From Abuja to Lagos Nigeria , the THISDAY Africa Rising Festival rocked with performances from Rihanna, Jay Z, Usher, Chris Brown and Mary J. Blige. The festival is designed to celebrate the best of Africa and to chart a new development approach for the continent as they promote investment as apposed to aid.


Word is Rihanna, who was the first act of the night for day one, was crowd pleaser and closed her set with a reunion between her and her former boss Jay-Z for their colossal hit “Umbrella.” Jay Z continued the show, with his second appearance at the festival in its 3-year history. Usher closed the show but his set was briefly interrupts as a fight broke out in the crowd. They must have been overcome by his sweaty awesomeness…


Chris Brown, Fat Joe and Mary J. Blige set off the stage for day two in Lagos .

Models Ozwald Boateng, Naomi Campbell, Oluchi, Tyson Beckford and Alek Wek were also there as they spent time visiting hospitals in the area.

The music festival will move on to the international circuit next month as the third part will be held in Washington DC on August 1. The grand finale will take place in London on October 13.

Labels: Chris Brown, Jay Z, Mary J Blige, Rihanna