Avellon Williams
KINGSTON, JAMAICA -The world is embracing AFROBEATS. There are several major recording companies from the United States that have established divisions throughout Africa to profit from the success of Afrobeats artists like WizKid, Stonebwoy, Davido, Burna Boy, Mr. Eazi, Tems, and Bujy TYE.
On May 26-31, the Afro World Festival will make its debut on the local shores of Jamaica. The festival, which will take place in Negril, will feature, among other performers, Beenie Man, Davido, City Girls, Moneybaggyo, Orezi, Emma Nyara, and Poni Capri.
Deni Sheriff, a well-known music video director, artist manager,and event planner from the Netherlands, is one of the driving forces behind the festival. Ife Ade Tokan and Toba Abiodun are his partners.
Sheriff said “The intent of the festival is to expand Afrobeat to all parts of the world, and Jamaica plays a very big part in Afrobeat. Our objective is to connect and bring everyone together as one big family and have a good time.”
A multitude of events will take place in Negril, including at Wavz Beach, Margaritaville, Woodstock, and Jungle Nightclub, he said.
Upon being asked if the success of Afrobeat globally is a recipe for the success of his event in Jamaica, Sheriff replied, “Yes. The event will be a success. We are looking forward to making this and the next events to come surpass all previous events held.”
In his remarks, he described what people can expect at the event.
“They should expect the best from the best. You can tell based on previous Afro World Festivals and [us] wanting to make this extraordinary, they should expect nothing more than mind-blowing entertainment.”
Deni Sheriff, born in Liberia, has participated in the Afro World Festival in several countries, including Spain, Dubai, Mexico, England, Portugal, Turkey, Ghana, Greece, Cyprus, and Amsterdam.
There are upcoming Afro World Festivals scheduled for Greece and Amsterdam (June), Portugal and Barbados (July), Turkey (August), Kenya (September), Cancun, Mexico (October), and Dubai (November).
Sheriff said that “the festival had already been expanded to include dates in other countries, so now its Jamaica’s time. More countries will definitely be added.”
