ON a momentous night in London, Afrobeats sensation Wizkid captivated a sold-out crowd of 45,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, solidifying his status as the first African artist to headline the iconic venue. The Grammy-winning superstar kicked off the European leg of his More Love, Less Ego tour in style, leaving fans in awe with his electrifying performance.
‘Wizkid’s performance was nothing short of legendary, and it is an honour to be part of this historic moment,’ said one enthusiastic fan in attendance.
Wizkid’s historic achievement places him in an elite company, joining global icons Beyoncé and The Red Hot Chili Peppers as the only other musical acts to grace the stadium’s stage this year.
After the unforgettable show on July 29, the Nigerian star continued his streak of making history by becoming the first African artist to receive the prestigious BRIT Billion award. This prestigious accolade recognised Wizkid’s remarkable accomplishment of reaching 1 billion music streams in the UK.
‘We are proud to present this award to Wizkid, a trailblazer in the music industry whose talent knows no bounds,’ stated the BRIT Awards organisers.
This isn’t the first time Wizkid has etched his name in the UK’s live performance history. In 2021, he made headlines by selling out London’s O2 Arena for three dates, becoming the first African artist to achieve such a feat.
The rise of Afrobeats’ popularity worldwide has been remarkable, prompting the Grammy Awards to announce the addition of a new category in 2024: Best African Music Performance. The category aims to acknowledge recordings that showcase unique local expressions from across the African continent.
‘Wizkid’s influence and impact on the music scene are undeniable, and we are excited to see the genre being recognized on such a grand stage,’ said a representative from the Grammy Awards.
In the wake of Wizkid’s historic performance, other Afrobeats giants have also left their mark on the international stage. Burna Boy, for instance, became the first African artist to headline a sold-out stadium show at London Stadium in June, followed by a groundbreaking show at Citi Field in New York in July.
Furthermore, Afrobeats made a splash during the NBA All-Star Game halftime show in February, with Burna Boy, Tems, and Rema showcasing the genre’s global appeal.
The momentum shows no signs of slowing down, as Tiwa Savage, often hailed as the ‘Queen of Afrobeats,’ is set to headline at OVO Arena Wembley in the UK later this year, marking the first time a female artist from the genre has taken centre stage at the prestigious venue.
As Afrobeats continues its meteoric rise, Wizkid’s recent triumph at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium stands as a testament to the genre’s power to captivate audiences worldwide, creating history and pushing boundaries with every note and beat.