It’s interesting and quite captivating to see how quickly the Nigerian music industry is expanding. Though it is nothing new that over time, our music has spread from our local country to African continent and some countries in other continents too.
However, the widespread acceptance of our music, especially from young Nigerians who are shattering and setting new records in the music industry, deserves our praise.
From reggae to afrobeats to juju to hip-hop to fuji, Nigerian artists have redefined the arts and effortlessly worked to promote these genres both domestically and internationally. Nigerian artists, both young and old, have always attracted the attention of the globe from the days of Fela Anikulapo, Sikiru Ayinde, and others. when an Australian music enthusiast remarked that the singing style of our performers should be examined. It wasn’t merely bluffing. The conscience of those who disagree are also troubled.
Only a few Nigerian artists have been able to fill up London 02 Arena, one of the biggest venues in the world, despite the incredible rise the Nigerian music industry has seen. With a capacity of 20,000 people, the London O2 Arena is a well-known location frequently used for music, concerts, or live performances.
Although many artists have performed there, only a few Nigerian artists have had the opportunity to fill the London 02 Arena. Here is the list of Nigerian super stars who have achieved the feat.
Ayodeji Balogun ‘Wizkid’
Wizkid is the stage name of Nigerian singer and songwriter Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July 1990). At the London 02 Arena in May 2018, the youthful super star became the first Nigerian performer to command a sold-out performance.
The “Made in Lagos” Crooner twice performed before sold-out crowds as an eager young artist thirsty for history-making records. He duplicated the feat in his second performance, which took place in 2021, after his debut performance in May 2018.
The management of the 02 Arena verified via a tweet on its official Twitter account that the singer had a sold-out event within 10 minutes of tickets going on sale to the general public. Additionally, tickets were said to have finished, leaving supporters without access to their tickets, which left them dissatisfied.
David Adeleke ‘Davido’
David Adedeji Adeleke OON, better known by his stage name Davido, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who was born in the United States on November 21, 1992.
Davido, a well-known young super star, also demonstrated his authority twice while enthralling the crowd at the O2 Arena.
2019 saw Davido perform at London’s 02 Arena for the first time, and 2021 saw him make an incredible comeback.
Just hours before his appearances, the O2 Arena’s official Twitter feed reported that the venue was sold out, highlighting his great popularity.
Damini Ogulu ‘Burnaboy’
Burna Boy is the stage name of Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu MFR, a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on July 2, 1991.
Damini Ogulu, well known by his stage name Burnaboy, is another Nigerian performer who packed the London 02 Arena. In August 2021, he performed a sold-out show there as part of his “Space Drift Arena Tour.”
The concert marked the debut of the ‘The O2 Welcome Back Show’ series, which also included performers including Ruger, Rema, Omah Lay, and many more.
This accomplishment came after the release of his smash song “Question,” which featured producer Don Jazzy and earned a lot of praise and airplay.
Tiwatope Omolara ‘Tiwa Savage’
Tiwatope Omolara Savage (born 5 February 1980), known professionally as Tiwa Savage, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress who has been called the Queen of Afrobeats.
Another Nigerian artist who sold-out show at the 02 Arena is Tiwa Savage. She joined the prestigious line-up as the first Nigerian female artist to headline her major UK concert at the 3,000 capacity Indigo at the O2 Arena.
Savage reportedly labeled the event ‘The Savage Tour’, a fitting tribute to her trailblazing career.
Ahmed Ololade ‘Asake’
Ahmed Ololade, better known by his stage name Asake, was born in Nigeria on January 13, 1995.
Ololade Asake, a recent artist signing with the record labels YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution, is another Nigerian performer that sold out the 02 London Arena.
When he played at the O2 Arena on August 20, 2023, ‘Asake’ reportedly accomplished a groundbreaking milestone by making a grand entrance via helicopter.
According to reports, the sold-out performance demonstrated his musical skill and gave him the opportunity to join the elite group of Nigerian performers who had sold-out the 02 London Arena.
However, other Nigerian artists like Innocent Ujah Idibia popularly known as 2Baba, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj, Yemi Alade and a few mention have graced the London 02 Arena to perform and exhibit their musical prowess.