5 Trendy Global Musical Shows Highlighted by Nigerian Artists, Burna Boy & Wizkid

Nigerian musicians such as Burna Boy and Wizkid have made a name for themselves in the lively patterns of international music by combining elements of their rich cultural past into various genres and enthralling listeners throughout the globe. Nigerian musicians are not only influencing the sound of modern music, but they are also leaving their mark on the international scene by thrilling performances in some of the hottest musical shows around the globe, as the world tunes in to the pulsating rhythms and soulful melodies coming from Africa’s most populous nation.

Remarkably, from Afrobeat pioneers to Afrobeat sensations, Nigerian musicians are garnering praise and attention across a range of international music festivals. With the help of the indisputable skill and engaging presence of Nigerian performers, we explore five of the most captivating and innovative musical shows. These performances highlight Nigerian music’s enormous influence on the world music scene in addition to showcasing its diversity and energy. As we celebrate the merging of Nigerian artistry with worldwide platforms, come along on a journey via rhythm and melody.

Read on as we highlight 5 trendy global musical shows where Nigerian artists mastered their craft.

Wizkid at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, UK

On July 29, 2023, a seismic shift reverberated through the heart of London’s Tottenham district as Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, Wizkid, etched his name in the annals of music history. With a sold-out crowd of 45,000 fervent fans pulsating with anticipation, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium bore witness to an electrifying performance that ignited the night and marked a milestone in the realm of African music. Wizkid‘s monumental concert captivated the senses and shattered barriers, as he became the first African artist to headline the iconic venue. In a spectacle transcending borders and united cultures, the Grammy-winning sensation kicked off the European leg of his transcendent “More Love, Less Ego” tour with an unrivaled display of musical prowess and magnetic stage presence.

Joining the ranks of musical titans like Beyoncé and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wizkid‘s historic performance solidified his status as a global icon, showcasing the undeniable influence of Afrobeats on the international stage. But the accolades didn’t end there. In a testament to his unparalleled impact, Wizkid also made history by becoming the first African artist to receive the prestigious BRIT Billion award, commemorating his remarkable achievement of reaching 1 billion music streams in the UK. As the echoes of his performance lingered in the London night, Wizkid‘s transcendent artistry resonated far beyond the confines of the stadium, heralding a new era of global recognition for Nigerian music and setting the stage for even greater triumphs to come.

With him taking the stage at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Wizkid has once again etched his name in the annals of live performance history in the UK. Rewind to 2021, when he achieved a groundbreaking feat by selling out London’s O2 Arena for three consecutive dates, marking the first time an African artist had accomplished such a monumental achievement.

Burna Boy at London Stadium

Early days of June 2023, Burna Boy etched his name in history as the inaugural African artist to command a stadium show in the UK, marking a milestone moment for Afrobeats. In front of a roaring sold-out crowd of 60,000 fervent fans at the London Stadium, the Grammy award-winning sensation witnessed his Afrobeats anthems reverberate back to him in an electrifying chorus.

In a spectacle spanning two hours, Burna Boy‘s performance was nothing short of sensational. Amidst a vibrant atmosphere, he orchestrated an unforgettable show, drawing thunderous applause as he welcomed esteemed colleagues like Stormzy and Dave to join him on a colossal merry-go-round stage setup. Afrobeats, a fusion of African and Western musical influences, has surged in popularity in recent years, propelled by stars such as Burna Boy and Wizkid. While both artists have headlined prominent global music festivals, it was Burna Boy who elevated the genre to unprecedented heights on that Saturday night. Amidst the jubilant crowd, adorned in a striking orange jumpsuit, Burna Boy delivered a performance that transformed the stadium into a carnival-like celebration, with fans joyously dancing in the aisles, capturing the essence of the music and the moment.

Notably, the much-awaited return of Grammy Award-winning musician Burna Boy to the London Stadium on Saturday, June 29, 2024, as part of the I Told Them… Tour, is announced with great pleasure by Spaceship Entertainment, Whytelion, and Cokobar. After making history as the first African artist to play a stadium in the United Kingdom with a historic sold-out concert in June 2023, Burna Boy is set to enthrall audiences with another captivating performance. Renowned for his dynamic stage presence, Burna Boy’s previous London Stadium performance showcased his unparalleled talent as one of the most captivating live performers in the industry. With an impressive repertoire of hits from his extensive discography, and electrifying guest appearances by the likes of Stormzy, Dave, J Hus, and Popcaan, accompanied by state-of-the-art production, sound, and lighting, anticipation is high for another unforgettable show from the Nigerian superstar.

“London holds a special place in my heart, the energy and love from my fans here is unmatched. I’m thrilled to be returning to the London Stadium on 29th June 2024, after the incredible show we had earlier this year. It’s always an honor to perform for my UK fans, and this time, we’re going bigger and better. Get ready, we’re about to make history once again!” – Burna Boy said in a statement.

Burna Boy at US stadium – Citi Field, New York

In 2022, Burna Boy achieved a monumental milestone by becoming the first Nigerian artist to headline Madison Square Garden. Continuing his streak of groundbreaking achievements, he made history once more last year as the inaugural African artist to sell out a stadium show in the U.S. On Saturday, July 8, 2023, the Afro-fusionist took center stage at Citi Field, the esteemed home of the New York Mets. Burna Boy arrives punctually, defying expectations and pleasantly surprising his fans with his early arrival. As he takes the stage at Citi Field in Queens, greeted by the ecstatic screams of thousands in the sold-out stadium, he flashes his charming grin before diving into a captivating two-hour set. Little do his fans know, he’s already spent six hours at the venue, fully prepared to deliver an unforgettable performance.

