Amplify Africa announces 3rd annual AFRICON in Los Angeles to commemorate Africa Day’s 60th anniversary
AFRICON 2023 features the global Black Diaspora’s leading industry innovators in business, entertainment, technology, and more
Four-day event to take place in Los Angeles on May 25-28
Nigerian superstar Asake to headline AFRICON Music Stage produced by AfroFuture Festival
Amplify Africa has announced today that its 3rd Annual AFRICON conference, one of the country’s largest celebrations of the global Black Diaspora, will return to Los Angeles this May in commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of Africa Day.
Bridging innovators in music, business, activism, education and more, AFRICON gathers to uplift, acknowledge, and celebrate the diversity of the African continent through individual and communal achievements made in professional sectors spanning entertainment, technology, media, business, and entrepreneurship.
“December is known as the time the Diaspora popularly gathers on the continent to connect with and celebrate their heritage, however we believe that this connection should start here in the Diaspora. We are excited to be bringing together the global Black Diaspora to celebrate their heritage especially around a significant time as the 60th anniversary of Africa Day in Los Angeles.” –Amplify Africa
Following the success of the inaugural in-person AFRICON conference in 2022, AFRICON 2023 will curate a series of panels, speaking engagements, celebratory parties, and events.
The conference’s highlights include the Afro Ball Fashion gala, AFRICON Music Stage festival, the opportunity to shop Black businesses, and fireside chats that educate and reflect on the African Diaspora’s contributions to society.
Schedule of events:
Thursday, May 25 | Panels, Fireside Chats, and Africa Day Reception hosted by Kweku Mandela
Friday, May 26 | Speeches, Panels, Fireside Chats, and Afro Ball Gala, After Party with PVO & AfroFuture
Saturday May 27 | Community Brunch and Branded Events
Sunday, May 28 | AFRICON MUSIC STAGE headlined by Asake and produced by the producers of AfroFuture Festival in Ghana
Keynote Speakers include Van Lathan Jr, Kweku Amoako, Ndidi Onyejiaka MD, Dr. Omonye Phillips (VP, Riteaid), Alphonso David, Sam Onyemelukwe (CEO, Trace TV), Detavio Samuels (CEO, REVOLT), Trevor Ndhlovu (Hypebeast Africa), Tunji Balogun (CEO, Def Jam), Addy Awofisayo (Head, YouTube Africa), Sam Onyemelukwe (SVP, Global Business Development, Trace), Adam McFarland (YouTube), Travis Adkins (USADF), with more to be announced.
Honorees include Duke Osita, Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings (Earn Your Leisure Podcast), Arinze Emeagwali, Wallah El Sheikh, Chef Eros, Olamide Olowe, Humble Lukanga (Business Manager).
Presented by Amplify Africa, AFRICON 2023 has partnered with REVOLT, The Shade Room, Endeavor Impact, AfroFuture, with more to be announced.
“Our mission is to change the narrative of Black culture globally, which is why we’re excited to partner with AFRICON to further amplify impactful voices and stories across the diaspora,” said Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT. “As the fastest-growing Black-owned media company in the U.S., it’s important that we continue supporting programs that build a bridge to the continent and provide spaces to develop meaningful connections amongst leaders that can lead to transformative change.”
“AFRICON is an incredible platform that allows the Diaspora to be recognized for the numerous accomplishments we’ve made over the years and the impact we’ve had across the world. As we gather to commemorate Africa Day’s 60th anniversary, we will have the opportunity to pay tribute to our rich heritage, to celebrate the great accomplishments of the past, and to share a glimpse of the extraordinary things that the Diaspora will accomplish in the future.” –AfroFuture Festival