Iconic & Culturally significant images captured by Michael Tubes.
A decade on, we look back at some of the most iconic and culturally significant images captured by African Music photographer Michael Tubes.
Yemi Alade at The Le Trianon
She kicked off the first leg of her ‘Mama Africa’ world tour in Paris, where she was one of the first female Afrobeats artists to sell out The Le Trianon venue several days before her concert.
Yemi Alade’s performance with her Ovasabi band was phenomenal, empowering and breathtaking.
The success of her concert in Paris that night underscores the growing profile of the Nigerian female Afrobeats artistes and once again proved that Yemi Alade, women can compete with their male counterparts in performing and selling out various iconic venues around the world, which surely opened new opportunities for women in the Afrobeats scene in the international arena.
Paris, France. 7th April 2017. Yemi Alade performing live at the Le Trianon. Photographed by Michael Tubes
Davido’s 30 Billion UK Tour
Wizkid and Davido
There have been strong rumours that two of Afrobeats’ biggest superstars do not see eye to eye. There had been war throughout 2017 from both sets of fans attacking each other on their social media platforms.
However, on Sunday, December 24, fans never thought they were going to witness seeing Davido and Wizkid perform together on stage for the first time ever.
It was Wizkid’s homecoming concert ‘Wizkid: The Concert’ as the Starboy hadn’t held a concert in Lagos in six years. He surprised fans by bringing Davido on stage, where they both performed to his hit single ‘FIA’ and shared a hug.
However, fans thought it was a fluke but February 18, 2018. Wizkid made a surprise appearance at Davido’s 30 Billion UK Tour. The duo thrilled fans at the 5000 capacity of 02 Academy Brixton, London.
Davido asked fans during his performance if they are ready for his final surprise of the night. Then Wizkid’s hit single ‘Manya’ started playing and fans witnessed history again literally freaking out with excitement and social media was buzzing, both artists were trending in UK & Africa.
London, United Kingdom. 18th Feburary 2018. Wizkid performing live with davido at his 02 Academy Brixton concert. Photographed by Michael Tubes.
Wizkid Headlines the Royal Albert Hall’s first Afrobeats concert.
29th September 2017, will be remembered as one of the major highlights of the Afrobeats music scene in the UK. Prior to the date, Afrobeats artists performed in specific venues but not as upscale or iconic as the Royal Albert Hall.
Wizkid was the first Afrobeats artist to headline a sold-out concert as part of the Albert sessions.
However, It is a landmark honour for wizkid, the Afrobeats genre and Africans in the diaspora. It is the beginning of a new dawn in Afrobeats scene in UK & Europe.
Tiwa Savage and her son Jam Jam
This decade has been an outstanding era for Tiwa Savage’s musical career. All of her achievements have cemented her legacy has one of the best female artists and brightest stars that Nigeria has ever produced.
Amongst her many highlights this decade, She became the first female artist to win the highly sought after Best African Act award at the MTV Europe Music Award.
However, it is very rare to see a nursing mother rehearsing for a major concert and at the same time, her son wants her affection at the same time.
The image was captured during the rehearsal of her first UK solo concert at Indigo2 where she became the first female Afrobeats artists to have a solo concert in the prestigious venue.
The effort, energy and preparation she devoted to this concert was nothing short of first-class.
Words can’t express the amount of hard work she devoted to giving her fans the best of the best live musical experience, from dance rehearsals to sound rehearsal.
The image above speaks volumes on how Tiwa has been able to balance the work of motherhood and the work of producing outstanding performances while releasing back to back hits.
This image is a testament to her hard work and her contribution to promote and take African music to higher levels.
Davido’s concert at the 02 Arena
Davido being the second Afrobeats artists to headline his own concert at the 02 Arena is a testament that Afrobeats genre has muscled its way to being a force to be reckoned with.
His performance was electrifying. It was high energy, an elevated night packed full of surprises.
Idris Elba introduced Davido who made a spectacular entrance by soaring above the audience, being suspended in air while performing to his fans.
His concert was a major statement to the world that the Afrobeats genre can sell out major iconic venues around the world and can compete with other major music genres.
London, United Kingdom. 27th January 2019. Davido performing live at 02 arena. Photographed by Michael Tubes.
Burnaboy’s African Giant Tour (London)
Over the years Burnaboy has become a world-class artist in his own right. His African Giant tour has been successful in different countries, but his London performance was out of this world. Over 12,500 music lovers were thrilled to the eccentric performance of Burnaboy at the SSE Wembley Arena London
The iconic moment was when he emerged from the jaws of a 20-foot gorilla to a nostalgic fuji blend of Yoruba sounds, which left fans on tenterhooks.
Zimfest 2018
When you think about the popular African music genre, you think about music from Nigeria or Ghana.
However, Zimfest 2018 put Zimbabwe music on the map. The event was held at iconic Indigo2 with a top-notch performance from all the artists on the bill.
Ammara Brown
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Iconic & culturally significant images captured by Michael Tubes.
