The presence of Africa Express at the Festival Cervantino will be a historic event and the culmination of an extraordinary year for this globally recognised musical phenomenon, following the release of their latest album and the accompanying European tour.

In 2024, Africa Express arrived in the Americas for the first time, bringing together an extraordinary group of   musicians, singers and DJs from around the world to rehearse, perform and compose new music, culminating in an epic five-hour show, from which the repertoire will be featured at the Festival Cervantino.

The concert will feature Damon Albarn, co-founder of the project, accompanied by 50 artists from four continents. Among them are Luisa Almaguer, Django Django, Moonchild Sanelly, Eme MalaFe, Jupiter & Okwess, and Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Every Africa Express show is unique: combining spontaneity, collaboration, and the magic of the unexpected. After conquering the main festivals of Europe over the summer, this performance in Guanajuato marks their highly anticipated return to Mexico. Prepare for a musical journey through cumbia, kuduro, salsa, hip hop, soul, and pop!

Since its inception in Mali in 2006, Africa Express has brought together local stars such as Toumani Diabaté, Bassekou Kouyaté, and Amadou & Mariam with international artists including Martha Wainwright, Fatboy Slim, and Damon Albarn. Over the years, the project has established itself as a global platform that breaks borders and celebrates diversity through music. Its essence is clear: it is based on respect and seeks to promote the idea that humans are stronger when we collaborate, communicate openly, and acknowledge that everyone has something to say. It is about breaking barriers with artists from different nations, genres, generations, and musical styles, joining forces in a display of unity. This idea is perfectly expressed in the eclecticism, spirit, and sounds captured on their latest recording.  

For the Festival Cervantino closing ceremony, the collective will make a triumphant return to Mexico to perform the new album and celebrate, as never before, the diversity of musical genres flowing in a masterful, free, and unique way.