Nigeria’s musical presence at the world-famous Coachella music festival reached new heights this year as Afrobeat legend Seun Kuti and Afrobeats superstar Rema thrilled fans with electrifying performances at the 2025 edition of the global event.
Held annually in Indio, California, Coachella is one of the most prestigious music festivals in the world. The event attracts hundreds of thousands of fans and music lovers from around the globe, showcasing a wide range of genres, from rock and pop to hip-hop, R&B, electronic music, and more recently, African sounds like Afrobeats and Afrobeat.
Seun Kuti, the youngest son of legendary Nigerian musician and Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, returned to the Coachella stage on Friday night with his energetic band, Egypt 80. Opening his set with “Everything Scatter,” a classic song originally written and performed by his father, Seun paid tribute to the roots of Afrobeat and the influence of Fela’s legacy.
“This song is called Everything Scatter, written by my father,” Seun told the audience. “I start my shows like this with one of my father’s songs as a sign of respect to the man you see.” That emotional introduction set the tone for a performance that was both nostalgic and revolutionary, blending bold political messages with infectious rhythms.
Dressed in a patterned African outfit and backed by a vibrant horn section and percussionists, Seun led the crowd through a dynamic set filled with energy, movement, and messages about freedom, identity, and African pride. His sound, rooted in the original Afrobeat style, stood out in a festival dominated by Western pop and electronic music, offering something deeply authentic and proudly Nigerian.
Seun Kuti made history in 2012 as the first Nigerian artist to perform at Coachella. This year marks his third appearance at the festival, giving him the record for the most Coachella performances by a Nigerian artist to date. His return is a testament to the growing influence of African music globally and the enduring power of Afrobeat as a political and cultural force.
Joining Seun Kuti at this year’s Coachella was award-winning Afrobeats star Rema, who performed on Sunday. The Mavin Records-signed artist made his much-anticipated Coachella debut, building on the wave of global success he has enjoyed in recent years.
Rema’s arrival on stage was delayed, which led to a noticeably shortened set. Fans waited anxiously, but the Edo-born singer did not disappoint once he hit the stage. Kicking off with his global hit *Calm Down*, Rema quickly won over the audience with his high-energy delivery, smooth vocals, and charismatic stage presence.
He followed up with Bounce, Charm, and Bout U, getting the crowd on their feet and singing along to his catchy choruses. Though the set was short due to time constraints, Rema managed to leave a lasting impression with his powerful performance and vibrant sound.
Despite the late start, fans and critics agreed that his Coachella debut was a success, adding another major milestone to his fast-rising career. His presence at the festival also cemented Afrobeats as one of the most exciting genres on the global stage.
The performances by Seun Kuti and Rema reflect the rising impact of Nigerian artists in the global music scene, especially at events like Coachella, which historically spotlighted Western acts. Over the last few years, Nigerian stars have continued to make their mark at the festival, drawing large crowds and representing African music with pride.
In 2020, Burna Boy became the first Afrofusion artist to perform at Coachella, making headlines with his commanding performance and bold fashion choices. Since then, other Nigerian acts like CKay, DJ Spinall, Fireboy DML, and Tems have graced the stage, winning hearts and attracting global attention.
One of the most memorable Coachella moments came in 2024 when Tems performed her hit Essence alongside Wizkid and Canadian pop star Justin Bieber, thrilling fans and creating a viral moment that trended worldwide.
This growing representation is a reflection of Nigeria’s music industry booming beyond borders. Afrobeats has now become a global phenomenon, dominating playlists, topping international charts, and influencing pop culture from New York to London to Tokyo.
Coachella 2025’s spotlight on Nigerian artists is part of a broader trend of African music gaining international recognition. Nigerian artists are collaborating with global stars, winning international awards, and selling out shows across the world. With streaming platforms making African music more accessible, and social media expanding fan bases, the momentum continues to build.
Events like Coachella serve as powerful platforms for artists to showcase not just their music, but also their heritage, fashion, and cultural identity. For Nigerian performers like Seun Kuti and Rema, it is a chance to not only entertain but to educate global audiences about Africa’s rich and diverse artistic history.
As Coachella continues to embrace more diverse sounds, and as the global appetite for Afrobeats and Afrobeat grows, Nigerian artists are well-positioned to play even bigger roles in future editions of the festival.
Seun Kuti’s legacy as an Afrobeat torchbearer and Rema’s meteoric rise in the Afrobeats scene prove that Nigerian music is not just trending — it is here to stay.
Their 2025 Coachella performances not only delighted fans but also helped pave the way for future generations of Nigerian artists to dream bigger, reach farther, and own global stages with pride.
