EMPIRE Announces Star-Studded EMPIRE 15 Concert in San Francisco to Celebrate 15 Years of Independent Power
- All Country News
- Aug 5
- 4 min read
Shaboozey, Fireboy DML, Red Leather and more will take the stage at Civic Center Plaza on Sept. 13 in a free all-ages event produced by Another Planet Entertainment
San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza will transform into a global music stage this September as EMPIRE — the powerhouse independent label known for launching some of the biggest names in music — celebrates its 15th anniversary with EMPIRE 15, a free concert event headlined by genre-shifting superstar Shaboozey, Afrobeats phenom Fireboy DML, and alt-cowboy enigma Red Leather, with more surprise guests promised.
Presented in partnership with Another Planet Entertainment (APE) and San Francisco Recreation & Parks, EMPIRE 15 is slated for Saturday, September 13 and marks the latest installment in a growing wave of free, all-ages concerts breathing new life into downtown San Francisco.
“This concert is a love letter to the Bay,” said Ghazi, EMPIRE’s visionary founder and CEO. “Fifteen years ago, we started this journey in San Francisco with a mission to empower artists through innovation, creativity, and ownership. EMPIRE 15 is not just a celebration of our history — it's a showcase of the culture we’re helping create around the world, brought right back home.”
The show kicks off at 3:00 PM and is free with RSVP at empire15.com or by texting (415) 582-4316.
A Powerhouse Lineup Representing the Future of Global Music
Few artists embody the genre-defying ethos of EMPIRE like Shaboozey, whose megahit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" shattered records with a 19-week reign atop the Billboard Hot 100 — the longest in history. The song made history as the first ever to hit No. 1 across four different radio charts: Country, Pop, Adult Pop, and Rhythmic. With high-profile appearances at Coachella, Glastonbury, and Stagecoach under his belt, Shaboozey returns to his label’s hometown in triumphant fashion.
Also taking the stage is Fireboy DML, the Nigerian Afrobeats star whose breakthrough single “Peru” featuring Ed Sheeran turned global smash. With his latest album Adedamola crossing half a billion streams and collaborations ranging from Jon Batiste to Justin Timberlake, Fireboy represents EMPIRE’s global reach at its most melodic.
Adding mystique to the mix is Red Leather, the masked alternative artist whose cowboy fringe hat and genre-bending sound have created a cult following. His new project RENO (ALL IN) spans 20 tracks and features daring collaborations that signal a new frontier for alt-country and experimental pop.
San Francisco’s Comeback Soundtrack
“Arts and culture are helping to drive San Francisco’s comeback,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie, who has made revitalizing the city’s downtown core a priority. “When we bring energy back downtown, people from across the region and the country come shop at our businesses, eat at our restaurants, and drive our economic recovery.”
The announcement follows EMPIRE’s 415 Day celebration earlier this year, where Mayor Lurie officially declared April 15 as EMPIRE DAY in honor of the label’s contributions to both the local scene and the global music industry. That moment was punctuated by Ghazi’s Billboard Magazine cover and a recognition award from California Assemblyman Matt Haney during NBA All-Star Weekend.
A Legacy of Independence, A Future of Cultural Impact
Since its founding in 2010, EMPIRE has disrupted the traditional music business from the inside out — offering artists more ownership, transparency, and creative control. With offices now in over 25 countries across six continents, the label has supported the early careers of icons like Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, Asake, XXXTentacion, and, of course, Shaboozey and Fireboy DML.
The EMPIRE 15 concert continues a fruitful collaboration between EMPIRE and Another Planet Entertainment, who together have been curating an impressive lineup of free shows across San Francisco since 2024. Past events include performances with Portugal. The Man, DIRTYBIRD’s dance collective, and country-fusion stars Don Louis and Sophia Scott.
“APE and EMPIRE share a common belief in the cultural power of live music—especially when it’s accessible to all,” said Bryan Duquette, Founder of Another Planet Management. “This is a moment where two local, independent music companies join forces to spotlight what makes San Francisco a global cultural capital.”
Civic Pride, Global Sound
With support from The San Francisco Giants, Monster Energy, and The Civic Joy Fund, EMPIRE 15 isn’t just a show — it’s a community celebration.
Whether you're there to sing along to “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” dance to Afrobeats, discover the next great underground act, or just bask in the energy of San Francisco’s music scene, EMPIRE 15 promises to be one of the most anticipated events of the fall.
Free. All ages. Unmissable!
📍 Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco
📅 Saturday, September 13, 2025
⏰ Doors at 3:00 PM
🎟️ RSVP at empire15.com or text (415) 582-4316
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