On the 5th of March, Davido made history as one out of two African acts to sell out London’s 02 arena. Tagged ‘WE RISE BY LFTING OTHERS’, the show had been packed with performances from Davido as well as guest performances from friends and other artistes and the night had been a movie unrolled on the stage.
As a result, while the show was followed closely by countless people, in this list, we draw up a list of some highlights of the show to ensure that they aren’t forgotten and also as a bridge for those that missed them, as these are some of the moments that will go down in the annals of Nigerian music history.
Here are some unforgettable moments from the SOLD OUT Davido’s 02 Arena show:
Israel DMW opening the show
Davido’s aide, Israel DMW was jokingly referred to as the first Bini person to be at the 02 but probably made history as the first one to open up a show at the 02 Arena. Hilarious and much-loved for his very open adoration of his boss, Davido, Israel had taken to the stage Bini attire with a bell in hand which he rang as he made welcomed the guests in his native language and gave glowing marks about Davido to the 20,000 people present at the venue.
Isreal juju !!!! 🥰🥰🥰💪🏿 @afeare_isreal INTRO OF LIFE!!
— Davido (@davido) March 6, 2022
Becoming a global citizen
A number of top Nigerian musicians have been given honorary recognitions in other countries and on the 5th of March, while on stage in front of the 02 Arena, the opposition leader of the house of representatives of Belize, Honorable Shyne Barrow awarded Davido an outstanding global citizen.
Davido and Adekunle Gold’s stage chemistry
The turn out of Davido and his guest performances was really a thing to witness, even from a screen but watching Davido and Adekunle Gold perform their hit record High, was an entirely different type of high. With energies from the crowd, already at a fever pitch, the duo had brought the show to a climactic point while performing the chorus with double the energy that afterwards, Adekunle Gold had jokingly commented that Davido almost tore his shirt during their performance.
Popcaan makes an appearance
During Davido’s 02 Arena debut in 2019, Popcaan had featured as the star guest performer and together they’d performed their first collab; Pop Caan’s Dun Rich. On Saturday, the two had made history again following Popcaan’s surprise appearance and they’d performed Risky.
Victony walking on stage
All through December last year, fast-rising singer, Victony who’d survived a ghastly accident, had made appearances to shows seated in a wheelchair. But at Davido’s headline show in Lagos, Victony had performed standing for the first time, leaving his wheelchair to perform Holy Father with Mayorkun and Davido.
On Saturday to perform Holy Father, Victony had given show watchers a miracle level highlight as he walked to the stage for the first time ever since his accident and performed Holy Father on his feet as well.
Ecool Almost Killing them Sha!
So when Zlatan was performing in all the Glory of his vibe, something happened. Everybody noticed because Ecool didn’t really keep it cool.
Zlatan was performing anf his famous Burna Boy collaboration, ‘Killin Dem’ came on. As Zlatan was about to settle into the track, DJ Ecool Switched the song.
Social Media Users have attributed the past rift between Davido and Burna Boy for the switch.
Ecool is a big clown. How could you spoil a good performance because Burna was in the song? #Davidoat02 #Davido #O2Arena pic.twitter.com/Ti4EUrsNmO
— Yuri 🏗 (@Yurickane) March 6, 2022
Pheelz performing Finesse
Before Finesse by Pheelz and Buju dropped, it was already a fan favourite but watching Pheelz perform it to a crowd of 20,000 ecstatic people two days after its release was an entirely different type of highlight as that’s the first time a song has visibly caught on like wildfire after its release.
The moment the hook, to finesse came on, the crowd knew it word for word. I’m glad a crowd of concert goers (20000 people) agreed that if they end up broke, it shouldn’t be our business. But, Afrobeats has really gone on to the world as the time of release doesn’t even affect the popularity of Music anymore.
Blinged by Benny
Davido’s rack of iced out jewellery has become almost as famous as the wearer itself and his latest 001 pendant had thrilled fans and jewellery lovers. The megastar had then stepped it up by having A-list celebrity jeweller, Benny Da Jeweler put on his latest piece right in front of the 20,000 strong crowd. This had been a highlight of a different kind and reenforced Davido’s status as a global star given that Benny was flown in to perform rites he does for his top paying celeb clients from Diddy to Taraji P Henson.
Other highlights of Davido’ 02 Arena show include the oodles of joy he displayed performing with former DMW signee, Mayorkun, Ms DSF starting up her DJ set by playing Wizkid’s No Lele, as well as Ardee, Russ Millions and Tion Wayne coming through to perform the remix of Body, among others.
It was indeed a memorable moment for African Music and will not be forgotten in a long while.
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