5 Artists We’re Excited to See at Dreamville Festival 2023
Words by Aidan Gooding
The long-awaited Dreamville Festival 2023 is in two weeks, and concertgoers can look forward to a weekend filled with music and community. The festival, scheduled for April 1 and 2 at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina, has an impressive lineup, with headliners including Usher on Saturday, April 1, and Drake, J. Cole, and Burna Boy on Sunday, April 2. Other exciting performers such as in addition to Lil' Durk, City Girls, Summer Walker, Sean Paul, Glorilla, and many others, will be present.
Dreamville Festival is an annual music festival created by the rapper J. Cole and his record label, Dreamville Records. The festival is well-known for showcasing established and emerging artists from various musical genres, including hip-hop, R&B, and indie. This year's lineup is no exception and features a diverse mix of acts from around the world.
The first Dreamville Festival occurred in 2019 at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina. The 2019 festival was a huge success, with over 40,000 people attending and a lineup that included J. Cole, SZA, Big Sean, and 21 Savage.
Dreamville Festival 2023 promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a renewed emphasis on community, diversity, and inclusivity. In addition to musical performances, festival attendees can anticipate food vendors and art installations.
This year's festival will also have a star-studded reunion of Dreamville Records artists, who are all scheduled to perform. Here are five performers at the Dreamville Festival this year we can't wait to see:
Mario
Mario has been a fan favorite for over a decade, and his presence continues to be a huge hit with fans. His signature mix of R&B melodies and heartfelt lyrics remain timeless, and his latest single, "Used to Me" featuring Ty Dolla $ign, is no exception. Mario is sure to provide an emotional performance that will have the Dreamville Festival audience singing along with him. His music speaks to the heart and transcends all generations! As one of the standout acts at this year's festival, Mario is certain to give an unforgettable performance that fans won't soon forget!
Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr is an artist who stands out from the crowd. Since her debut album "19 & Dangerous" in 2021, she has mesmerized audiences with her distinct sound and captivating stage presence. Her unique blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and soul is unlike anything else in the industry. With each new single, Ayra has continued to demonstrate her ability to move between genres effortlessly. Her most recent release, "Stability," not only topped Apple Music's Top 100 Nigeria chart but also caught the attention of fans around the world - cementing Ayra as a force to be reckoned with. So don't miss your chance to witness this powerful artist perform live! There's no doubt that Ayra Starr will be one of the most exciting performers to watch at this year's Dreamville Festival!
J.I.D
J.I.D is undoubtedly an artist that cannot be overlooked at this year's Dreamville Festival. As a longtime collaborator of J. Cole, he has been making waves in the music industry with his intricate flow and introspective lyrics. His latest single, "Ma Boy" featuring Lute, is a testament to his ability to create catchy songs with meaningful messages. His electrifying performances will surely leave festival-goers wanting more! As co-headliner of the Luv is 4Ever tour alongside Smino and featured on the Creed III soundtrack, there's no doubt that J.I.D brings something special to the stage each time he performs live. His captivating energy will fill the venue and make for an unforgettable performance that fans won't soon forget! Don't miss your chance to see J.I.D bring hip hop to life on stage at this year's Dreamville Festival - you won't want to miss out!
Ari Lennox
Ari Lennox is the first female artist signed to Dreamville Records, she is making history and showing no signs of slowing down. Her soulful take on R&B is a reminder of why so many of us fell in love with the genre, and she has proven herself as a powerful vocalist, capable of tackling topics like heartbreak, growth, and resilience in her music. In 2022, Ari Lennox announced the release of her debut album, age/sex/location, and following its release, Lennox embarked on her "age/sex/location" tour in 2023. We're thrilled to see Ari Lennox perform at this year's Dreamville Festival, as she is renowned for her powerful vocals and sincere lyrics. Catch this Grammy-nominated artist on stage at this year's Dreamville Festival - you don't want to miss out!
Bas
Be sure to catch Bas's performance at this year's Dreamville Festival! This Queens-born rapper and producer has been praised for his experimental production and insightful lyricism that resonates with so many fans. His latest "BUMP" Pick Me Up EP is the perfect blend of hard-hitting beats and soulful bars, showcasing the diverse range of sounds he can create.
Bas is already well-known for his anthemic track "Blood Sweat & Tears," which was featured in the Creed III soundtrack, but his live performances are guaranteed to be next level. Don't miss your chance to see him live - come witness Bas's energetic set at Dreamville Festival 2023!
Pre-sale tickets were sold out in November before the lineup was even announced, indicating the high anticipation for this year's festival. With a diverse lineup of talented artists, there is no doubt Dreamville Festival 2023 will be a weekend to remember.