Coachella 2025 marked a significant milestone for African artists, showcasing a diverse array of talent that captivated audiences and highlighted the continent's growing influence in global music. Seun Kuti returned to the Coachella stage for the third time, performing with his band, Egypt 80.
His set was a powerful tribute to Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, blending traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds to deliver a politically charged performance that resonated deeply with the audience. Rema, making his Coachella debut, delivered an electrifying performance that solidified his status as a global Afrobeats ambassador. However, Coachella 2025 kicked off with a bang on Sunday, but not in the way anyone hoped—Rema’s set quickly became the talk of the festival for all the wrong reasons. The Nigerian Afrobeats sensation kept fans waiting, finally stepping onto the stage of the Mojave Tent nearly 30 minutes into his 45-minute performance. The initial excitement fizzled when he was off-key, obviously lip-synching, but things took a turn when the backing track faded out. Fans finally got to experience Rema’s talent on songs like “Calm Down,” but just as the energy peaked, a delay hit at his scheduled end time, leaving the crowd puzzled and buzzing with dissatisfaction.
It was clear something was amiss. The subsequent act, British dance-music legends Basement Jaxx, faced its own set of challenges with a 30-minute delay tied to technical issues. According to Mavin Records, Rema had arrived two hours ahead of time and the soundcheck went without a hitch. But then, just 30 minutes before stepping on stage, his in-ears were the wrong fit from what he had used in the soundcheck, and his mic malfunctioned. Once he started, those persistent in-ear problems left the band struggling to sync up, leading to a heavy reliance on the backing track. His team reported that due to these troubles, the performance time had to be cut.
Interestingly, Rema’s set aimed to launch just ahead of the scheduled 5 p.m. PT start, with a DJ and a crew of musicians kicking things off with lively Afrobeats tracks. After a brief warm-up, the DJ excitedly announced, “Rema’s about to take the stage!” But the hype escalated without stopping. The musicians fidgeted nervously with their gear, exchanging glances filled with confusion, as the anticipation in the crowd grew stronger.
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Tyla, the South African pop sensation, made a memorable debut with a vintage Y2K-inspired performance. Her set included a surprise duet with Becky G and a cover of Aaliyah’s "Rock the Boat," showcasing her versatility and paying homage to early 2000s fashion..
Amaarae, born Ama Serwah Genfi and previously known as Petrah, burst onto the music scene with her electrifying 2017 EP, Passionfruit Summers. With roots in Ghana, Atlanta, and New Jersey, she embodies a vibrant fusion of cultures.
At Coachella this year, Amaarae didn’t just make her debut—she redefined it! Her set was nothing short of explosive: imagine an on-stage haircut, epic energy, and a powerful homage to her Ghanaian heritage! The buzz on social media is off the charts! This genre-blending powerhouse has become the first Ghanaian-born female artist to deliver a solo set at Coachella, and wow, did she deliver! Fans were taken by surprise with unreleased tracks, rich Ghanaian sounds, and a hair transformation that left everyone speechless.
Taking the stage at around 5 p.m. PT, Amaarae radiated a magnetic energy from the very start. She donned a striking black wig and an eye-popping leather outfit, featuring a structured cropped top with dramatic oversized sleeves and high-waisted shorts that celebrated her shape, effortlessly commanding the spotlight.
Her look was elevated by thigh-high glossy boots that were as stylish as they were striking.
Minimal jewelry kept the focus on her bold ensemble—a chunky silver statement ring and sleek hoop earrings provided just the right edgy touch. But it was her voice that truly stole the show during the opening of her performance. Fans were treated to a taste of her upcoming album, Black Star, set to drop this summer, alongside hits from her breakout project, Fountain Baby.
However, Amaarae made sure to honor her roots throughout her set. In a powerful moment, she gave a shout-out to Ghana’s vibrant music scene, calling out La Même Gang, Joey B, Eazzy, Yaw Tog, and the Asakaa Boys. The speakers pumped out infectious Ghanaian trap, hiplife, and Afropop. “A lot of the music you just heard is from my home country, Ghana,” she expressed passionately to the crowd. “I love my country so much.” The response was electric!
Then came the showstopper. As her final song rolled in, a barber strolled casually onto the stage, as if this was the most ordinary thing. With Amaarae seated, the crowd held its breath. The clippers buzzed to life as she started snipping away at her long black wig, transforming her look in real-time while belting out her last powerful note.
Her genre-blending style, combining Afrobeat with alternative influences, captivated the audience and further established her as a unique voice in global music. Together, these performances underscored the vibrant and evolving landscape of African music, reaffirming its place on the world stage and leaving an indelible mark on Coachella 2025.
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