On September 22, 2024, Nigerian music star Asake made history by selling out the O2 Arena in London for the second time.
This remarkable feat places him among the elite ranks of Afrobeats stars Davido and Wizkid, who have also sold out the iconic venue on multiple occasions.
Asake’s recent success marks another milestone in his fast-rising career, following the release of his third album, Lungu Boy, and a world tour that has captured the attention of fans worldwide.
The 20,000-capacity O2 Arena is one of the world’s most prestigious venues, and headlining it is considered a major achievement for any artist.
For Nigerian musicians like Asake, it also represents a significant moment for Afrobeats, a genre that has been rapidly gaining global recognition in recent years.
Asake’s sold-out concert at the O2 Arena was part of his Lungu Boy world tour. The energetic performer delivered an unforgettable night, thrilling fans with his hit singles, including tracks from his latest album.
The crowd, which included celebrities such as Grammy-winning Afrobeats artist Wizkid and British actor Idris Elba, was electrified by Asake’s vibrant stage presence and unique sound.
During the concert, Idris Elba presented Asake with two plaques: one for selling out the O2 Arena and another BRIT silver plaque for his album Work of Art.
This moment symbolized Asake’s growing influence, not just in Nigeria but on the global stage.
Speaking about his journey, Asake said, “It feels incredible to be back here for a second time. The support from my fans around the world has been amazing, and I’m just grateful for the love.”
He went on to thank his team and fans for helping him achieve such a remarkable accomplishment.
Asake, born Ahmed Ololade, is one of the most exciting artists to come out of Nigeria’s Afrobeats scene in recent years.
He first gained attention with his debut single Mr. Money in 2020, and quickly became a household name with his energetic music style that fuses Afrobeats, fuji, and street-hop influences.
His rise to stardom has been swift. In 2023, Asake sold out the O2 Arena for the first time following the release of his sophomore album, Work of Art.
That concert marked a major turning point in his career, solidifying his place among Nigeria’s top music exports.
Since then, he has continued to break new ground with every project, and his 2024 Lungu Boy album and world tour are no exception.
Asake’s achievements at the O2 Arena underscore the ongoing global rise of Afrobeats.
Once seen as a niche genre, Afrobeats has grown into a global phenomenon, thanks to the hard work and talent of artists like Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and now Asake.
In 2018, Davido became the first Nigerian solo artist to sell out the O2 Arena, a feat that opened doors for more Afrobeats artists to reach international audiences.
Wizkid followed in 2019 with his own sold-out performance, before making history in 2021 by headlining the venue for three consecutive nights.
These concerts demonstrated the worldwide appeal of Nigerian music and solidified Afrobeats as a dominant force in the global music industry.
Asake’s entry into this elite circle of artists who have sold out the O2 Arena more than once is a testament to both his talent and the increasing demand for Afrobeats music across the world.
Located in London, the O2 Arena is one of the world’s premier entertainment venues. With a capacity of 20,000, it has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Drake, and Ed Sheeran. For an artist to headline and sell out the venue is seen as a sign of international success.
For Nigerian artists, performing at the O2 Arena is more than just a career milestone—it’s a symbol of the global influence that Afrobeats has achieved. Asake’s ability to fill the arena twice in less than two years reflects the growing appreciation for Nigerian music and culture on a global scale.
In a statement following his second sold-out show, Asake shared his excitement about being part of the Afrobeats movement.
“It’s an honor to stand where legends have stood,” he said. “Davido, Wizkid—they paved the way, and I’m grateful to be walking in their footsteps.”
Asake’s second sold-out concert at the O2 Arena is a testament to his talent, determination, and the power of Afrobeats.
Joining the ranks of Davido and Wizkid, he has solidified his place among Nigeria’s most celebrated music stars.
His world tour, coupled with the success of his latest album Lungu Boy, has further elevated his status as one of the leading voices in the Afrobeats movement.
As Afrobeats continues to gain international recognition, artists like Asake are paving the way for future generations to follow.
His achievements at the O2 Arena are not just a win for him, but a win for Nigerian music and culture on the global stage.
