By Seli Baisie
Ghanaian rapper M.anifest has been announced as part of the official lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York/New Jersey Queens Group Stage Headquarters fan event.
The award-winning rapper will perform alongside British-Ghanaian DJ and producer Juls during the multi-day fan event scheduled to take place from June 11 to June 27 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York.
The event forms part of the official FIFA World Cup 2026 fan experience in the New York/New Jersey host region and will feature music performances, watch parties and football-themed activities throughout the group stage of the tournament.
M.anifest and Juls will share the stage with an international lineup that includes Nas, Busta Rhymes, Ella Mai, Wyclef Jean, Blessd, Ronaldinho, Nina Sky, Crystal Waters, Shermanology, Miyachi, Nineteen85 and Erick the Architect among others.
The festival will also feature performances and appearances from DJ Moma, Stretch Armstrong, DJ Steph Cakes, Rae Sada, Moochie & SVPPLY, Ethan Tomas, Mohogany, DJ Rennie, Quiana Parks, KittySayWord, Khalil, HelloTones, Dede Lovelace, Arty Furtado, Alec Lomami, JustDimy, Sticky Dojah, Sabroout, Papi Weli, Marcy, DJ Runna, Oscar Velazquez, ClassicNewWave, DJ Lady S, Artem, Paso Fino, Samia, Takaya Nagase, Sophia Rocks, Saige, Whutever, Monopoli and Dan Mele.
M.anifest’s inclusion in the lineup adds another major international platform to his growing global profile.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest lyricists, the Ghanaian rapper has built a strong reputation for his storytelling, wordplay and fusion of hip-hop with African sounds.
Over the years, he has collaborated with several international acts and earned recognition beyond the continent.
The 43-year-old rapper in 2025, had a major-label collaboration with Mass Appeal Records, the American imprint co-founded by rap icon Nas and Peter Bittenbender.
He has also performed on major international stages and festivals, helping project Ghanaian and African hip-hop to wider audiences.
The announcement comes as Ghana prepares to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Black Stars are expected to attract strong support from Ghanaian fans living in North America during the tournament.
The Queens fan festival is expected to become one of the major cultural attractions during the World Cup, combining football, music and entertainment in one of New York’s most diverse communities.
