In recent times, global conquests have seemingly become second nature for Afrobeats stars, and the latest addition to this wave is Asake. It’s safe to say that few could have predicted a time when African music acts would be synonymous with selling out arenas and stadiums worldwide, especially in the rapid manner we’ve witnessed in the umbrella genre’s current form.
On August 20, 2023, Asake achieved a remarkable feat by becoming only the fourth African act to headline and sell out the iconic O2 Arena in London, following in the footsteps of Africa’s “Big 3”: Wizkid (4 times), Davido (2 times), and Burna Boy (1 time).
Asake’s recent triumph at the O2 Arena is truly historic, particularly when you consider the relatively short time he has spent in the mainstream music scene. In just under two years in the spotlight, Asake has already surpassed many of his peers, and his sold-out show at the O2 Arena solidifies his remarkable ascent in the industry.
However, as with most significant moments, Asake’s career-defining night had its own set of pros and cons. In this article, I’ll break down the event in reverse chronological order.
The Great:
Undoubtedly, the sold-out event at the O2 Arena was a moment of greatness, not only for Asake but also for the affiliated brands. For instance, this achievement marked a historic milestone for his record label, YBNL Nation, as it became the first African label to lead an act to a sold-out show at the O2 Arena, accomplished in collaboration with Empire Music, led by Ghazi Shami.
Another remarkable aspect of the show’s greatness was the staggering level of coverage Asake’s performance received. According to statistics, the event drew a total audience of 102,000 viewers. Twenty thousand attended the live event, while a remarkable 82,000 tuned in online to witness the spectacle.
In a broader context, the O2 Arena event symbolizes the excellence of Black and African culture. The show’s statistical success is a testament to Asake’s remarkable rise, especially for an artist who can be considered a newcomer in the growing music industry. His street-style approach, which doesn’t necessarily conform to mainstream norms, has found a massive audience.
Utterly Cringe:
Asake’s maiden gig at the O2 Arena was scheduled to start at approximately 8:30 pm, with access granted to ticket holders as early as 6:00 pm. With ample time to prepare, one would have expected the singer to be punctual for his own show. However, in classic Nigerian artist fashion, Asake was fashionably late, taking an extra ninety minutes, further fueling the ongoing debate about Afrobeats acts and their approach to time management during shows.
If his lackadaisical start wasn’t embarrassing enough, in an attempt to kickstart the show after the significant delay, Asake and his team delivered a lackluster and contrived tribute to the victims of a tragic incident at his December show in Brixton the previous year. This incident claimed the lives of two individuals, Rebecca Ikumelo and Gaby Hutchinson. Unfortunately, the tribute came across as rehearsed and lacked genuine emotion, leaving many cringing. Kudos to everyone involved for their efforts.
To add to the cringe factor, Asake made what seemed like a grand entrance by descending from a helicopter, but the execution left much to be desired and, dare I say, was rather “rizz.”
In conclusion, Asake’s sold-out show at the O2 Arena was a historic moment in African music, marked by greatness and moments of cringe. While it showcased his rapid rise to fame and the global appeal of Afrobeats, it also highlighted some of the challenges artists face in managing their image and events effectively.
Source Pictures: theupperent
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