Burna Boy and Ayra Starr to play Glastonbury 2024

19 Mar 2024 - 12:51

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Nigerian Afrobeats singer Burna Boy has secured a spot in the Glastonbury Festival line-up this year slated for Worthy Farm, Pilton, in the United Kingdom from 26 to 30 June.

Burna Boy. Photo: Nickie Rose.

The artist, who will make his return after playing at the event in 2022, was announced alongside fellow Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and British-Ugandan musician Michael Kiwanuka. They will play on the iconic Pyramid Stage, which will be headlined by Dua Lipa, Coldplay, SZA and Shania Twain.

“Friday night Pyramid Stage headline!” Dua Lipa posted on Instagram, confirming the news. “I have dreamt of this moment all my life. Something that lived only in my wildest dreams and highest manifestations. I am so excited to see you all in my favourite place on earth and make it a night to remember.”

“Another jewel in my crown!” Twain posted on the same social media platform. “I feel so honoured and so excited about this one! Thinking about what to wear already… Let’s make history this summer with this ultimate dream performance.”

Since its establishment in September 1970, the festival has run as a tribute to contemporary performing arts, encompassing not only music but also dance, comedy and theatre.

Among the most patronised outdoor events globally, Glastonbury traditionally draws approximately 200 000 attendees spread across numerous stages. Last year’s edition set records on the BBC, with festival coverage streamed 65 million times on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, and 23 million viewers tuning in on the BBC’s TV channels.

African artists who have played at Glastonbury in previous years include Angélique Kidjo (Benin), Seun Kuti and his Egypt 80 band (Nigeria), Wizkid (Nigeria), Tems (Nigeria) and rapper Sampa the Great (Zambia).

Meanwhile,Burna Boy, currently on a world tour in support of his new album is set to headline other international festivals this year such as the Summerjam Festival in July, which typically draws over 30 000 attendees, and the Lollapalooza in September, known to attract over 100 000 attendees each year.

Ayra Starr, meanwhile, has also been confirmed among special guests on US R&B star Chris Brown’s upcoming tour in support of his new album 11: 11, which includes nearly 30 dates across the US starting in Detroit on 5 June and ending in Los Angeles on 6 August.