Nigerian music legend Olamide has cemented his status as African royalty after achieving what no other rapper from the continent has accomplished - selling out the prestigious OVO Wembley Arena in London.
Historic Night for African Music
The iconic venue, with a capacity of 12,500 enthusiastic fans, witnessed history on Sunday night as Olamide became the first African rapper to completely sell out the arena. The atmosphere crackled with electric energy, transforming the London space into what felt like a vibrant Lagos neighborhood.
During the monumental event, the artist received a special plaque onstage to commemorate his groundbreaking achievement. For those unable to secure tickets, the concert was livestreamed on his YouTube channel, attracting thousands of virtual viewers experiencing his first London headline concert since 2016.
Unforgettable Performance Highlights
Olamide kicked off the night with an explosive performance of his greatest hits, including crowd favorites like 'The Money', 'Don't Stop', 'Infinity', and 'Eleda Mi O'. The superstar demonstrated his incredible staying power when he performed 'Lambebe', a single released eleven years ago, and the entire arena sang every word back to him.
The viral moment underscored his enduring influence on Nigerian music culture. Addressing his critics directly, Olamide told the cheering crowd: "Dem say I no get fans again, e no better for them." The statement resonated deeply with an audience whose lives have been soundtracked by his extensive collection of hits.
YBNL Nation United on Stage
As the visionary behind YBNL Records, Olamide has launched numerous careers, and this legacy was celebrated throughout the night. His first-ever signee, Lil Kesh, opened the special guest appearances, followed by current superstars Asake and Pheelz, who thrilled the audience with their hit collaborations.
Olamide's impact extends far beyond his label roster. The concert featured surprise appearances from artists whose careers he helped boost through guest verses, including Bella Shmurda, Joeboy, Seyi Vibez, and Ashidapo. This gathering of talent showcased his profound influence across generations of Nigerian artists.
Building an Unmatched Legacy
Olamide Gbenga Adedeji has consistently pushed boundaries throughout his career. As a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive, he's widely regarded as one of Africa's most influential artists. His unique blend of Yoruba and English lyrics has created a sound that maintains cultural authenticity while achieving global appeal.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Olamide has made significant business history. In 2013, he became the first Nigerian artist to sign an endorsement deal with Cîroc. More recently, he earned his first Grammy nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Amapiano alongside Asake, marking the first-ever nomination for an African rapper.
His inclusion in Billboard's 2025 Global Power Players list further cements his international standing. The London concert proved that Nigerian rap commands the same global appeal as Afrobeats, demonstrating that artists in this genre can successfully headline major international venues.
Fans celebrated throughout the night, recognizing that this historic moment belonged not just to Olamide, but to the entire culture he represents. His career continues to set unprecedented benchmarks for African musicians, defining what success looks like for African rap on the world stage and inspiring the next generation of artists.
