In a landmark moment for Afrobeats and global music at large, Wizkid delivered a transcendent orchestral performance at the prestigious Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on June 22, 2025.
The concert, which saw the Nigerian superstar perform with the Color of Noize Orchestra under the direction of Grammy Award-winning bassist and producer Derrick Hodge, marked a bold leap into uncharted sonic territory. For Wizkid, it wasn’t just about music—it was about reimagining an entire genre.
As dusk settled over the iconic venue, the stage transformed into a vibrant confluence of tradition and innovation. The orchestra, complete with lush strings, bold brass, and percussive nuance, reinterpreted some of Wizkid’s most beloved songs. From the spiritual swells of “Ojuelegba” to the shimmering groove of “Essence,” every track became a cinematic experience. The live orchestration added fresh emotional weight to his catalog, reminding the audience that Afrobeats is as suited to classical complexity as it is to global dancefloor.
Special guest appearances elevated the night even further. Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea joined Wizkid to electrify the crowd, and in a show-stopping moment, Afrobeats powerhouse Asake surprised the audience for a joint performance of their hit “MMS.” Their chemistry on stage, against the backdrop of a full orchestra, was nothing short of magnetic—a powerful reminder of Afrobeats’ versatility and unrelenting cultural momentum.
The significance of this event lies not just in its artistry, but in its symbolism. For years, Afrobeats has scaled commercial heights, topping charts and filling arenas. But at the Hollywood Bowl, Wizkid repositioned the sound as timeless, classical, and worthy of archival reverence. It was a celebration of African sonic excellence performed with the grandeur usually reserved for symphonies and operas.
Fan reactions echoed across social platforms, with viral clips showcasing reimagined versions of “A Million Blessings” , “Karamo,” “Come Closer,” and “Bad Girl”. The response was unanimous: this wasn’t just a show—it was a statement.
The orchestral concert follows hot on the heels of Wizkid’s recent documentary premiere, Long Live Lagos, at the Tribeca Film Festival, signaling a new era of multidimensional storytelling for the artist. As he continues to experiment and elevate his craft, one thing becomes clear: Wizkid isn’t just making music—he’s shaping history.
In redefining what an Afrobeats performance can be, Wizkid has opened a new chapter for the genre. The Hollywood Bowl concert will be remembered not only as a career milestone but as a cultural shift.
