The Are We African Yet? (A.W.A.Y) Festival, conceived by artist/producer Davido, stands as a vibrant celebration of African music and culture. The festival's mission is to unite communities, promote collaboration, and showcase the diversity and magic of Africa.
Davido launched his first annual A.W.A.Y Festival to build a coalition between Africa and the world.
Davido explained his desire to celebrate his continent: "Growing up, we were often made to feel unworthy as Africans, so many of us didn’t want to claim where we were from and in some cases denied our heritage. That’s not the case anymore, we are proud Africans, and we want to invite people to enjoy our culture - our music, food, and art."
The multi-platinum global superstar Davido headlined the (A.W.A.Y.) Are We African Yet? Festival at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on November 18.
Kizz Daniel, Pheelz, Lojay and BNXN (FKA Buju) are among the performers who will join the Afrobeats star/festival founder onstage at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on Nov 18.
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On November 18 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Davido performed a headlining set with music from Kizz Daniel, Wande Coal, Lojay, Pheelz, Oxlade, BNXN, Focalistic, and Victony.
The inaugural A.W.A.Y Festival was initially slated for 2022 but was postponed due to a personal tragedy for Davido.
Davido On His Rise In The Music Industry, Returning Back To Nigeria, Afrobeats & More | Drink Champs
Davido's Vision and Background
Born David Adedeji Adeleke and raised in Nigeria, Davido was presented with the Humanitarian Award of the Year at the recent Headies Awards in Atlanta.
In an accompanying statement, Davido added, “Growing up, we were often made to feel unworthy as Africans. So many of us didn’t want to claim where we were from and, in some cases, denied our heritage. That’s not the case anymore. We are proud Africans, and we want to invite people to enjoy our culture - our music, food and art."
Music and Collaborations
Earlier this year, he released “Stand Strong” featuring the Sunday Service Choir - the first single from his upcoming fourth studio album - and collaborated with FIFA on “Hayya Hayya (Better Together),” featured on the organization’s 2022 World Cup soundtrack. Davido also recently wrapped his sold-out We Rise by Lifting Others world tour.
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He's shared the solo single "Stand Strong" (a collaboration with Kanye West's Sunday Service Choir) this year as well as string of collaborations including the Songs You Need-playlisted "WATAWI" with CKay, Focalistic, and Abidoza, and "Electricity" with Pheelz.
Previous Albums
Davido's most recently album A Better Time was released in 2020. A follow-up to his 2019 sophomore set A Good Time, Davido’s third studio album sported guest appearances by Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Young Thug and Lil Baby, among others. It peaked at No.
Martell Cognac's Sponsorship
Sponsored by Martell Cognac, this festival was created to promote and foster cultural exportation and collaboration between Africa and the rest of world. Martell Cognac Sponsors A.W.A.Y.
In addition to the concert, Martell Cognac provided a unique experience for select guests that featured cocktails such as the French 75, the Swift & Ginger, the Martell Martarita, and the Pomme Highball. Martell Cognac Sponsors A.W.A.Y.
Following the phenomenal production, Davido expressed his excitement with a post on social media. “A.W.A.Y. Fest was a MOVIE!!!,” he wrote.
Read also: History of the Festival
Comparison with Odunde Festival
The Odunde Festival is a one-day festival and mostly a street market catered to African-American interests and the African diaspora. It is derived from the tradition of the Yoruba people of Nigeria in celebration of the new year according to the Yoruba calendar or Kọ́jọ́dá, which usually falls on the first moon of June (Òkudù) on the Gregorian calendar.
The Odunde festival started in Philadelphia in 1975. Lois Fernandez and her friend Ruth Arthur organized the first Odunde Festival. Ruth died at age 64 in 1997. Lois Fernandez and her friend Ruth Arthur organized the first Odunde Festival.
The festival is one of the largest African celebration on the east coast of the United States. It is held in the month of June.
