A Closer Look At Adekunle Gold’s Concert

According to industry sources, Nigerian afrobeats superstar Adekunle Gold made history on Friday, December 26, 2025, by becoming the first artist to headline a concert at the newly renovated National Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre in Lagos. The sold-out event, titled Fuji and supported by The Macallan, marked a landmark return of large-scale live performances to the iconic venue, attracting a diverse audience of fans, creatives, and music industry figures.

Guests were welcomed to a night of elegance, adhering to a black-tie dress code with attendees appearing in tuxedos, gowns, and meticulously styled outfits that matched the grandeur of the theatre and the evening’s orchestral theme.

The concert commenced with a dynamic opening from Nigerian music star Olamide, who hosted the event with humor and theatrical flair, setting a celebratory tone for the night. Fans responded enthusiastically, reflecting the anticipation and long-standing camaraderie between the artists.

Adekunle Gold’s performance, backed by his band, The 79th Element, and a 55-piece orchestra, featured meticulously arranged renditions of his music. The orchestral accompaniment added depth to familiar hits, offering the audience a new way to experience his catalogue.

The night’s highlights included a surprise appearance by Davido, who joined Adekunle Gold to perform their collaborative hits, igniting the crowd. Music legends Adewale Ayuba and Yinka Ayefele also took the stage to perform Many People, earning rapturous applause and cementing themselves as standout moments of the evening.

Between performances, Adekunle Gold addressed the audience, inspiring them with a message of ambition and individuality. “Don’t stop dreaming, keep daring to be different, do everything on your own terms,” he encouraged, eliciting strong applause from the crowd.

Following the main concert, the celebration continued with an exclusive after-party sponsored by The Macallan. Popular hypeman Big Bimi kept the energy high, while guests, including notable personalities such as Falz, Do2dtun, SwitOpe, and VeeIye, enjoyed cocktails and live DJ sets in a stylish and relaxed setting.