Afro Nation will return to Praia da Rocha in Portimão from 3 to 5 July 2026, with Burna Boy and Uncle Waffles confirmed among the headline acts for the festival’s sixth edition. The announcement marks another major summer event for the Algarve coastline, where the international music festival has become a recurring fixture since its debut in Portugal.

Burna Boy, one of the most prominent global figures in Afrobeats, is set to return to the festival stage after previous performances in Portimão. The Nigerian artist has played a central role in bringing Afrobeats to mainstream international audiences, with chart-topping albums and collaborations across genres. His return is expected to draw large crowds, continuing Afro Nation’s tradition of booking high-profile artists from across Africa and its diaspora.

South African DJ and producer Uncle Waffles, a leading figure in the global rise of Amapiano, is also set to perform again at Praia da Rocha. Known for her high-energy sets and viral performances, Uncle Waffles has become one of the most in-demand artists on the international festival circuit, helping to popularise Amapiano far beyond its South African origins.

Festival blends music, tourism, and global cultural exchange

Afro Nation Portugal is a three-day beachside festival dedicated to Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip-hop, R&B, and related genres. Since launching in Portugal, it has attracted tens of thousands of attendees from Europe, Africa, the Americas, and beyond, positioning the Algarve as a key destination on the global summer festival calendar.

The event typically features a broad international lineup, with organisers expected to announce additional artists in the coming months. Previous editions have included major names from Africa, the United States, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom, reflecting the festival’s focus on cross-continental cultural exchange through music.

Praia da Rocha, one of the Algarve’s most recognisable beaches, has become synonymous with the festival. Its location and scale allow Afro Nation to combine large-scale live performances with a holiday setting, a formula that has contributed to the event’s rapid growth and international appeal.

Economic impact and continued expansion

Beyond its musical programme, Afro Nation has become a significant driver of tourism during the Algarve’s peak summer season. Local accommodation, hospitality, and transport sectors typically see increased demand during the festival period, with visitors often extending their stays beyond the event itself.

Since its inception in 2019, Afro Nation has expanded beyond Portugal, with editions held in locations including Ghana, Miami, and Detroit. However, the Portuguese edition remains one of the festival’s flagship events, both in terms of scale and international visibility.

Organisers say the 2026 edition will continue to build on the festival’s established identity, combining major headline performances with emerging artists and DJs. With Burna Boy and Uncle Waffles already confirmed, Afro Nation Portugal 2026 is expected to once again draw a global audience to Praia da Rocha, reinforcing the Algarve’s position as a major destination for international music events.