Asake Makes History As First African Artist At Brooklyn’s Red Bull Symphonic

AISHA ABUBAKAR

Afrobeats star Asake headlined the U.S. edition of Red Bull Symphonic at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre in New York on Saturday, becoming the first African artist to do so.

The Nigerian singer, alongside a 33-piece orchestra reimagining his hits like ‘Lonely at the Top’ and ‘Terminator’ in a fusion of Afrobeats and classical music.

Surprise guests including Wizkid, Gunna, Central Cee, Tiakola, and Fridayy joined for collaborations such as ‘MMS’ and ‘Happiness,’ showcasing Asake’s global ties.

While the sold-out show itself was a major milestone, it was the unannounced appearance of Afrobeats icon, Wizkid that shattered social media.

Out of nowhere, Wizkid walked on stage, sparking wild reactions from Brooklyn’s biggest Theatre.

Together, they performed their 2024 hit “MMS”, backed by a full orchestra.

Asake’s street-pop energy met Wizkid’s smooth, calm flow as Starboy dazzled fans with his laid back vibe that got fans talking on the internet.

During the sold-out show, Asake, the leader of the GIRAN REPUBLIC previewed an unreleased track from his upcoming album ‘Mr. Money,’ featuring lyrics on faith, perseverance, and hard work.

The concert showcased a seamless and innovative fusion of contemporary Afrobeats and classical music.

His collaborations with artists like Tiakola and Fridayy reinforced his cross-genre appeal.

The event solidifies Asake’s position at the forefront of Afrobeats’ evolving global presentation.

This historic performance was more than a concert; it was a symbolic elevation of African music on the world’s stage, proving that contemporary sounds can be both deeply rooted and classically transcendent.