The City of Baltimore has announced the performers for its 2023 AFRAM Festival.
The two-day, free event will take place at the historic Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, Maryland, on Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18. Legendary R&B group The Isley Brothers and genre-bending singer Ty Dolla $ign are this year’s headliners.
“AFRAM is extremely important for the City of Baltimore as it is one of our most time-honored traditions. This festival provides a unique opportunity for Baltimoreans and visitors to celebrate African-American heritage and culture in our city,” says Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “I look forward to AFRAM’s amazing lineup which I’m confident people of all ages will enjoy.”
Ty Dolla $ign will take the main stage on June 17. Eric Bellinger and Ambré are among the list of performers set to heat up the stage ahead of Ty Dolla $ign.
Bellinger, who wrapped up his headlining Obsession Tour earlier this month, could perform music from his joint album with Hitmaka, 1(800)HIT-EAZY: Line 2, released in February.
As for Ambré, it wouldn’t be a surprise if she performs her hit single “I’m Baby,” which is No. 3 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay at the time of publication.
The Isley Brothers will close the festival on June 18. They will likely perform selections from their iconic catalog, as well as possibly material from their 2022 album, Make Me Say It Again, Girl.
The album is titled after their reimagined version of their 1975 classic, which features Beyoncé. The song peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart in October 2022.
Tamar Braxton, Eric Roberson, Kid Capri and Tim Bowman Jr. are also set to perform on Sunday.
Braxton recently released her new single “Changed,” which opened at No. 15 on Billboard’s R&B Digital Song Sales chart. The Grammy-nominated singer independently released the heartfelt track on her birthday (March 17) via Tamar Braxton Productions.
Roberson’s 17th album, Lessons, was ranked No. 11 on Rated R&B’s 30 Best R&B Albums of 2022 list.
Last year’s AFRAM featured performances by The O’Jays, Ne-Yo, El DeBarge, Rotimi, Yung Bleu and Le’Andria Johnson.
See the full lineup for AFRAM 2023 below.
AFRAM 2023 Lineup
Saturday, June 17
Zo! & Tall Black Guy (featuring Deborah Bond)
Ambré
Eric Bellinger
Spinderella (a salute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop)
Ty Dolla $ign
Sunday, June 18
Tim Bowman, Jr.
Eric Roberson
Tamar Braxton
Kid Capri
The Isley Brothers
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