The CEO and Creator of AfroFuture, Abdul Karim Abdullah, Is a Brother of Phi Beta Sigma

When you trace the roots of global movements that center Black creativity, culture, and power, you’ll often find the influence of Black fraternity and sorority culture woven deep in the fabric. Phi Beta Sigma’s Abdul Karim Abdullah, Co-Founder and CEO of Culture Management Group (CMG), and the visionary behind AfroFuture Festival, is one of those leaders. His story isn’t just about launching one of the most influential cultural festivals of our time, it’s about brotherhood, purpose, and building something that the entire diaspora can be proud of.

Before AfroFuture became the global cultural force it is today, it started with a moment, and a mindset. For Abdul, that mindset was shaped in part by his membership in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. as a Fall 2008 initiate of the Theta Xi Chapter at Syracuse University.

What he would go on to co-create, AfroFuture Festival, is now one of the most celebrated cultural experiences uniting Black people across the world, a multi-day celebration of African music, food, fashion, art, and innovation.

Originally launched in Ghana as Afrochella, the festival has drawn tens of thousands of attendees from around the world, boosted Ghana’s tourism economy, and earned praise from global outlets like CNN, Vogue, BBC, and Essence. It is more than a festival, it is a bold statement of African excellence and diasporic unity.

The fraternity’s principles left a lasting imprint. As Abdul puts it:

“‘In Hoc Signo Vinces.’ That phrase has stayed with me since I joined my fraternity. Becoming a member of this organization taught me the power of brotherhood, discipline, and resilience. In many ways, it laid the foundation for how I move through the world — how I lead, how I serve, and how I build.

What I gained wasn’t just a network, it was a sense of purpose and a deep understanding that I never have to do it alone. When I face challenges, I lean on the lessons I learned from my brothers: stay grounded, stay sharp, and always move with integrity. That mindset has guided me through every stage of my career, from public health, to launching AfroFuture, to building global partnerships that amplify African culture.”

That foundation carried him through prestigious institutions and roles, working as a Project Manager at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Syneos Health, and Bristol Myers Squibb, before he stepped fully into his calling, to create spaces that uplift, celebrate, and center African brilliance.

In 2017, what began as Afrochella was born out of that vision. Abdul and his co-founder Kenny Agyapong Jr., who is also a proud Spring 2011 initiate of Phi Beta Sigma’s Omicron Alpha Chapter at Utica College, planted the seeds of a movement rooted in diaspora unity, cultural pride, and innovation.

They first met in New York, drawn together by their passion for Afrobeats and a mutual desire to elevate the diaspora. At a time when they say African creatives lacked the global platforms they deserved, they saw a gap, and chose to fill it.

A transformative trip to Ghana in 2014 changed everything. The energy in Accra was undeniable, youth culture was alive, art was exploding, and yet, nothing existed during Detty December that captured that spirit.

“We wanted to build something rooted in pride, creativity, and community,” Abdul recalls. “Something that would invite the world to experience the richness of African culture, on African soil.”

They expected 2,500 people for the first Afrochella. Over 4,000 showed up.

From there, AfroFuture (rebranded in 2022) skyrocketed, pushing cultural boundaries, investing in community, and shining a spotlight on emerging artists. The 2019 festival alone led to a 16% increase in Ghana’s tourism and a 3.1% GDP surge in Q4, undeniable proof of cultural power turning into economic force.

Abdul and his team have since been featured by BBC, CNN, Essence, Vogue, Forbes, and GQ. In 2022, they were named official Goodwill Ambassadors to Ghana, a testament to their impact on the continent’s tourism and cultural sectors. Now in August, they are bringing the festival across the Atlantic ocean to Detroit.

“Bringing AfroFuture to Detroit isn’t just about launching a festival, it’s about building a cultural movement that lives in the city long before the first stage is set,” said Abdul Karim Abdullah, CEO & Co-Founder of AfroFuture. “We’re building excitement from the ground up and our countdown events are a reflection of our commitment to engaging with the community, celebrating the diaspora, and creating spaces where creativity, connection, and culture thrive.”

On August 16–17, 2025, AfroFuture Detroit will land at Bedrock’s Douglass Site with a powerful lineup including Davido, Kaytranada, Ludmilla, Gims, Flavour, Lojay, and Tee Grizzley. It’ll feature heavyweight DJs like DBN Gogo and Juls, cultural curators like DJBJ 3525 and Lana LaDonna, and party sets from Jerk X Jollof, Obi’s House, Toasted Life, and more.

This isn’t just a festival, it’s a full-circle moment.

Two Sigmas, bonded by a commitment to community, culture, and legacy, turned a vision into a global movement. What began as a celebration of African creativity on the continent has become a powerful cultural bridge, connecting the pulse of the diaspora across oceans.

AfroFuture is a festival with Black fraternity and sorority culture in its DNA. The leadership team itself reflects that legacy. While both co-founders, Abdul and Kenny are Sigmas, the team also includes Akosua Ayim, Chief Operations Officer, who is a dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Mighty Rho Chapter, Fall ’08 at Columbia University).

With AfroFuture Detroit, that bridge now extends into one of America’s Black cultural capitals, linking African innovation with the soul of the city. It’s more than a lineup, it’s a declaration, that the future of the culture lives wherever the diaspora dares to dream.

Click here to learn more about the festival and to buy tickets.