Ayra Starr, Sexyy Red and more to headline inaugural Afro Nation Punta Cana festival

Sexyy Red, Ayra Starr & more to headline Afro Nation Punta Cana

Afro Nation, the global celebration of Black music and culture, is officially expanding its footprint in 2025 with the debut of Afro Nation Punta Cana. Scheduled for November 7th-9th, 2025, this inaugural festival will transform the stunning beaches of the Dominican Republic into a vibrant, multi-day celebration featuring some of the hottest names in Afrobeats, amapiano, dancehall, hip-hop, and beyond.

Since its inception in 2019, Afro Nation has grown into one of the premier music festivals for fans of Global Black music, hosting events in Europe, Africa, the United States, and Puerto Rico. Now, in its fifth year, the brand is making a powerful return to the Caribbean — this time, with a festival experience designed to be intimate, immersive, and unforgettable.

Ayra Starr, Sexyy Red, DJ Maphorisa to Headline

Afro Nation Punta Cana 2025 will be headlined by three genre-defining superstars:

• Ayra Starr: The Nigerian Afropop sensation whose breakout hits like “Rush” and “Bloody Samaritan” have catapulted her to global stardom.
• Sexyy Red: The rising rap star from St. Louis who has redefined viral success with her unapologetic charisma and chart-topping hits like “Pound Town.”
• DJ Maphorisa: The South African amapiano pioneer and hitmaker whose production and DJ sets are staples in clubs and festivals worldwide.

This trio of headliners represents the diverse sonic range of Afro Nation, blending Afrobeats, hip-hop, and amapiano into a lineup that promises electrifying performances across the festival’s three-day run.

A Lineup Celebrating Africa and the Diaspora

In addition to the headliners, Afro Nation Punta Cana 2025 boasts a stellar roster of performers spanning the African continent and its global diaspora. Confirmed acts include:

• Ruger: Nigeria’s dancehall-inspired Afrobeats hitmaker known for songs like “Bounce” and “Asiwaju.”
• Shallipopi: The viral Nigerian artist whose fusion of street slang and catchy hooks has made him a fan favorite.
• TxC: The dynamic female DJ duo from South Africa, champions of amapiano with an infectious stage presence.
• Walshy Fire: One-third of the globally renowned Major Lazer, bringing a fusion of dancehall, reggae, and electronic vibes.
• Odeal: The UK-based artist who blends Afroswing, R&B, and alternative sounds with soulful finesse.

Additional artists from across Afrobeats, dancehall, electronic, and R&B will be announced, promising a genre-spanning festival experience that reflects the full spectrum of global Black music culture.

Punta Cana: A One-of-a-Kind Afro Nation Experience

While Afro Nation has built a reputation for hosting massive shows in places like Portugal, Nigeria, Ghana, and Miami, Punta Cana offers something truly unique. As a result, the 2025 edition is designed as an intimate, multi-day escape, utilizing three distinct venues across the tropical beach town for a dynamic festival journey.

Pearl Beach Club Takeover — Days 1 & 2

The first two nights of Afro Nation Punta Cana will be held at the Pearl Beach Club, an upscale oceanfront venue renowned for its high-energy beach parties and premium vibes. Imagine dancing barefoot in the sand, surrounded by palm trees and crystal-clear waters, as some of the biggest artists in Afrobeats and amapiano perform live sets under the Caribbean sunset.

El Dorado Waterpark Finale — Day 3

For the grand finale, Afro Nation is flipping the script. On Day 3, the festival takes over El Dorado Waterpark, turning its sprawling grounds into a high-octane, festival-style playground. With live performances on custom-built stages, water attractions, and vibrant visuals, the closing day promises to be a sensory explosion of music, water, and energy.

A Seamless Vacation-Festival Hybrid

Therefore, Afro Nation Punta Cana isn’t just a music festival — it’s a fully curated getaway. With partnerships across numerous luxury resorts and hotels in the Dominican Republic, attendees can expect a seamless, all-in-one experience that blends accommodation, entertainment, and cultural immersion.

Festival-goers can look forward to:

• Exclusive resort packages, including room blocks and special access.
• Curated daytime activities leading up to the nightly performances.
• On-site dining and nightlife offerings that keep the party alive long after the main stages go dark.
• Convenient transport options connecting resorts to festival venues.

Furthermore, for travelers seeking a blend of music, vacation, and Caribbean charm, Afro Nation Punta Cana offers a one-way ticket to paradise.

Why Afro Nation Punta Cana is a Big Deal in 2025

Afro Nation’s expansion to Punta Cana isn’t just another location — it’s a statement. The Caribbean, as a birthplace of musical genres like reggae, dancehall, and soca, has always been intertwined with Africa’s cultural lineage. Hosting a large-scale Afro-centric festival in this region bridges that ancestral connection in a modern, celebratory way.

Additionally, Punta Cana serves as a global crossroads, easily accessible for travelers from North America, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Its selection as a host city allows Afro Nation to continue uniting diasporic communities through music, fashion, and culture.

The Punta Cana edition also stands out for its curated intimacy. Unlike larger Afro Nation events that draw tens of thousands, this Caribbean experience promises a more personal and connected atmosphere. Furthermore, attendees will get the chance to experience world-class performances in environments designed to feel exclusive, while still retaining that electrifying festival energy.

A Festival That’s More Than Just Music

While music is the heart of Afro Nation, its influence extends beyond the stage. Afro Nation festivals are celebrated for being hubs of cultural exchange, fashion expression, and entrepreneurial innovation. Expect to see:

• Pop-up markets featuring Black-owned brands from across the globe.
• Afrobeat dance workshops and culture sessions.
• Afro Nation merch drops exclusive to the Punta Cana event.
• Fashion-forward crowds blending Caribbean beachwear with Afrocentric aesthetics.

In essence, Afro Nation Punta Cana is designed to be an immersive, lifestyle-driven event — one that allows attendees to not just witness culture, but live it.

Tickets, Travel, and What’s Next

Moreover, tickets for Afro Nation Punta Cana 2025 will go on sale soon, with early bird packages expected to sell out quickly given the buzz around this inaugural Caribbean edition. Travelers are encouraged to secure accommodations through official Afro Nation partner resorts to ensure a streamlined festival experience.

More lineup additions and exclusive experiences will be announced as the event draws closer, further elevating this already must-attend festival.

A New Chapter for Afro Nation

Afro Nation Punta Cana isn’t just another date on the festival calendar — it’s the next evolution of a global movement that champions Black music, culture, and joy. With a carefully curated lineup, stunning venues, and a dreamlike destination, this November event is poised to be a cultural landmark for 2025.

For music lovers seeking an unforgettable fall getaway, Afro Nation Punta Cana is calling — and it’s bringing the sound of the diaspora to the heart of the Caribbean.