The K-pop sensation aespa is set to perform at Africa’s biggest music festival, Mawazine, marking a historic moment as the first female K-pop act to grace its stage. The group will take over the OLM Souissi stage in Rabat, Morocco, on June 24, joining a star-studded lineup that includes Will Smith, Wizkid, Kid Cudi, and Becky G .
Mawazine, founded in 2001, is one of the world’s largest music festivals, attracting over 2.5 million attendees annually. This year’s edition runs from June 20 to 28, featuring a mix of global and local artists across genres like pop, hip-hop, and Afrobeats .
aespa’s inclusion follows ATEEZ’s groundbreaking performance in 2024, making them only the second K-pop act to perform at the festival. Their appearance underscores K-pop’s growing influence in Africa, a market increasingly seen as a key frontier for expansion .
The four-member group—known for hits like “Black Mamba” and “Armageddon”—has already made waves in Africa. Their album Armageddon The 1st Album became the most-streamed K-pop album in Nigeria, peaking at No. 34 on the charts . Fans in Morocco and beyond are eagerly anticipating their high-energy performance, which will likely feature their signature blend of futuristic visuals and powerful choreography.
“Fans of K-pop, this moment is for you! aespa will bring 100% energy, 100% vibes, and 100% K-pop to Rabat,” tweeted the official Mawazine Festival account .
The African K-Pop Wave
Africa’s music scene is gaining attention from major K-pop companies, with its young, rapidly growing population ideal for the genre. ATEEZ’s success at Mawazine last year proved the continent’s potential, drawing a crowd of 130,000 . Now, aespa’s performance could further solidify K-pop’s foothold in the region.
Other artists confirmed for Mawazine 2025 include Afrobeats superstar Wizkid, who headlines on June 26, and Julian Marley . The festival’s diverse lineup reflects its mission to bridge cultures through music.
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aespa’s set will likely showcase their latest releases, including tracks from Armageddon The 1st Album. Fans have even joked about a possible Arabic version of “Armageddon” to connect with the local audience . With their reputation for electrifying stages, the group is sure to deliver an unforgettable show.
