Max SteventonThe Malachite Group (TMG) is poised to launched new festival Rhythm + Waves in the Algarve, Portugal.
The festival, scheduled for 27-28 June 2026, will be located on Praia da Rocha Beach (pictured) in Portimão; the same site as TMG’s Afro Nation Portugal.
In March, TMG signed a multi-year exclusive site license agreement with the Municipality of Portimão to use the location for events.
TMG, a division of private investment firm Helios Sports & Entertainment, focuses on discovering, developing and promoting African talent. The London-headquartered company is best known for its Afro Nation series of events.
The music offering at Rhythm + Waves will be centred around rap and electronic music with confirmed acts including Gunna, Chase & Status and Sherelle. The Portuguese festival will feature three stages, each dedicated to a particular genre; with The Wake Stage hosting rap artists, the Centre East Stage being a home to drum & bass while house and techno will be heard at the Centre West Stage.
TMG CEO Natasha Manley said of the event’s location: “Portimão is the birthplace of the global Afro Nation movement, and Praia da Rocha has become an iconic gathering place for our growing community – and our team. Every summer, we see visitors travelling here with us from over 170 countries to celebrate African music and culture in the paradise of the Algarve – there really is nothing like it.”