Gidi Culture Festival (Gidi Fest), the largest music and arts festival in West Africa, reveals the first three headliners today – Naira Marley, Flavour and Rema.
For the first time ever, Gidi Culture Festival will be a multi-day event from 9th April to 11th April this Easter. This year’s festival is themed “Bringing it home” to encourage and celebrate the increasing numbers of diaspora returning to rediscover Lagos during the event.
It promises to offer another packed programme immersing people in the culture, showcasing local talent, whilst pairing the the most vital artists in Nigeria, Africa and a selection of the best UK and US acts.
Rapidly rising teenage rapper Rema is set to kick things off Day 1 of Gidi Fest: The Hangout. The Nigerian sensation has the backing of everyone from Barack Obama to Pitchfork, and is firmly leading the new generation of afro pop. Rema is here to energize the gidi tribe with trap and afrobeats tracks like “Dumebi”, “Corny” and “Iron Man” and celebrate the sound of now.
Africa’s Highlife king and Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, Flavour, known around the world for his hit “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” is set to fill the pitch with legendary vibes on Day 2: Rhythm & Soul, whilst reflecting the uplifting and inclusive ethos of Gidi Culture Fest. Now 15 years into an illustrious career, that most recently saw him collaborate on tracks with Yemi Alade and Wizkid, Gidi Fest presents a rare chance to see this truly iconic performer live.
Naira Marley also makes his Gidi Fest debut this year, heading Day 3: Gbe Bodi e, and shows an early indication to the festival’s London Lagos connection. A key player in Peckham’s AfroBashment scene, he stole the show at Wizkid’s Starboy Fest at The O2 Arena last year and just sold out the O2 Brixton Academy. His controversial single “Am I A Yahoo Boy” and hit track “Soapy” took Naira to a new level after originally breaking through with the Nigerian World Cup anthem “Issa Goal”. After being arrested in Nigeria with collaborator and Gidi Fest 2019 Next Gen artist Zlatan, Naira Marley has become a charismatic symbol for the young “Marlians” who have had enough of the establishment.
Gidi Culture Festival and Eclipse Live Co-Founder Chin Okeke says:
“2020 is all about bringing it home, whilst also throwing the most global cultural celebration for the Gidi Tribe yet. A new venue, and 2 extra days, and so much exciting and important music, art, food and games to share. It’s been a rewarding 7 year journey so far and everything just keeps growing year on year, to now be considered the biggest and most long standing festival in the region is an incredible achievement. We can’t wait to welcome more new people to Lagos than ever before, showcase the best creative artists in Africa, and show our thriving hometown of Lagos to the world during Lagos Music Week”.
Following on from classic editions featuring the likes of Wizkid, Maleek Berry, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Teni, Diplo and Moonchild Sanelly, Gidi Fest 2020 is set to be its biggest yet.