Entertainment
5 Nigerian Music Artists Who Have Sold Out The O2 Arena
This write-up contains Nigerian music artists who have sold out the prestigious O2 Arena in the United Kingdom.
The journey from the vibrant streets of Lagos to the magnificent hall of the O2 Arena at Greenwich Peninsula in southeast London has been a laudable one for Nigerian Music artists. The giant musical productions of some Nigerian music stars have rendered The 20000 seating capacity of 02 Arena sold out multiple times. The sold-out concerts of these artists at the O2 Arena underline a significant shift in the global perception of African music. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to emerging artists and the revelation of the power of music to connect humanity. This write-up contains Nigerian music artists who have sold out the prestigious O2 Arena.
1. WIZKID
Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid is a Nigerian international superstar and one of the few Nigerian music artists who has sold out the prestigious 02 Arena in the United Kingdom. Wizkid who is one of the most beloved African artists in the United Kingdom, first sold out the arena in 2018. The show featured performances from Wizkid himself and other Afrobeats stars such as Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Mr. Eazi, and Tekno among others.
Wizkid sold out the arena again in 2019, hosting the star-studded, Starboy Fest, which featured performances, from notable music stars like Skepta, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, and Fireboy among others. With this Wizkid became the first African artist to sell out the Arena twice. In 2021, sealed his legendary 02 status after selling out the arena three times in a row. According to numerous reports, the tickets for the concert sold out in 12 minutes joining Beyonce, Spice Girls, and others as one of the fastest artists to sell out the iconic venue.
2. DAVIDO
The award-winning superstar, Adeleke David known as Davido is also one of the Nigerian artists who have had sold-out concerts at 02 Arena in the United Kingdom. Countless times he has proven to be a music powerhouse with several awards to his name. Amongst his many successes is his sold-out concerts in 02 Arena. Davido’s initial sold-out concert was in 2019 when he became the first Nigerian solo artist to sell out the O2 Arena making him the second Nigerian artist to have achieved such a feat after Wizkid.
In 2022, Davido had his second sold-out concert at the iconic O2 arena. His concern was visited with the performance of most of his hit songs with fellow African artists like Mayorkun, Skiibii, Patoranking, Ckay, Adekunle Gold, Reekado Banks, Teni, and a couple of artists from around the world. With an electrifying performance on January 28, 2024, Davido had his third sold-out concert at 02 Arena. The superstar performed a medley of his chart-topping hits. Afterward, he featured a special collaboration with DMW signee Logos Olori, as they performed ‘Picasso’ from the ‘Timeless’ album. The stage became more lit when Mayorkun joined Davido on stage for a rendition of their hit single ‘The Best.’ The audience had a thrilling moment of their lives when Kizz Daniel made a surprise appearance on stage, joining Davido for an indelible performance of their recent collaboration ‘Twe Twe.’
3. BURNA BOY
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, professionally known as Burna Boy, had his sold-out show at 02 Arena joining the chain of artists who have performed there. The Afrobeats star has continually set records for himself and has transcended his music from being of national standard but also worthy of international recognition. His music has brought both his Nigerian fans and international fans together at several shows hosted by him
On August 21, 2021, Burna Boy had his concert in London which he tagged ‘Spaceship’.The Afrobeat singer visited the stage with several changes of outfit and shifting backdrops as he performed his popular songs. The climax of the night was when Burna began to perform his hit song “Ye—” the beloved banger of his fans. There was a great uproar in the crowd as they screamed the lyrics of the songs as he sang.
4. ASAKE
The YBNL signee, Asake rose to prominence in 2022 with his debut album “Mr. Money With The Vibe.” This album made him garner tens of millions of streams who were wowed by his distinctive musical style of fusing Afro beats and hip hops. Asake’s style of music caught the attention of audiences globally, leading to sold-out shows and a remarkable journey from breakout artist to O2 Arena headliner in less than two years.
On August 20, 2023, Asake had a concert at the famous 02 Arena in London and sold out all his tickets, making him the first artist to achieve this feat in less than 2 years of a musical career. He started his performance with all the songs in his debut album “Mr Money With The Vibe.” followed by a superb rendition of “lonely at the top”. This concert featured his label boss, Olamide, Tiwa, Fireboy, and a host of others whose spectacular performances thrilled the crowd.
5. REMA
Joining the squad of Nigerian artists who have had sold-out concerts is Divine Ikubor known as Rema. The multiple award-winning Afrobeat singer had his first sold-out concert at O2 Arena, London in November 2023. The concert was tagged the ‘Ravage Uprising’ show. This concert was a major achievement for the 23-year-old star, as it made him the youngest African artist to sell out the iconic venue.
Rema performed his hit song ‘DND’, followed by ‘Iron Man’, and all from his growing catalog of songs. The show was graced by his fellow Mavin Records colleagues, Ayra Starr, Crayon, and Magixx, with whom he performed “Won Da Mo.”During the show, Rema appreciated his fans for coming out to watch him perform regardless of the show holding on a working day. This act depicted the lengths to which Rema’s international fans would go to show him love and support.