“Taking Center Stage: The Top 10 Live Music Moments”
At SOA, we have documented numerous African music concerts in 2024, capturing the energy, artistry, and cultural richness of these incredible events. Here are our top 10 musical events of the year that we covered (in no particular order):
Davido at the O2 Arena
Davido’s performance at London’s O2 Arena was nothing short of electric, captivating fans with his signature high-energy stage presence. The concert followed the release of his highly anticipated album *Timeless*, showcasing his evolution as a global Afrobeats sensation. From viral anthems to brand-new hits, Davido’s setlist kept the packed arena in a constant state of excitement, reflecting the album’s vibrant blend of contemporary Afrobeats, pop, and Afro-pop. Beyond the thrilling live show, the O2 event highlighted Davido’s influence in spreading African music and culture worldwide. Filled with fans from diverse backgrounds, the sold-out crowd sang along to Yoruba-infused choruses and danced to lively percussions, emphasizing Davido’s talent for bridging cultural divides. The audience was immersed in a night of pure energy, vibrant visuals, and heartfelt moments, celebrating the essence of African music on an international platform. With *Timeless*, Davido continues to push the limits of Afrobeats, and the O2 Arena concert served as a triumphant testament to his enduring star power on the global stage.
Davido 🇳🇬
London, UK. 29th June 2024. Davido performing live at his Headline Concert at 02 Arena. Photographed by Michael Tubies
A Celebration of African Music & Culture
In a landmark moment for African music, YouTube hosted a vibrant event during Grammy weekend that spotlighted the impressive achievements of African musicians, particularly within the Afrobeats genre. The gathering served as a dynamic cultural showcase, providing a space where fans, industry insiders, and artists came together to recognise the global influence of African sounds.
From high-energy performances to engaging panel discussions, the event underscored how platforms like YouTube have accelerated the worldwide reach of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African music styles. By embracing these genres on a grand stage during one of the industry’s biggest weekends, YouTube emphasised not only the artistry and cultural heritage behind African music but also its formidable presence in contemporary pop culture. Attendees left with a renewed appreciation for the richness and diversity of African sounds, further solidifying Afrobeats and related genres as a fixture in the global music scene. It was a vibrant and meaningful occasion, featuring attendees such as Teni, Poco Lee, Ayra Starr, and the rapper Wale,
Photographed by Michael Tubes
Photographed by Michael Tubes
Photographed by Michael Tubes
Asake at the O2 Arena, London
What a year it’s been for Nigerian breakout star Asake—he has seemingly been everywhere and done everything, from high-profile collaborations to a massive global tour. Whether teaming up with artists like Central Cee and Travis Scott or releasing his brilliant album “Lungu Boy” (which fans have been buzzing about), Asake has proven he’s far from a one-album wonder. His Lungu Boy Tour commenced at the legendary Wireless Festival and has included significant stops across Europe, America, and Canada.
Yet the pinnacle of Asake’s success story might be his second sold-out concert at London’s O2 Arena. Filling an arena of that size is no small feat for any artist—let alone one who performs roughly 90% of his music in Yoruba. Through infectious rhythms, a bold stage presence, and an unwavering commitment to his roots, Asake has found a way to connect with an incredibly diverse crowd. The O2 performance offered a spectacular celebration of Afrobeats culture, as fans sang along (in Yoruba) and danced late into the night.
What’s most noteworthy is how Asake’s artistry defies language barriers. Whether you understand Yoruba or not, his music exudes a raw, joyful energy that transcends words. On stage, he demonstrates why Afrobeats have become a global phenomenon: the beats, the spirit, and the cultural pride radiate from every drum pattern, melodic hook, and chant-along chorus.
From festival stages to arenas, Asake’s star continues to shine brighter. As fans cherish that stunning O2 experience, one thing is certain: Asake’s meteoric rise is still in its early chapters, and we’re all eager to see where he’ll go next.
The MW Musical: A Breath of Fresh Air
The MW Musical delivered an exhilarating fusion of Afrobeats, dance, and storytelling that left audiences spellbound. Its high-energy stage play format served as a refreshing showcase of African artistry, resonating strongly with the diaspora through its music, cultural references, and vibrant choreography. While the toe-tapping Afrobeats drew crowds in, the production also tackled a range of social issues—woven seamlessly into the plot—giving the show a depth beyond its joyous melodies.
