Music - FunTimes Magazine

How World Cup Performances Position African Music as a Global Force

Okechukwu NzeribeJuly 20, 2026July 20, 202607 mins

In 2010, the world’s attention turned to South Africa when the FIFA World Cup was staged on the African continent for the first time. Africa rose to the occasion and helped deliver one of the most memorable World Cup anthems in history with “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” performed by Colombian singer Shakira and featuring the South African band Freshlyground. The song united fans from across the world while celebrating Africa’s first World Cup.

How Philadelphia’s 2026 Fourth of July Concert Celebrates Black Culture and the Diaspora

Gift IkekeJuly 3, 2026July 2, 202608 mins

When most people think of America’s Fourth of July celebrations, they picture fireworks, flags, and patriotic songs. But in 2026, Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, is telling a broader, more inclusive story.

4 Reasons Philadelphia Roots Picnic Should be on Every Black Person’s Summer 2026 Bucket List

Gift IkekeMay 14, 2026May 29, 2026012 mins

Roots Picnic, named after its founders and iconic hip-hop legends, The Roots, will take place at the scenic Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park, overlooking the Philly skyline. And this year it is returning to the area for another fun edition from May 30–31, 2026.

Why International Jazz Day Still Matters in 2026

Anand SubramanianApril 30, 2026May 22, 2026017 mins

This year, the April 30th celebration will entail a 10-year anniversary All-Star Global concert live stream.

African Creative Industry Is Booming, Are Black Creators Benefiting?

Okechukwu NzeribeApril 9, 2026April 9, 202609 mins

African culture shapes global conversations and sets trends across music, film, art, and digital spaces. Yet beneath this global recognition lies an important question: Are Africa’s creators receiving the recognition, ownership, and economic rewards they deserve?

Festivals and Events in Philadelphia in April 2026

Gift IkekeApril 8, 2026April 6, 2026014 mins

Whether you’re a families-and-food-trucks kind of person, a track-and-field obsessive, or a jazz devotee, there is an event in April 2026 with your name on it.

Collage of award recipients and performers. Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Leon Thomas, Lauryn Hill

A Night Of History, Records, And Pure Black Excellence At The 68th Annual Grammys

Anand SubramanianFebruary 2, 2026February 2, 2026010 mins

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena wasn’t just another night of handing out gold gramophones. It felt like a definitive shift in the hierarchy of music. While the industry spent years debating if hip-hop and R&B were getting their due in the “Big Four” categories, 2026 was the year the artists stopped asking for permission and took over the room.

Why 2026 Marks A Turning Point For The African Jazz Archive

Anand SubramanianJanuary 25, 2026January 25, 2026012 mins

By January 2026, the global conversation around African music had shifted from discovery to a rigorous focus on preservation and justice. For the African American community and the African diaspora, they are cultural documents that bridge a gap created by years of systemic exclusion in the music industry.

Top Europe’s Black Music, Art, And Culture Festivals In 2026

Okechukwu NzeribeDecember 28, 2025December 28, 2025010 mins

Afro Nation festival in Portugal, Culture Dance Clash (CDC) festival, the Africa Oyé festival and a host of other festivals with a lineup of artists like Wizkid, Tyla, Angelique Kidjo, Asake, Awilo Longomba amongst other stars, the year 2026 looks to be gearing up to bring the very best of black music, art, culture and entertainment on to Europe’s biggest stage.

WeLovEya Festival Cotonou 2025: Everything You Need To Know (Dec 27–28)

Anand SubramanianDecember 25, 2025December 25, 2025010 mins

The WeLovEya Festival 2025 is set to make history in Cotonou this December with a rare joint headlining appearance by Afrobeats titans Davido and Wizkid. With over 50,000 fans expected at Place de l’Amazone, this guide covers everything from last-minute tickets and travel logistics to the confirmed lineup for the year’s biggest cultural event.