The Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Tems has officially been added as a headliner for the second annual Afro Plus Fest, joining an already stacked lineup for what organisers are calling one of North America’s largest Afro-Caribbean and hip-hop festivals.
The announcement, made on July 13, 2026, confirms that Tems will take the main stage alongside fellow Nigerian icons Wizkid and Davido, as well as dancehall heavyweight Alkaline.
A Festival on the Rise
Afro Plus Fest 2026 runs from September 4 to September 6 at the Northwest Stadium Complex in Landover, Maryland. After selling out its inaugural one-day event at Washington D.C.’s RFK Festival Grounds with approximately 20,000 attendees, the festival has expanded into a three-day experience expected to draw an estimated 120,000 fans.
Beyond the music, the festival features food vendors, art installations, fashion, and a curated marketplace showcasing Black-owned businesses. Three-day passes are available now, and organisers warn that tiers are selling out fast due to surging demand.
Tems: A Global Force
Tems has become one of the most influential voices in modern Afrobeats. The Grammy Award winner has built an impressive catalogue of chart-topping records and collaborations with some of music’s biggest stars, helping push Afrobeats into the global mainstream. Her soulful sound and international appeal have made her a defining artist of her generation.
“You Can’t Talk About Global Culture Without Tems”
Festival founder and executive producer Michael Awosanya emphasised the significance of adding Tems to the bill. “You can’t talk about where global culture is right now without Tems and Ayra Starr,” he 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”.
Awosanya added that placing Tems on the main stage reflects the growing influence of women leading the worldwide Afrobeats movement. “These two women are driving that shift every single day, and putting them on the main stage is the only right way to honour that reality”.
With Tems now on the roster, Afro Plus Fest 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest celebrations of African and diaspora culture of the year.
