This week, Wizkid left no doubt nor debate about his status as one of music’s most potent titans.
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The hotly anticipated London stop of the ‘Made In Lagos Tour’ marks the maestro’s third time headlining the world-renowned O2 Arena. Yet, on this occasion, it was for a historic three-night residency; an engagement that renders Suerele’s Finest the first Nigerian act to achieve this feat.
Feverish excitement amongst fans preceded the shows and saw Wiz join an elite tally of artists (such as Beyonce and Michael Jackson) who’ve sold out the venue in the fastest time.
Palpable in the air was the sentiment that London at large was more than ready to see Wizkid in the flesh – from 60,000 tickets selling out in minutes to discussions of what reveler wear arising weeks before the concerts took place.
And the 31-year-old did not disappoint.
Serving up a setlist that was seasoned with all the pepper and spice to be expected from Wiz’s colossal catalog, the performer powered through classics such as ‘Ojuelegba,’ ‘Pakurumo,’ ‘Don’t Dull,’ ‘Back to the Matter,’ along with new ‘Made In Lagos’ fan favorites such ‘Essence,’ ‘True Love,’ and ‘Blessed.’
There was no shortage of gargantuan guests either.
For, Wiz was joined by the likes of Chris Brown (who made his return to the London stage in 12 years), Tems, Burna Boy, Skepta, Ella Mai, Krept & Konan, Koffee, Giggs, Buju, and more.
The concert residency kicked off during the same week, Wiz nabbed GRAMMY nominations for the critically-acclaimed ‘Made In Lagos’ and song of the summer – ‘Essence’ featuring Tems.
In many ways, the London ‘Made In Lagos Tour’ residency served as a full-circle moment given that it was ten years ago that Wiz first stormed the British city with his headlining show at the HMV Apollo.
The decade that followed has been defined by his dominance of the Afrobeats landscape and the bulldozing of barriers on a global scale.
And there’s no stopping the leader of Wizkid F.C. For, the culmination of the shows saw the mysterious touting of a 2022 outdoor show. Could stadiums be nigh? Time will tell. What is for sure is that Wizkid is a formidable force that continues to redefine possibilities.
[Review by BTA]