By Babajide Awoyinfa
Nigerian music talents had a remarkable weekend of global performances as leading Afropop artistes lit up stages across the world, lauding the industry’s growing cultural and commercial reach.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Asake and Wizkid were among the highlights in New York City on Saturday.
Asake headlined the Red Bull Symphonic show at Brooklyn’s landmark Kings Theatre, a one-night orchestral reimagining of his hits.
He was joined on stage by Wizkid, Gunna, Central Cee, Tiakola and Fridayy for surprise appearances.
Asake also previewed a new song off his upcoming album at the Red Bull Symphonic.
Also, Grammy-nominated Davido brought his “5IVE ALIVE” tour to the United Arab Emirates with a headline show at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday.
He drew fans from across the Gulf, reinforcing Afropop’s strong Middle-East pull.
In the Caribbean, Afropop heavyweights, Olamide and Ruger, energised crowds at Afro Nation Punta Cana — part of the festival’s Nov. 7– Nov. 9 bill.
Ruger’s set and Olamide’s headline appearances were widely shared on social media.
Tems represented Nigeria in Brazil on Sunday, performing at AFROPUNK Brasil in Salvador, Bahia, where she featured in a line-up celebrating African diasporic culture.
Similarly, Kizz Daniel performed in Stockholm, Sweden, on Saturday, part of a European date billed as “Kizz Daniel Live with Full Band”, while BNXN (formerly Buju) played Indigo at The O2 in London, on Friday, Nov. 7, as part of his ‘Captain Tour’.
In the United Kingdom’s northwest, rising star Fave appeared at Manchester events across the weekend.
Nigerian artistes are now regular headliners at major venues and A-list festivals around the globe, exporting Afropop culture while building tourism and brand partnerships.
Adesope Olajide, a UK-based media personality known as Shopsydoo, captured the moment on Instagram.
He praised the stars as “ambassadors promoting our culture and bringing nothing but positivity to our people and the rest of the world.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