Beyond the pulsating drum patterns and lively choruses, the cast’s performances stood out: from awe-inspiring vocal deliveries to engaging acting, each scene highlighted the immense talent assembled on stage. Ultimately, The MW Musical proved itself more than just a typical stage show; it was a powerful celebration of African culture, a meaningful commentary on contemporary societal themes, and a testament to the universal appeal of Afrobeats.
photographed by Michael Tubes
photographed by Michael Tubes
photographed by Michael Tubes
Afro Nation Portugal: A Vibrant Celebration of Afrobeats
Afro Nation Portugal has established itself as an annual pilgrimage for young African music lovers and global fans, consistently delivering performances that showcase the depth and diversity of Afrobeats. This year’s festival was remarkable for featuring a fresh crop of Afrobeats powerhouses—from Rema to Asake—signalling a shift from the typical lineup dominated by Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid. Their high-energy sets highlighted how far Afrobeats have progressed, thrilling festivalgoers who danced from sunset until dawn.
Meanwhile, the supporting acts added even more excitement: Diamond Platnumz, Tyla, Flavour, and Major League DJz each brought their unique style, reflecting the multifaceted tapestry of African and Afro-inspired sounds. Although Nicki Minaj’s much-anticipated appearance did not fully meet some fans’ expectations, the overall festival atmosphere remained electric, a testament to Afro Nation’s lasting ability to curate memorable experiences centred around African music and culture.
Photographed by Michael Tubes
Photographed by Michael Tubes
Photographed by Michael Tubes
Photographed by Michael Tubes
Burna Boy at London Stadium
Burna Boy once again made history as the first Afrobeats artist to hold back-to-back stadium concerts in London. Filling London Stadium, he delivered a stunning performance that underscored why he’s often hailed as one of Africa’s finest live performers. From his powerful vocals to his commanding stage presence, every moment radiated the energy and authenticity fans have come to expect.
Several special guests—including Nigerian rap star Phyno—joined him on stage, lending an extra dose of star power and diversity to the show. The evening was a testament to Burna Boy’s cultural impact and ever-growing global reach as he continues to blaze new trails for Afrobeats on the biggest stages in the world.
Burna Boy 🇳🇬
Burna Boy 🇳🇬
Omah Lay at Hammersmith Apollo
Omah Lay delivered an electric show at London’s Hammersmith Apollo, captivating fans with his smooth vocals and magnetic stage presence. While the entire set showcased his artistic range—from laid-back anthems to high-energy crowd-pleasers—one moment stole the spotlight on social media. Midway through the performance, the Nigerian star invited a female fan on stage and danced with her in a playful yet suggestive manner. The twist? She had come to the show with her boyfriend, who was captured on camera looking visibly uncomfortable—an image that went viral almost instantly.
Despite the online chatter, Omah Lay’s performance was widely praised for its seamless blend of Afrobeats rhythms, intimate fan engagement, and chart-topping hits. The viral incident underscored how enthralling Omah Lay’s live shows can be, confirming his growing reputation as one of the most exciting new voices in Afrobeats.
photographed by Michael Tubes
photographed by Michael Tubes
Folabi Nuel & Limoblaze: Gospel Concerts That Lit Up the City
Folabi Nuel and Limoblaze each held separate gospel concerts that proved to be landmark moments in the thriving African gospel music scene. Both artists successfully sold out their respective venues, with enthusiastic fans queuing far around the block—a vivid testament to gospel music’s growing mainstream appeal.
Inside, the performances were nothing short of spirit-filled. Folabi Nuel captivated audiences with heartfelt worship anthems, while Limoblaze brought a fresh, Afrobeats-inspired sound that kept fans on their feet. Both artists’ sets left the crowd yearning for more as people united in a powerful demonstration of faith, music, and community. From soulful ballads to upbeat praise numbers, the atmosphere radiated joy and energy, signalling a bright future for African gospel artistry on the global stage.
photographed by Michael Tubes
Photographed by Michael Tubes
Limoblaze
Limoblaze
Falz’s Second UK Headline Concert: A Night of Intimate Brilliance
Nigerian rap sensation and Afrobeats star Falz treated fans to an unforgettable evening during his second UK headline concert. Attendees described the event as electrifying and intimate, showcasing Falz’s dynamic stage presence and talent for delivering back-to-back hits.
From the moment he stepped on stage, Falz captivated the crowd, who rapped and sang along to his most popular tunes. The audience responded immediately and enthusiastically, echoing his lyrics word for word. Beyond the music, the concert’s atmosphere felt personal, as if Falz was performing directly for each fan in the room.
Attendees left the show full of praise for Falz’s artistic versatility and the energy he brought to the stage. This second UK headline concert was a triumph, further solidifying Falz’s reputation as a global talent capable of creating a truly memorable live experience.
Falz
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