Basketball fans in Africa will now be able to enjoy their favorite music during games. AfroFuture, the leading platform behind some of Africa’s premier festivals to showcase creative and entrepreneurial talent, is partnering with the Basketball Africa League (BAL) to bring Afro-music to games.

The NBA and the International Basketball Federation started the BAL League in 2019. As Africa’s premier men’s basketball league expands across the continent, its creators are prioritizing fan entertainment throughout the game with more than just athletes but artists as well.

AfroFuture’s collaboration with the league means a revolution in the entertainment experience. AfroFuture will be at the forefront of bringing Africa’s vibrant energy to life by bringing Afro-music to center stage.

 “We are thrilled to partner with the Basketball Africa League to elevate the entertainment experience at their sporting events,” said Abdul Karim Abdullah, co-founder and CEO of AfroFuture. “Through this collaboration, we aim to celebrate Africa’s rich cultural heritage and amplify the voices of its talented artists on a global stage, highlighting the sweet spot where music and sports collide.” 

What To Expect With AfroFuture Partnership

With the partnership, guests will be immersed in curated activities around the games. These activities include halftime performances featuring music artists, dancers, fire throwers, hula-hoopers, and acrobats. While there’s no All-Star Dunk contest just yet, the partnership will provide exciting entertainment. Guests can still expect thrilling dunk performances with players and spectators and a 3-point shoot competition involving the audience. Some games will also feature the “Under the Seat Golden Envelope.”  It’s a surprise element for attendees. 

Beyond the music, AfroFuture organizers are on a mission to create an enriching cultural experience at BAL events. AfroFuture will host writing camps and recording sessions in each city. After each event, a recap mixtape featuring rising artists from the respective regions will be released. Sports enthusiasts will also find curated dining experiences to highlight the city’s dining scene with events like Amapiano & Brunch.

A spokesperson with AfroFuture tells Travel Noire that the partnership between BAL and AfroFuture will extend the footprint of both entities into four major cities and help strengthen bonds across the continent. The tournament cities are Pretoria, South Africa; Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; and Kigali, Rwanda.