Grammy-nominated Nigerian artist Ayra Starr, American rap sensation Sexyy Red, and South African DJ Maphorisa have been announced as the headliners for the inaugural Afro Nation Festival in the Dominican Republic. Scheduled for November 7-9, 2025, at the stunning Pearl Beach Club in Punta Cana, the festival represents Afro Nation’s first official foray into the Caribbean nation.

The lineup also includes rising African stars Moliy, TxC, Shallipopi and Ruger, making it one of the festival’s most eclectic editions yet.

 

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For Ayra Starr, 2025 is already a triumphal arc. This year alone, the 22-year-old Nigerian pop star earned her first Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance, won Best International Act at the BET Awards, and reached a major milestone by becoming the first Nigerian female artist to surpass one billion YouTube views with “Rush” and “Commas” alone accounting for over 500 million of those streams.

Beyond the Dominican Republic, the “Rush” singer’s busy schedule includes other major appearances, such as a performance at the Giants of Africa festival in Kigali, Rwanda, and a spot on the lineup for the Global Citizen Festival in New York.

 

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She has been a supporting act for Coldplay on their “Music of the Spheres World Tour” with performances in cities like Miami and London’s Wembley Stadium.