Celebrating Diversity: 20 Years of International Music at Rhythm Unplugged and Flytime Fest

Since 2004, Flytime Promotions has been at the forefront of shaping Nigeria’s entertainment scene. What started as an energetic concert series celebrating African music has transformed into Flytime Fest, Nigeria’s most anticipated music festival. Central to this journey has been one recurring theme: diversity. Flytime Fest has become a platform where international music genres, cultures, and artists from around the world converge to create unforgettable moments on stage.

At the core of Flytime Fest lies Rhythm Unplugged, Nigeria’s longest-running and most iconic concert series in Africa. Known for its remarkable ability to bring together top-tier global talent from various music genres on a single stage, Rhythm Unplugged consistently delivers memorable experiences year after year. Now the flagship event of Flytime Fest, it plays a crucial role in shaping the multi-day Afrobeats festival.

As we celebrate 20 years of Rhythm Unplugged, the concert that launched this extraordinary journey, we reflect on the festival’s monumental evolution and the diverse international stars who have brought an eclectic mix of music to Lagos, Nigeria.

The Evolution of Flytime Fest

Flytime Fest officially debuted as a multi-day event in 2017, but its origins go back much further. Since the inception of Rhythm Unplugged in 2004, Flytime Promotions has been a driving force in bringing local and international music to the African stage.

Flytime Fest is now synonymous with genre diversity. Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B, reggae, and pop all share the spotlight, creating a unique celebration of sound that caters to everyone. The festival has propelled Nigerian music onto the global stage, and it fosters an inclusive space for cultural exchange, where fans from different backgrounds come together, united by their shared love of music.

Notable International Artists That Have Appeared on Flytime Fest Over the Years

Music knows no borders, and Flytime Fest has embodied this universal truth by consistently drawing an eclectic lineup of international artists from across the globe year after year. Over the years, these performers have graced the stages and forged lasting musical connections with their Nigerian counterparts. Let’s spotlight some of these unforgettable performances that have made Flytime Fest a truly global experience.

• In 2018, RBRM (Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky & Mike) took the stage, delivering an electrifying performance filled with New Edition classics and solo hits. Their set paid homage to the iconic sounds of 80s and 90s R&B, reminding everyone of the lasting impact of the genre.

• The following year, in 2019, American vocal harmony group Boyz II Men graced the Flytime Fest stage, transporting the audience back in time with their signature smooth harmonies and classic R&B hits. Songs like “End of the Road” and “On Bended Knee” had the crowd singing along, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that celebrated the enduring appeal of their music.

• Also, in 2019, Megan Thee Stallion brought her Houston heat to Rhythm Unplugged and left the crowd super-hyped. Her “Hot Girl” energy was infectious, and her verses were like rhythmic fire. You could see the audience bouncing to every beat as Megan made sure her Lagos debut was nothing short of explosive. In that same year, Koffee, the Grammy-winning reggae artist, infused the festival with her Caribbean warmth. Her set was a breath of fresh air, showing how reggae and dancehall have a home at Flytime Fest, too.

• Fast-forward to 2021, when the smooth R&B crooner Ne-Yo took to the stage, instantly captivating the Lagos crowd with his timeless hits. The entire Eko Convention centre swayed to the likes of “Miss Independent” and “Because Of You.” But what made this performance electric was Ne-Yo’s effortless connection with the audience. By the end of the night, it felt like Lagos and America were on the same musical map. 

• Also, in 2021, Lancey Foux and Tion Wayne introduced the Rhythm Unplugged crowd to the UK drill, a subgenre that has gained massive popularity in recent years. Their blend of drill and trap added a raw, edgy vibe to the festival, and the Lagos crowd embraced the hard-hitting beats, proving that music is truly borderless. 
• In 2022, the UK’s garage legend Craig David delivered a masterclass in musical fusion. His performance seamlessly blended classic R&B with the distinctive beats of UK garage and Afrobeat. As iconic hits like “Walking away” and “7 Days” echoed across the venue, nostalgia swept through the crowd, while his newer songs kept things fresh and vibrant. Craig made sure Rhythm Unplugged felt like one big London party in Nigeria. 

• Last year (2023), Roddy Ricch, the American rapper known for blending trap with melodic rap, gave Rhythm Unplugged a taste of what’s hot in the global music scene, and the energy he brought was undeniable. With tracks like “The Box” lighting up the night, Roddy’s laid-back yet powerful presence had everyone hooked. His performance was a defining moment, showing how modern American hip-hop had found a second home in Lagos.

Rhythm Unplugged also welcomed other iconic performers such as Trey Songz, whose alluring R&B hits kept the audience entranced, and Mase, a legend in hip-hop who brought a throwback energy to the stage, reminding fans of the genre’s golden era.

But it wasn’t just the mega-stars that made the festival special. Up-and-coming and international niche artists have found their spotlight at the festival as well. Behani, a rising R&B and pop Australian singer, mesmerized the audience with her vocal talent. King Promise, Boukuru, Reine Ablaa, and Big Shaq further added to the diversity, each bringing their unique international music and style to the show.

Afrobeat to the World: Elevating Nigeria to the Global Stage

Flytime Fest has always been about showcasing the best African talent, but including international stars has created opportunities for Nigerian artists to break into the global scene. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, who have become international household names, have all performed at Flytime Fest at one time or another.

Thus, Flytime Fest has become a springboard for Afrobeat artists to perform alongside international stars, providing them the exposure they need to expand their reach beyond Africa. This cross-pollination of music and culture has enriched Flytime Fest, turning it into a launchpad for global music collaborations.

And it’s not just the artists who come from diverse backgrounds. Flytime Fest has drawn audiences from around the world, adding to its global reach. Every December, music lovers from across Africa, Europe, and North America gather in Lagos to celebrate this unique cultural experience.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Flytime Fest

With each passing year, Flytime Fest continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what a music festival can be by promoting diversity, collaboration, and creativity.

Flytime Promotions has built something extraordinary over the past 20 years—a festival that unites people from different corners of the world through the universal language of music. Whether it’s Afrobeats, reggae, hip-hop, or R&B, Flytime Fest offers a space where all genres, artists, and fans can come together to celebrate the beauty of music without borders.

As we celebrate this huge milestone and step into the next chapter, we can’t wait to see which international stars and emerging talents will grace the stage in the years to come, continuing to make Flytime Fest the ultimate celebration of music, diversity, and unity.

The wait for Flytime Fest 2024 is almost over. We’re planning the biggest and boldest edition yet. Are you ready? Join our waitlist now if you haven’t to get all the details when it drops.