Recently, Nigerian artistes have been making waves on the global stage, solidifying their positions as some of the world’s top entertainers. These talented musicians have taken theAfrobeats and Afro-pop sound to international events, captivating audiences worldwide. In this Weekend Magazine article, Daily Trust Saturday highlights the Nigerian stars who have performed at the world’s biggest events and stages.
Nigeria has always been on the world map due to the positive exploits of its citizens varying from medical breakthroughs like Dr Oluyinka Olutoye who is a renowned foetal and paediatric Nigerian-born surgeon based in Texas, US. According to reports, he successfully operated on a baby-in-utero.
In other industries like sports, the likes of Israel Adesanya have made Nigeria proud with his wins during his mixed martial fights. Also, Anthony Joshua has raised the country’s flag high as he has been a two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, having held the World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation, and World Boxing Organization titles twice between 2016 and 2021.
To say the least, Nigerian singers are also trailblazing as they are using their talent to launder the image of the country positively. This Weekend Magazine features Nigerian artistes who have performed and wowed fans on the biggest stages worldwide.
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Rema performs at Ballon d’Or ceremony
The name Divine Ikubor might not ring a bell but when Rema is mentioned, one might be evoked to give a smile based on some of his hit songs like ‘Dumebi’, ‘Calm Down’, ‘Booty Bounce’, among many others. The youngster’s remix of ‘Calm Down’ is still topping charts across the globe.
He has become the first African and Nigerian to perform at the Ballon d’Or Ceremony which can be described as the ‘Grammy’s of the football world’, or the ‘Oscars of the movie industry’ abroad. The 23-year-old artiste sent the audience into a frenzy mood with some of his hits during the 2023 Ballon d’Or Ceremony. Moreso, the singer performed at the NBA All-Star finals in February 2023 during its halftime show alongside fellow Nigerian artistes Burna Boy and Tems in Salt Lake City.
Burna Boy takes the stage at UEFA Champions League Final
Fondly referred to as the African Giant, Nigerian Grammy-award-winning singer Burna Boy gave his football fans worldwide a time of their life with an electrifying performance at the Ataturk Stadium, minutes before the start of the recently held UEFA Champions League final between the Italian giant Inter Milan and the Premier League champions, Manchester City.
The afrobeats star performed some of his hit records, including global chart-topping ‘Last Last’. Fondly called Odogwu, the singer also performed at the recently held NBA All-Star final game.
Davido delivers at FIFA World Cup Finals
On December 18, 2022, Nigerian music star, David Adeleke thrilled worldwide fans when he performed at the FIFA world cup finals, amongst other international artistes, in Qatar.
The ‘Risky’ singer joined Trinidad and Tobago’s Cardona to perform the official World Cup anthem ‘Hayya Hayya’, alongside Qatari singer Aisha. The trio performed the song to a crowd of about 88,000 fans at the Lusail Stadium. The closing ceremony, which was named “A Night to Remember”, featured other musical acts like Puerto Rico’s Ozuna and Democratic Republic of Congo’s Gims.
Davido’s much-talked-about performance at the Qatar FIFA World Cup came several hours before Argentina defeated France in a 4 -2 penalty shootout.
Kizz Daniel serenades FIFA World Cup with spectacular act
Nigerian music star, Kizz Daniel was among the talents that graced the stage last year during the 2022 World Cup Fans Festival in Qatar. Born Daniel Anidugbe, the father of two thrilled his fans with some of his hit songs like Cough, Buga. The records have been topping charts since its release. The event was held as part of the FIFA Sound line-up, over the 29-day tournament at Doha’s Al Bidda Park.
During his performance, the singer paid homage to the late pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo Kuti by delivering a short performance of the legendary track, “Lady”.
Tiwa Savage performs at King Charles III’s coronation
Often described as the queen of afrobeats, the delectable songstress was the only Nigerian that performed at the historical coronation of the current monarch of the United Kingdom, King Charles III.
While performing in May during the ceremony, Savage who wore a glittering green dress, sang ‘Keys to the Kingdom’ – a melodic harmony with afro-beats infusion. The song features Mr Eazi, another Nigerian artiste, and was part of American singer Beyonce’s ‘The Lion King: The Gift’ album project.
The song praises the quality of a good king. The lyrics are a mesh of English and Yoruba languages.
Wizkid sets crowd on ‘fire’ at 2022 World Tennis League, Gamers8, Rolling Loud and Glastonbury Festival
Now known as Big Wiz, the ‘Ojuelegba’ singer got the crowd moving on their feet during the 2022 World Tennis League, Gamers8, Rolling Loud and Glastonbury Festival with some of his hit songs.
Seun Kuti thrills music lovers at Glastonbury
About three years ago, Seun Kuti, the son of the late afrobeat legend graced the stage of the popular American music cultural festival, Coachella music festival. It was the second time the saxophonist and his band, the Egypt 80, would perform at the music festival. The first was in 2012.
Omah Lay, Oxlade takes Paris by storm
Popular Nigerian singers Omah Lay and Oxlade took Paris by storm as they both performed at the 2023 World Streetball Championship in Paris. While Oxlade serenaded the audience with his smash-hit record ‘Ku Lo Sa’, Omah Lay performed ‘Soso’ at the event.
CKay and his amazing Coachella performance
Born Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani but fondly known as CKay, the talented Nigerian singer in 2022 dazzled the audience with his amazing voice at the Coachella music festival, performing his hit single ‘Love Nwantiti’ to the delight of many.