Tems and Ayra Starr added to Afro Plus Fest lineup

Tems and Ayra Starr Added to DMV’s Afro Plus Fest Lineup

Afro Plus Fest is raising the bar for its second edition in a major way. The festival has officially announced that Grammy-winning Afrobeats superstar Tems and global hitmaker Ayra Starr are joining the 2026 lineup as headliners, adding even more star power to what is already one of the biggest Afro-Caribbean and hip-hop festivals in North America.

The two Nigerian stars will take over the main stage alongside Davido, Wizkid, and Alkaline when Afro Plus Fest returns during Labor Day Weekend from September 4-6, 2026. After selling out its inaugural one-day event at Washington, D.C.’s RFK Festival Grounds, the festival is expanding into a three-day celebration at the Northwest Stadium Complex in Landover, Maryland.

The move to a larger venue signals the festival’s rapid growth as Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, hip-hop, and Caribbean music continue reaching larger audiences worldwide.

Tems and Ayra Starr Bring Global Star Power

Tems has become one of the most influential voices in modern Afrobeats. The Grammy Award winner has built an impressive catalog with chart-topping records and collaborations alongside some of music’s biggest stars. Her soulful sound and international appeal have helped push Afrobeats into the global mainstream.

Ayra Starr has experienced a meteoric rise over the past few years as well. The Mavin Records standout continues to dominate streaming platforms while delivering hit singles that blend Afrobeats, R&B, and pop influences. Her energetic performances have made her one of the genre’s most exciting live acts.

Their addition strengthens an already loaded lineup featuring fellow Nigerian superstars Davido and Wizkid, creating one of the biggest Afrobeats showcases of the year. Dancehall heavyweight Alkaline also joins the list of headliners, highlighting the festival’s commitment to bringing together multiple genres that continue influencing one another.

Afro Plus Fest Expands Into Three-Day Experience

The festival’s expansion marks a significant milestone after the overwhelming success of its debut edition.

Rather than remaining a one-day event, Afro Plus Fest will now span three days across Labor Day Weekend, giving fans more performances, cultural experiences, and entertainment than ever before.

The new home at the Northwest Stadium Complex offers considerably more space for stages, vendors, food, art installations, and community programming.

Festival activities will take place throughout the open-air grounds in Lots E and F, transforming the venue into a destination celebrating African, Caribbean, and global Black culture.

Founder Says Music Genres No Longer Stand Alone

Festival founder and executive producer Michael Awosanya believes today’s music fans are embracing experiences that blend multiple genres instead of separating them.

“You can’t talk about where global culture is right now without Tems and Ayra Starr,” Awosanya said. “The days of keeping Afrobeats, Dancehall, and Hip-Hop in separate boxes are completely over. Fans want an immersive experience where all these sounds naturally feed off each other.”

He added that both artists represent the future of global music while helping redefine what major music festivals can look like.

According to Awosanya, placing Tems and Ayra Starr on the main stage reflects the growing influence of women leading the worldwide Afrobeats movement.

Afrobeats Continues Global Rise

The announcement comes during another landmark year for Afrobeats.

Artists from Nigeria, Ghana, and across Africa continue earning Grammy recognition, selling out arenas worldwide, and landing high-profile collaborations with international superstars.

Tems, Ayra Starr, Davido, and Wizkid have each helped introduce millions of new listeners to the genre through streaming platforms and major festival appearances.

As Afrobeats continues expanding internationally, festivals like Afro Plus Fest have become increasingly important by creating spaces where African music exists alongside dancehall, reggae, hip-hop, and Caribbean culture rather than being presented separately.

That approach has helped Afro Plus Fest establish its identity as more than just another music festival.

Ticket Information

Fans interested in attending can still purchase three-day passes while supplies last.

Available options include:

• Tier 3 General Admission starting at $229
• GA+
• VIP
• Platinum passes

Each tier offers different levels of festival access and amenities throughout the three-day weekend.

Festival Details

Afro Plus Fest will take place during Labor Day Weekend, running from Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6, 2026.

The festival will be held at:

Northwest Stadium Complex
1600 Ring Road
Landover, Maryland 20785

Gate hours are scheduled as follows:

• Friday: 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Transportation and Accessibility

Festival organizers have outlined several transportation options to help fans reach the venue.

The site is accessible through Morgan Boulevard Metro Station on the Blue and Silver lines. Dedicated rideshare pickup and drop-off locations will also operate throughout the weekend.

Those driving can purchase official three-day parking passes starting at $100.

Afro Plus Fest has also confirmed ADA accommodations, including accessible parking, designated entrances, viewing areas, and on-site guest support services to help ensure an inclusive experience for attendees.

The festival is open to all ages, making it one of the few large-scale events designed for fans across multiple generations.

Afro Plus Fest’s Biggest Year Yet

With Tems and Ayra Starr now joining Davido, Wizkid, and Alkaline atop the lineup, Afro Plus Fest appears poised to deliver its biggest edition to date.

The expansion into a three-day festival reflects the growing popularity of Afrobeats and Caribbean music across the United States while creating a destination where multiple cultures and musical styles intersect. As anticipation builds toward Labor Day Weekend, Afro Plus Fest continues positioning itself as one of the premier celebrations of African, Caribbean, and hip-hop culture in North America.