With his passion, Burna Boy has traveled the world, and the anticipation is constant. The official opening of the “Love, Damini fairground” is announced by a lively voice with a hint of Nigerian accent, even though the crowd’s collective cries of anticipation already gave it away.  With an electrifying performance, Burna Boy enthralled the audience with tracks from his album, Love, Damini, captivating the crowd as notable figures like SZA and Busta Rhymes looked on in awe. Additionally, he treated fans to a special moment by inviting British rapper Dave to join him on stage, where they delivered a memorable rendition of their collaboration, “Location”.

Remarkably, Burna Boy‘s performance marks a significant milestone – it’s the first time a Nigerian artist has headlined a stadium show in the United States. Last year, Burna made history by becoming the first Nigerian artist to headline Madison Square Garden, a venue that accommodates just half the audience compared to Citi Field. His ascent to both MSG and Citi Field follows years of dedicated effort and smaller-scale shows in New York. In 2017, he graced the stage at the Palladium Times Square, hosting just over 2,000 attendees. In 2018, he enchanted audiences at the Gramercy Theater, which holds just under 500 people. And in 2019, he mesmerized fans at the Apollo Theater, with a capacity of around 1,500 attendees.

Burna Boy at Maddison Square Garden

Grammy-winning Nigerian artist, Burna Boy, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Nigerian artist to sell out a show at Madison Square Garden in New York. At the eagerly awaited “One Night In Space” event on Thursday, the “African Giant” enthralled spectators in the more than 20,000-seat arena. Almost 100,000 more fans joined the excitement online via the YouTube stream in addition to the attendees at the arena.

Burna Boy basked in well-deserved accolades as he delivered a spectacular two-hour performance at New York’s Madison Square Garden, marking a historic feat as the first Nigerian headliner at the renowned venue. The first fire-engine red bra made its appearance on stage early in his set, tossed to him as he mesmerized the crowd with “Rock Your Body” from his groundbreaking 2018 album, “Outside.” As the night progressed, no less than six additional bras were hurled his way, with Burna even adorning himself with some around his waistline like a quirky utility belt. Amidst the flashing strobes lining his extended runway, Burna’s commanding presence during “Gbona” from his seminal work, “African Giant,” earned shouts of admiration from fans, encapsulating his undeniable coolness.

The audience at the Garden was a pulsating sea of predominantly Black diasporans, their movements akin to waves in a dark ocean. Burna Boy‘s frequent use of a cappella or minimalist arrangements allowed the eager attendees to harmonize with him, their voices blending seamlessly with his own. While the infectious energy of “Ye” drew an electrifying response from the entire Garden, closer observation revealed the diverse preferences among fans, each having their own cherished favorites from Burna‘s extensive catalog.

Wizkid at O2 Arena, London

Wizkid‘s remarkable achievement of selling out his O2 Arena show in just 12 minutes speaks volumes about his immense popularity. The demand was so high that two additional dates were added at the 20,000-capacity venue, and both of them sold out rapidly as well, with the second date selling out in a mere two minutes, as proudly shared by the Nigerian singer on Twitter. The overwhelming response even led to reports of unticketed fans attempting to storm the entrance gates for the first of the shows. Major stars from the US or the UK are usually linked with such ardent passion. But Wizkid‘s album “Made in Lagos,” which openly bears his own geographic origins, is what really makes him stand apart. With more than 1 billion streams – a glaring testament to his superstar status – the album highlights Nigeria’s rise to popularity in pop music.

It was clear that this would be a night to remember as the throbbing beats of Wizkid‘s music filled the air. The Nigerian superstar brought the house down with a stellar roster of special guests who stole the show with their unmatched charisma and talent. Every visitor, including UK rapper Skepta and Nigerian star Tems, brought their own special touch to the thrilling environment. But the surprises didn’t end there. As the crowd roared with excitement, Chris Brown made a surprise appearance, joining Wizkid on stage to perform their chart-topping collaboration ‘Go Crazy,’ sending waves of euphoria rippling through the stadium. Amidst the jubilation, Wizkid took a poignant moment to pay tribute to the late Virgil Abloh, the famed designer whose passing had cast a shadow over the music world just hours before the concert.

Against this backdrop of star-studded performances and heartfelt tributes, Wizkid commanded the stage with an effortless grace, delivering a mesmerizing blend of old favorites and new tracks from his acclaimed fourth studio album, “Made In Lagos.” With each note, he transported the audience on a journey through his illustrious career, showcasing the evolution of his sound and the depth of his artistry. As the night drew to a close, the echoes of Wizkid‘s triumphant performance lingered in the air, leaving an indelible mark on all who bore witness to his musical mastery. And as the Grammy nominations loomed on the horizon, the stage was set for yet another chapter in Wizkid‘s storied career, a testament to his enduring influence and unwavering commitment to excellence

Final Remarks

Notably, Afrobeats’ global popularity continues to soar, with the Grammy Awards introducing a new category in 2024: Best African Music Performance. According to a statement by the organizers, this category aims to honor recordings that showcase distinctive local expressions from various regions across the African continent. Moreover, the inclusion of Best African Music Performance not only elevates the visibility of African artists on the global stage but also fosters greater cross-cultural exchange and appreciation. It serves as a testament to the power of music as a universal language that transcends borders and unites people from diverse backgrounds.

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