AFROSON1C X returns to Accra with The Cavemen headlining 2026 edition

The festival follows international appearances at SXSW London and the Reeperbahn Festival in 2025, with organisers aiming to connect the global creative ecosystem to the next generation of West African talent.

Produced by the team behind high-profile acts such as GRAMMY Award-winner PJ Morton of Maroon 5 and Denzel Curry, AFX has positioned Accra as a hub for creative discovery and international collaboration.

Nigerian duo, The Cavemen (Kingsley and Benjamin Okorie) will headline the 2026 edition. Known for their modern highlife sound blending ancestral rhythms with jazz and contemporary soul, the pair exemplify the festival’s focus on innovation rooted in cultural heritage.

AFX has also introduced a “Legacy Performance” slot to honour Ghanaian musical icons. Amakye Dede, a veteran highlife musician whose work has influenced contemporary afro-fusion, soul, and alternative artists, will perform in this new category. Organisers said his inclusion bridges generational divides, recognising the pioneers whose work underpins the region’s music industry.

Festival programme

AFX 2026 will feature showcases from more than ten emerging West African artists, including Tommy WÁ, 99 Phaces, Malaïka, Haeven, and Tower. Industry delegates from Virgin Music Group, Symphonic Distribution, WAVVI, EMPIRE, rain.Labs, and CLIP (Creators Learn Intellectual Property) will participate in panels, workshops, and listening sessions.

The festival also incorporates social-impact initiatives aimed at sustainability, youth development, and community engagement. A dedicated networking event will bring together artists, industry executives, and cultural entrepreneurs.

About AFROSON1C X

Co-founded by British music entrepreneur Tom Russell and German-Ghanaian singer-songwriter Y’akoto, AFX aims to connect West African artists with international audiences. The festival made its global debut at SXSW London and also held a dedicated stage at Hamburg’s Reeperbahn Festival.

Y’akoto, known for her neo-soul and alternative influences, has established a reputation as a compelling live performer in Europe, while Tom Russell brings extensive experience in artist management, live events, and cultural development across Africa, Europe, and Australia. Together, the co-founders aim to build infrastructure for the next generation of music creators, blending West African and international creative practices.