.
Fans across the globe are already booking tickets and planning trips because when Ayra Starr hits the stage in Punta Cana, the world will be watching.
