Live Nation Trumpets Interest in Expanding into Africa

"We think Africa is going to be a big business,” Rapino emphasized, underlining the continent’s untapped market for live music and entertainment.

Live Nation CEO, Michael Rapino

Live Nation, a global giant in live entertainment, has set its sights on Africa as the next frontier for expansion. Speaking recently at Bloomberg’s Screentime conference in Los Angeles, CEO Michael Rapino highlighted the company's interest in investing in the continent, which he views as ripe with potential for growth. “We think Africa is going to be a big business,” Rapino emphasized, underlining the continent’s untapped market for live music and entertainment.

In recent years, Live Nation has ventured beyond its U.S. base, pushing aggressively into Asia and Latin America. By creating new venues in these regions, the company has aimed to fill the “white space” of underserved markets, where appropriate venues for international artists are often in short supply. Rapino pointed to the successes seen in India, where Live Nation sold out its first Lollapalooza and filled three Coldplay stadiums in record time, as evidence of the potential in emerging markets. Now, Africa is poised to be next in line.

Earlier this year, we reported Live Nation, alongside a consortium led by the Persianas Group and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), is seemingly betting on Nigerian Entertainment with the first-of-its-kind 12,000-capacity Arena in Lagos.

Live Nation's interest in Africa resonates with our recent work for the UK's IQ Magazine (Live Music Intelligence) on their upcoming Global Promoters Report. The report, set for release this week, will delve into insights from over 70 global live music markets. We handled the Africa segment of this report, covering key promoters, venues, and market trends across select African countries. With insights into the activities of key players working with international acts, it illustrates Africa's growing potential among promoters and artists worldwide.

This report will be in print and digital. You can subscribe here to secure a copy…or four!