YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO MISS THESE EVENTS IN 2025; music custodian ‘s recommendations
2025 have all the signs of a year full of pomp and colour, with breathtaking events such as NYE 2025 and the Beneath the Baobabs festival ushering revellers into the new year in Nairobi and Kilifi, respectively. This has then been followed by a short but arguably deserved hiatus as venues, organizers, and performers alike prepare an onslaught of even better and more refined experiences for the concertgoers.
At Music Custodian, we endeavour to keep you up to date on all the latest in matters of music, creativity, community and culture. From groundbreaking performances to innovative summits, this year promises unforgettable experiences for music enthusiasts around the world and we are thrilled to bring you a sneak peek into the events that will define this year in music.
Kunye collaborates with Gondwana to usher in a new month
Right off the bat, we get our first major musical event on February 1, 2025. The iconic Kunye Records joins forces with Gondwana, a celebrated music brand, to deliver an unforgettable afrohouse experience.
The event will be headlined by international acts such as Shgimza, Kabza de Small, and Arodes. Partygoers will also be treated to the amazing sets of FKA Mash, Darque, Dylan-S, Euggy, Stoffela, and Tina Ardor.
Kunye takes place at Maasai Lodge, Nairobi. For more information and tickets, kindly visit their page here.

Grammy Awards introduces Best African Music Performance
On February 2, 2025 (which will be February 3 at 4 am EAT), the Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, will feature the newly introduced category, Best African Music Performance. Amongst the nominees are household names like Tems, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, and Rema.
A refreshing new addition is the breakout country artist Shaboozey. This milestone highlights the global influence of African music, celebrating the rich diversity of genres and talent the continent offers.
Sounds from Africa Festival headlined by Christopher Martin
Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens will host the second edition of the Sounds from Africa Festival on February 8, 2025, headlined by Jamaican reggae legend Chris Martin, Kenyan superstar Nyashinski, and South African hitmaker Focalistic.
This electrifying event will showcase Africa’s vibrant music scene, with over 12 hours of expected live performances. This is the go-to event for those seeking to be serenaded with powerful ballads and soulful music.

Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show
The iconic Super Bowl halftime show returns on February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, featuring highly antiipated performances by Kendrick Lamar and Jon Batiste, symbolizing the profound impact of Black artists on mainstream culture.
Sauti za Busara Festival
Stone Town, Zanzibar, comes alive from February 14 to 16, 2025, with the Sauti za Busara Festival. Known for its carnival parade and live African music performances, this festival offers a platform for artists and industry professionals to connect and shine.
Kilele 2025: Music Tech & Innovation Summit
Nairobi takes the lead in innovation from February 18 to 22, 2025, hosting Kilele 2025. The summit unites musicians, DJs, technologists, and industry leaders in workshops and showcases to foster collaboration and creativity within the music industry.
Burna Boy at MadfunXperience in Nairobi
On March 1, 2025, Burna Boy headlines the MadfunXperience at the Nairobi Polo Club. This rescheduled concert promises a spectacular live music experience, brought to life by top-tier production and Burna Boy’s unmatched Afro-fusion vibe.

Seun Kuti, Rema, Amaare and Tyla slated to perform at Coachella
Coachella 2025 is set to be a historic moment for African artists, with South Africa’s Tyla, Nigeria’s Rema and Seun Kuti, and Ghana’s Amaarae taking the stage at the iconic festival from April 11-13 and April 18-20 in Indio, California. Tyla, thrilled to make her Coachella debut, called it a dream come true as she fulfills her vow to attend the festival only as a performer.
Rema, known for his global hits like “Calm Down,” also marks his first appearance, cementing his role in elevating Afrobeats on the global stage. Seun Kuti, who first performed at Coachella in 2012, continues to inspire the wave of Nigerian talent gracing the festival.
Amaarae will make history as the first Ghanaian act to perform at Coachella, further solidifying her impact after becoming the first Ghanaian female artist to surpass a billion streams. These groundbreaking performances underscore the growing influence of African music on the global stage.
Tems, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr to headline Afro Nation Portugal 2025
Afro Nation Portugal 2025, celebrating its fifth anniversary from July 9 to 11, promises an unforgettable lineup with headliners Tems, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Scorpion Kings, among others. The festival, held in Portimão, Portugal, highlights the global impact of African music with performances from artists like Amaarae, Uncle Waffles, Inoss’B, and more, alongside the dynamic Piano People stage featuring amapiano stars. Burna Boy returns as a festival veteran, while Tems makes her headliner debut, symbolizing the rising influence of women in Afrobeats.
Afro Nation continues to bridge African music with the global stage, solidifying its status as a cultural movement.
Beach vibes and endless beats on the Kenyan coast
East Africa’s Summertides Festival returns to Diani’s Jacaranda Beach Hotel on July 5-6, 2025. With over 20 DJs and 12 hours of non-stop entertainment daily, this event pairs great music with breathtaking coastal views. This is definitely a must-attend for everyone looking to add a unique music journey to their summer achievements.

2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for music and cultural exchange. At Music Custodian, we’re thrilled to witness and celebrate Africa’s undeniable imprint on the global stage.
Join us as we make this year as exciting and productive as it promises to be. We can’t wait to groove with you at these spectacular events.