Beyonce, Ciara, Missy Elliot to help Nigeria celebrate

By: Janine Coveney

Beyonce and Jay-Z, as well as Ciara, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot and En Vogue are among the American acts lined up to perform at a two-day African festival to celebrate the independence of Nigeria from British rule. The first annual This Day Music Festival, set for October 7th and 8th in Lagos, will feature American acts as well as African artists.

"This is the biggest event to be hosted in Africa and easily the number one music event anywhere in the world this year," organizer Ola Joshua told Nigeria's This Day newspaper. "With Nigeria's return to good international standing, a reform-based and growing economy, things are certainly looking better in Nigeria and we believe it's time to showcase Nigeria to the world especially as we mark our 46th year of Independence."