On the unforgettable evening of July 29th, Wizkid, the Afrobeats icon from Nigeria, seized the spotlight and became the first African artist to have a sold-out performance at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Drawing an electric crowd of 45,000 enthusiastic fans, he stepped onto the stage with the magnetic Reckless from his 4th studio album Made in Lagos. He seamlessly weaved through his hits, spanning from “Superstar” and “Ayo” albums, which firmly established his global luminary status. The stage sparkled with guest appearances by DJ Tunez, Wande Coal, The Cavemen, Masego, and Skyla Tyla as well as soccer talents like Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Everton’s Alex Iwobi.
Echoing his gratitude, Wizkid took to Instagram, simply stating, “Thank you, London,” on July 31st.
Wizkid set the stage ablaze as he commenced the European leg of his “More Love, Less Ego” tour. With the aura of a Grammy winner, he held the audience captive, etching his name alongside the likes of Beyoncé and The Red-Hot Chili Peppers – an exclusive trio that graced the stadium this year.
But, the crescendo of triumph didn’t stop at the final note!
After the performance he cliched the prestigious BRIT Billion award, an honour that underscored his incredible feat of amassing 1 billion music streams in the UK. This accolade not only elevated his personal acclaim but also marked a resounding victory for African musical artistry on a global scale.
Wizkid’s affair with rewriting history on UK soil is not newfound. Casting our minds back to 2021, he made headlines by captivating the O2 Arena, a trailblazing accomplishment that established him as the inaugural African artist to commandeer the arena for three consecutive sold-out nights.
Yet, Wizkid isn’t the only one shaping the trajectory of Afrobeats’ global prominence. This genre, with its infectious rhythm, has surged to unprecedented global heights. The resonance is so compelling that the Grammy Awards introduced a brand-new category: Best African Music Performance. A distinction which celebrates the unique sonic narratives that emanate from the diverse corners of the African continent.
The narrative of triumph continues to weave its tapestry across the year, masterminded by Afrobeats’ most revered maestros. Burna Boy, a shining star in his own right, authored his chapter of glory by headlining sold-out stadiums on both sides of the Atlantic – London Stadium and Citi Field in New York. The NBA All-Star Game halftime show witnessed the vibrant synergy of Afrobeats as Burna Boy, Tems and Rema seized the stage.
A grand crescendo awaits, poised to mark another milestone. Tiwa Savage, affectionately dubbed the Queen of Afrobeats, is set to grace the OVO Arena Wembley on November 26th. This monumental occasion casts a spotlight on female artists in the genre and is destined to etch its own place in the annals of musical history.
Wizkid’s London spectacle resonates as a symphony of Afrobeats’ global ascendancy. Beyond the melodies and rhythms, this genre transcends boundaries, uniting people in a harmonious celebration of culture and sound. As the echoes of that extraordinary night linger, one truth is evident – Afrobeats isn’t solely music; it’s a universal language that unites us all in a joyful dance of rhythm and togetherness.