In the world of entertainment, Music, and Football stand out as two of the largest industries that have become a huge part of human culture. As a lover of both – sports and music – I find the fusion of the two to be an exhilarating experience. My favorite way to pass the time when I’m not debating Messi versus Ronaldo is through Spotify, immersing myself in new Afrobeats music or grooving to oldies from other genres.
Over the years, we have seen the significant impact that music has had on sports events, with the introduction of pre-match and halftime performances. The fusion of the two has become increasingly popular, with sports events such as the NBA All-Star, Champions League, and the World Cup featuring some of the biggest names in music.
Particularly, the culture of incorporating Afrobeats music into sports events has been on a meteoric rise, with numerous artists of the culture performing on global sporting stages. These performances not only entertain fans but also serve as a platform for Afrobeats acts to showcase their talent to a global audience.
In this article, I will be highlighting five of the most unforgettable moments Afrobeats acts performed on global sports stages.
Rema’s Performance At The NBA All-Star Game
Rema’s performance at the NBA All-Star Game was nothing short of spectacular. The Mavins poster boy delivered an electrifying performance of his global hit – “Calm Down”. He topped it up with ‘Holiday’ – the new hit song off his ‘Rave & Roses’ ultra. Rema’s performance showcased the unique sound of Afrobeats music and its ability to captivate audiences worldwide with his distinct style of dancing.
Davido’s Performance At The World Cup Final 2022
Davido’s performance at the World Cup Final 2022 was a testament to the growing popularity of Afrobeats music in the World. The Nigerian superstar delivered a high-energy performance of the FIFA 2022 World Cup 2022 official soundtrack titled ‘Hayya Hayya’ (Better Together) alongside Aisha and Trinidad Cardona. This is a historic moment for Davido and Afrobeats because he remains the first Nigerian artiste to perform on a FIFA World Cup stage.
Wizkid’s Performance At The 2022 World Tennis League
Amongst perks of accomplishment achieved by Wizkid, his performance at the 2022 World Tennis League was a milestone for Afrobeats music. The Nigerian artist delivered a stunning performance of his hit song “Bad To Me” and his global anthem ‘Essence’ featuring Tems. Wizkid’s performance showcased the versatility of Afrobeats music and its ability to connect with fans worldwide.
Tems’s Performance At The NBA All-Star Game Halftime Show
Tems’s performance at the NBA All-Star Game Halftime show was a defining moment for the Nigerian artist. The Grammy-award winning artiste became the first female Nigerian artiste to perform at the NBA halftime Show. She delivered a powerful medley performance of her hit songs “Crazy Things’’ and “Free Mind’’. She furthered delivered ‘Essence’ and ‘Wait For You’ – two songs that gave her Grammy nominations. Tems’s performance showcased the strength and talent of female Afrobeats artists and their ability to compete on a global level.
Burna Boy’s Performance At The 2022/2023 Champions League Final
Grammy award-winning artiste and acclaimed African Giant Burna Boy started the show with his all-time hits “Last Last” and “It’s Plenty” from his recent Love, Damini Album which had the crowd on their feet and singing along. Burna Boy’s performance showcased the power of Afrobeats’ music to unite people from different cultures and backgrounds. He lit up the stage alongside Brazilian singer Anitta and made the spectators go wild in excitement while dancing to the catchy beat, the sweet melodies and musical arrangements of his ‘Outsiders’ band.
The Future of Afrobeats Music in Sports Events
The incorporation of Afrobeats music and sports has proven to be a winning combination, with artists delivering unforgettable performances on sports stages worldwide. The rise of Afrobeats music on the global stage has been significant, with artists collaborating with international acts and performing at major events worldwide. The future of Afrobeats music in sports events looks bright, and with the way the genre keeps growing, we can only get some dark shades.