Seven high points of Afrobeats in 2023

Afrobeats began to experience widespread mainstream acclaim in the late 2010s. In 2023, the genre enjoyed massive global recognition, with Nigerian artistes gracing the stages of some of the biggest events and occasions across the world.

The success of Afrobeats has given room for Nigerian singers to share their rich musical heritage with the world, fostering cross-cultural connections and appreciation for African music and culture on a global scale. Their electrifying stage presence, collaborations, and participation in international events have been pivotal in propelling Afrobeats to the forefront of the global music scene.

Without further ado, here are the seven highpoints of Afrobeats in 2023:

• Davido

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On August 29, Davido thrilled the audience at the 50th Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Awards ceremony in Manchester, UK.

The Afrobeats singer’s exhilarating performance drew applause from the audience, including renowned international football stars.

In June, Davido dazzled the crowd with an electrifying performance of his hit songs at the 2023 BET Awards.

At the event which was held at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, the Nigerian singer delivered an energetic performance of ‘Unavailable’ and ‘Feel’.

In the same month, Davido also performed the hit tracks from his ‘Timeless’ album at the CNN Juneteenth concert.

The Juneteenth concert is an annual event put together by CNN, the prominent US-based multinational news channel, to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.

Davido became the first African artiste to perform at the concert.

• Rema’s Ballon d’Or performance

On October 30, Rema delivered an exhilarating rendition of his chart-topping track ‘Calm Down’ at the prestigious 2022-23 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.

Presented by France Football magazine, the Ballon d’Or recognises the best footballers in the world.

The feat makes Rema the first Afrobeats artiste to perform at the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards.

In November, the ‘Calm Down’ hitmaker also thrilled concertgoers inside the sold-out 20,000-capacity iconic 02 Arena in London, UK.

At the concert tagged ‘Ravage Uprising’, the singer whose real name is Divine Ikubor, delivered a mix of his stellar collection of songs.

• Burna Boy

In April, Burna Boy dazzled music lovers with his scintillating performance at the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

The Grammy-winning singer thrilled the audience with an electrifying performance of hit songs like ‘It’s Plenty,’ ‘Killin Dem,’ and ‘Alone’.

Coachella is one of the largest, most famous, and most profitable music festivals in the United States and the world.

• Tiwa Savage

The songstress thrilled guests at the coronation ceremony of King Charles III on May 7.

At the historic event which was held on the grounds of Windsor Castle, the Afrobeats star dazzled the crowd as she performed ‘Keys To The Kingdom’, her hit song.

Tiwa was clad in a full green-coloured dress to represent her Nigerian heritage at the coronation concert.

• Wizkid’s performance in Saudi

On December 14, Wizkid delivered an electrifying performance of his hit songs at the Soundstorm festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Grammy-winning singer entertained the crowd with an energetic performance of ‘Joro’, ‘Mood’, ‘Pakuromo’, ‘Beat of Life (Samba)’, ‘Ginger’ and ‘Energy (Stay Far Away)’.

Wizkid’s performance serenaded the audience as they sang along with excitement.

• Asake

On September 8, Asake entertained the concertgoers at the sold-out 19000-capacity Barclays Centre, New York, during his ‘Work of Art’ US tour.

Asake delivered a spectacular performance from his impressive bestselling songs off the latest album.

The Nigerian is believed to be the first Afrobeats artiste to headline and sell out the Barclays Centre.

• Tems’ Grammy win

In February, Tems won her first-ever Grammy award.

The Nigerian songstress won the ‘Best Melodic Rap Performance’ category for her role in ‘Wait for U’, the 2022 hit song by Future featuring Drake.

The 2023 Grammy Awards ceremony was held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.