In a recent episode of “Fresh Off the Boat” with Adesope Oladimeji, also known as Shopsydoo, the conversation took a critical turn when a guest from Live Nation made some pointed observations about the challenges Afrobeat artists face when tackling major venues. Her comments sparked a wave of discussions online, particularly when she claimed that Wizkid did not sell out Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during his much-hyped performance and hasn’t returned to a venue of that capacity since.
She elaborated further, stating, “We set our artists up for failure if we keep doing things like this. For example, Wizkid did not sell out Tottenham Stadium. And he hasn’t been able to return to that venue because of it.”
The guest went on to contrast Wizkid’s experience with Burna Boy, suggesting that Burna could return to the same venue but only on the condition that he completely sells out the seats he commits to. She then shifted the focus to Asake, cautioning that it might be premature to place him in massive venues, especially after a shaky performance in Toronto last year.
Asake’s Toronto concert in April 2023 raised some eyebrows among fans. While his talent is undeniable, attendees noted issues with organization and timing. The event, described by one concertgoer as “scattered and disorganized,” was marked by delays, with Asake arriving on stage about 90 minutes late. Despite his electrifying performance, the evening left some fans wondering if he was ready for venues of such scale.
But let’s take a step back. Is a less-than-perfect concert or even a non-sellout really a failure? These artists are breaking boundaries and stepping into spaces once considered unattainable for Afrobeat stars. Selling out arenas isn’t always a matter of fan support; it’s also a game of logistics, PR strategies, and sometimes sheer luck. Think of it like selling candy not every day is Halloween, and not every market is ready for the flavor you’re offering.
Ultimately, no artist is perfect, and even legends stumble. What matters is the continued growth and global recognition of Afrobeat. As we enter a new year, here’s to better concerts, smoother logistics, and more music that makes us dance like nobody’s watching. Because, let’s face it, even when things go wrong, Afrobeat is still the heartbeat of the global stage and we wouldn’t trade it for anything.
