Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, other Nigerian artistes who have performed at major sporting events
Over the years, several Nigerian artistes have graced some of the world’s biggest sporting stages, using global platforms such as football tournaments and award ceremonies to showcase Afrobeats to an international audience. From the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League to the Ballon d’Or and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), these performances have […]
Burna Boy
Over the years, several Nigerian artistes have graced some of the world’s biggest sporting stages, using global platforms such as football tournaments and award ceremonies to showcase Afrobeats to an international audience.
From the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League to the Ballon d’Or and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), these performances have helped project Nigerian music beyond borders.
Notable performers and events include:
Davido – Performed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony in Qatar, delivering “Hayya Hayya (Better Together)”, one of the tournament’s official songs.
Burna Boy – Headlined the UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show in 2023, thrilling fans ahead of the match.
Rema – Took the stage at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, becoming one of the few African artistes to perform at the prestigious football awards event.
Tems – Performed at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup halftime show, further cementing her global appeal.
Yemi Alade – Entertained fans at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), celebrating African music and culture.
Femi Kuti – Featured at the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in South Africa, bringing Afrobeat to a worldwide audience.
Other Nigerian stars such as D’banj, Kizz Daniel, Patoranking, Wizkid, and Fireboy DML have also performed at major international events, including platforms linked to sports entertainment like the NBA All-Star Weekend, as well as global festivals and award shows that attract massive sporting and pop culture audiences.
Through these appearances, Nigerian artistes continue to cement Afrobeats’ growing influence, taking the sound of the country to some of the largest sporting and entertainment stages in the world and reinforcing Nigeria’s place in global pop culture.