Portugese music festival Afro Nation has released a documentary on the impact of Afrobeats and amapiano titled Afro Nation: A Movement. Founded in 2019, the festival’s main purpose was to bring together the best artists in Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, RnB, Dancehall, Amapiano and more. The short film captures the soundscape of both genres of music – Afrobeats and Amapiano, with interviews from festival founders and artists.
Some of the artists featured in “A Movement” include South African amapiano spearheader Musa Keys, Ghanaian rapper Black Sherif, and multi-platinum Afrobeat band The Compozers.
The liberating ducumentary which has been successful in catching the wild energy of the Afrobeats scene also features interviews from a few other artists. Camidoh, Kamo Mphela, Skyla Tylaa, and Nelson Freitas are some of the names.
What do the artists have to say?
Just two minutes into the film, Camidoh explains how Afrobeat is “about you”– how you put everything on a beat – who you are, how you feel, how you look! The Compozers talk about how even if we don’t understand the language or what part of Africa the music is coming from, we always gravitate towards the music – bounce your head and shake your shoulders! Rapper Black Sheriff addresses the festival as something the Africans should take pride in – growing up in the country.
Founders’ Perspective
We also hear the founders talk about how the music is enjoyable to all. Afrobeats historian and podcaster Shopsydoo talks about the African soul, the culture, the heritage that “simply welcomes everybody in.” The 17 minute documentary also includes other organisers and experts like SMADE, the festival’s co-founder. Along with Eddie Kadi, host of The Official UK Afrobeats Chart on BBC 1Xtra.
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Footage from Afro Nation’s Portugal events is also shown throughout the documentary, including “unreleased” performance clips from the likes of Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Ayra Starr.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who plays a part, from our fans and community travelling from around the world, and our phenomenal artists gracing the stage, to the dedicated teams working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the safety, comfort, and enjoyment for all,” festival organisers explain in the film.
Directed by Rita Guimarães, the documentary answers the question why Afro Nation is no longer just a festival, it is a ‘movement’. It explains how Afro Nation impacts people all around the world, uniting them through music.
Afro Nation 2024 is all set to take place from June 26 – 28 on Portimao Beach in The Algarve. The line-up this year features Nicki Minaj, Rema, Asake, J Hus, Tyla, and more! Click here for tickets.
