AfroFuture has unveiled Curated by Culture (CBC), a new event property debuting with Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Asake performing live in South Africa for the first time on 3 January 2026 at The Goldrush Dome in Johannesburg.
The announcement from Culture Management Group LLC (CMG) marks a bold expansion for the pioneering brand, which already operates the flagship AfroFuture Festival in Ghana and the coastal Culture Beach Jam experience. CBC will focus on genre defining artists, offering fans intimate, immersive performances across Africa.
Abdul Karim Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of AfroFuture, described South Africa as a heartbeat of global music and creativity whose sound, energy, and people have influenced culture far beyond its borders. He said CBC aims to create experiences that honour cultural powerhouses across the continent, adding that launching in Johannesburg with Asake felt like the perfect way to set the tone: bold, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in Africa’s rhythm.
The concert promises to blend Afrobeats energy, Amapiano rhythm, and vivid visual storytelling, hallmarks of the AfroFuture creative universe. Fans can anticipate a dynamic showcase of chart topping hits including favourites such as “Lonely at the Top,” “Organise,” and “Mr Money,” along with high energy choreography and world class production celebrating the fusion of Afrobeats and Amapiano sounds.
Asake, born Ahmed Ololade on 13 January 1995 in Lagos State, Nigeria, has emerged as one of Africa’s most dynamic musical exports. His debut album, “Mr Money with the Vibe” released in September 2022, broke the record for the biggest opening day for an African album on Apple Music at the time and debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200 chart. His second album “Work of Art” released in June 2023 matched the chart position of its predecessor, while his third album “Lungu Boy” released in August 2024 became his third consecutive number one album in Nigeria and the longest running number one in Nigeria chart history.
In February 2025, Asake departed YBNL Nation, the label run by rapper Olamide that had signed him in 2022, to launch his independent label Giran Republic. His first release under the new imprint, the single “Why Love?,” marked a new chapter in his career. He is currently preparing his fourth album titled “Money,” which he describes as exploring wealth in all forms: faith, friends, love, music, and experiences.
The 30 year old artist recently made history as the first African artist to lead Red Bull Symphonic in the United States, performing his greatest hits alongside a full orchestra at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre on 8 November. Backed by the New York Symphony Orchestra under conductor Glenn Alexander II, he reimagined songs including “Amapiano,” “Lonely at the Top,” and “Basquiat” with orchestral flourishes, with guest appearances from Wizkid, Central Cee, and Gunna.
Asake’s accolades include an All Africa Music Award, two Headies awards, and one MOBO award. He has been nominated for a BET Award, two Grammy Awards, and an NAACP Image Award. His nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards, which was won by Tems, underscored his standing among the continent’s elite performers.
The South Africa concert follows confirmation that Asake will headline AfroFuture Ghana 2025 at El Wak Stadium in Accra on 28 and 29 December. That festival, themed “African Nostalgia,” will celebrate the collective memory connecting Africans across generations and borders through food, music, fashion, art, and community. The Ghana lineup also features South African duo TxC, Ghanaian rising star Moliy, rapper King Paluta, and Afrobeat innovator Mavo.
AfroFuture was co founded in 2019 as Afrochella by Abdul Abdullah, with the festival organised by CMG. The brand rebranded in 2022 after the organisers of Coachella festival filed a trademark infringement lawsuit. Previous editions have featured heavyweight performers including Davido, Burna Boy, Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Black Sherif, and Ayra Starr. Ghana’s tourism ministry named the AfroFuture team goodwill ambassadors in 2019 after the festival was credited with fuelling increased visitor arrivals during the December holiday period.
Tickets for the Johannesburg concert will be available exclusively on Quicket, with early bird sales opening soon. Fans are encouraged to follow CBC on Instagram at @cmg.za and @afrofuture and visit www.curatedbyculture.co.za for further updates and announcements.
CMG describes CBC as a dynamic event series celebrating the sounds, styles, and experiences shaping today’s culture, from headline concerts to exclusive experiences, with each event curated to connect music, entertainment, and community.
Source: newsghana.com.gh
