Seattle summer is getting a funky new twist with the first ever Afrobeats festival coming to the city! BLASTFEST will be showcasing the hottest artists right now coming out of Africa with big name headlining acts Asake and Tiwa Savage. For one day only, on July 29, BLASTFEST will be taking over the iconic Fisher Pavilion at the Seattle Center to celebrate music, culture, and diversity.
BLASTMART Highlights Black-Owned Businesses
On top of the music, there will be a vendor market called BLASTMART which will give Black-owned businesses an opportunity to connect with folks from around the world. Companies featured in the market include Kairos Timepieces, R.A.V.E. Jewellery, the world’s first luxury fitness system ATLEXO, The 234 Project Foundation which empowers young Nigerians, Afropolitan who is building a digital network to help Africans build abundant lives, as well as MIZIZI – meaning roots in Swahili, they are the official streetwear brand for the African diaspora. You can check out these vendors as well as official BLASTFEST merchandise in the festival marketplace.
Pre-Game and After-Parties
Aside from just the events on the day of, there will be a whole weekend full of activities. On Friday, you can hit the Afrophoria or Afrobeats party, or both. Saturday, there will be an official BLASTFEST after party from 10pm-2am. As well, on Sunday, there will be Brunch N’ Vibez earlier in the day with an RNB House Party taking place that night.
BLASTFEST is set to be an incredible experience jam-packed with music, culture and diversity. Tickets are still on sale but be quick if you want to go because it’s guaranteed that this festival sells out! Get familiar with the artists performing, holler at your friends, pick out your flyest outfit and start stretching so that you can bust out your best dance moves.
Buy Tickets to BLASTFEST in Seattle
BLASTFEST Lineup
On Saturday, July 29, the gates to the Fisher Pavilion will open at noon with the festival running all afternoon and into the evening. Setting the vibes for the day will be their curated Master Selectas; Houston’s Saint Nazty, DJ NiteCrawler out of Dallas, DJ Oh So who holds it down from one coast to the next, as well as local Seattle favorites, DJ Nayiram and Anzo. On top of the hottest DJs in the game, some of the biggest performers on the Afrobeat scene will be hitting the stage.
Asake
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Asake has swiftly found his way into many listeners’ hearts since his breakout in 2020 with his single, “Lady.” 2022 was an important year for Asake as he ended up signing to YBNL Nation and later picking up a distribution deal with EMPIRE. On Friday, July 21, Asake will be celebrating the release of his recent album Work of Art with a listening party in collaboration with the Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure exhibition guided paint and sip at the Grand LA.
Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage is truly an inspiration. So much so, that Vogue named her as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Fashion. Although her beauty and fashion sense has made a name for herself in that industry, her musical talents are equally as impressive. Over the years, Tiwa has worked with big name artists like Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Frank Ocean and even Whitney Houston. Nowadays she makes her own music on top of exploring other endeavors like acting and has aspirations to build out a school for music.
Ayra Starr
As a young artist on the rise, Ayra Starr has spent her life developing her sense of musical stylings. After uploading her song “Damage,” Ayra caught the attention of label executive Don Jazzy who ended up signing her to Mavin Records. In 2021, she released both her self-titled debut EP as well as her debut album 19 and Dangerous.
Focalistic
Representing South Africa, Focalistic was regarded as one of the best rappers across the entire continent. However, in recent years, he’s flipped the script out of respect for hip-hop because he doesn’t believe that he even knows what hip-hop is. Instead, he associates himself closer to the Amapiano genre which is a hybrid of deep house, lounge, and jazz that was developed in Africa over the past decade.
Mannywellz
The Nigerian born multi-instrumentalist Mannywellz emigrated to Maryland when he was nine years old. Through his music he combines his influences from soul, rap and pop, as well as his native West Africa. He combines those influences into a combination of melodies, syncopation, structured chord progressions, raps and hip-hop beats to make his own unique sound which he calls SoulFro.
Blast
Festival founder, DJ Blast is all about being the change you wish to see in the world. The Lagos-native brought his deep African roots and Southern upbringing to the Northwest years ago and has since helped develop a strong community that showcases Afrobeats and African culture in general. Let’s take a moment to show appreciation for the man who made this beautiful festival happen!
Anthony Cole
Seattle-based Anthony Cole brings the heart of the Caribbean with him wherever he goes. His most recent album, Good Vibes Only, showcases his heritage and truly sets the tone for the kind of artist he is. As an advocate for equality, unity and progress, he leads by example with positive messages spread throughout his records.
Hanani
Coming out of Arlington, Texas, Hanani uses a wide range of influences from his Nigerian parents to his diverse taste in music like Kanye West, John Mayer, the Goo Goo Dolls, and the Fugees. With smooth vocals and a fluid delivery, Hanani gives us a classic feeling through and through.
Seyi Sax
Bay Area saxophonist, Seyi Sax, has been making a name for himself with some incredible covers of popular songs by artists like Burna Boy, WizKid, Silk Sonic, and even Adele. As part of the Riddim Exchange Collective, he’s no stranger to helping curate a vibe. Seyi Sax will be celebrating the release of his debut original single “Gone” at the inaugural BLASTFEST!
