How Asake Shutdown Again 20,000-Capacity London 02 Arena
MICHAEL AKINOLA with agency reports
Nigerian music sensation, Asake, delivered an electrifying performance live at the United Kingdom iconic entertainment complex, O2 Arena on the Greenwich Peninsula in southeast London over the weekend, captivating the crowd with his dynamic stage presence and energy.
Asake, a MOBO award-winning Afrobeats artiste, achieved the rare feat by selling out the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena for the second time in two years.
The YBNL/Empire Star first sold out the iconic venue in 2023 following the release of his sophomore album ‘Work of Art’ in a moment that announced his global ascension.
The O2 Arena, a large venue in London, is a significant milestone for any artiste.
Selling out this venue, which means all available tickets have been sold, is a testament to an artiste’s popularity and the high demand for their performance.
Asake’s on the bounce’s achievement of selling out the O2 Arena puts him in the same league as international superstars like Beyonce, Spicegirls, Rihanna, and the Rolling Stones, who have also sold out this iconic venue.
He also joins the ranks of Nigerian superstars Davido and Wizkid, who sold out the O2 Arena more than once.
Asake’s Saturday night feat is part of his ‘Lungu Boy World Tour’.
It was a night to remember as Asake made a dramatic entrance via helicopter.
Asake also recreated Chris Brown’s legendary performance by flying in the air while performing.
He showcased his undeniable talent, blending Afrobeats with incredible visuals and jaw-dropping surprises.
The 29-year-old star singer thrilled the crowd with his hit tracks including ‘Olorun’, ‘Omo Ope’ and ‘Amapiano’.
Asake also stunned fans with mind-blowing stunts, making the show an unforgettable experience filled with infectious music and thrilling moments.
The night reached new heights when he brought out global superstars Wizkid and Stormzy for surprise collaborations, sending the audience into a frenzy.
Asake’s mom was also at the backstage alongside Chelsea football player Jadon Sancho, Tottenham Hotspur player, Udogie and Alexa, Asake’s Empire manager.
British-born Hollywood star Idris Elba also presented Asake with the sold-out plaque for his new feat and a BRIT silver plaque for ‘Work of Art’, his 2023 album.
Prior to that, a mini-documentary on Asake’s musical journey, ‘From Lagos Island to the global scene’, voiced by Idris Elba was previewed.
Since releasing his new album, Lungu Boy, Asake has been touring the world.
The release of his latest album made touring a necessity.
This tour began at the 02 Arena, and the world saw him fill the space. Tracks from his recent works were played as he performed his songs, and the crowd engaged.
In August, Asake’s Lungu Boy broke Spotify and US Apple records.
The album gained over 5.86 million Spotify streams on its opening day, and on its first day, Lungu Boy beat Davido’s Timeless album, which stood at 4.9 million streams.
For a Nigerian album on global Spotify, Lungu Boy also set a new record for the biggest opening day global streams, with 9.2 million.
Just last week, Portuguese football phenomenon, Cristiano Ronaldo, added a Nigerian touch to his latest Instagram content by featuring Asake’s popular track “Active”.