Burna Boy’s ‘I Told Them’ tour shatters African records with historic $30.5 million run

Burna Boy has once again cemented his status as the African Giant, proving that persistence, cultural pride and star power can translate into historic global success. His I Told Them world tour has officially closed as the highest-grossing tour by an African artist, pulling in an astonishing $30.5 million from 302,801 tickets sold across 22 shows, according to Touring Data.

The achievement not only marks Burna Boy’s biggest tour to date but also sets a new benchmark for African music on the global stage, surpassing the estimated $25 million generated by Wizkid’s Made in Lagos tour. 

For Burna, it is a clear message that the world is not just listening to African music anymore, it is paying premium prices for it.

Launched in support of his 2023 album I Told Them, the tour stretched across North America and Europe, delivering high-energy performances that blended Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall and hip-hop.

Fans packed arenas and stadiums to hear standout tracks such as City Boys and Big 7, performed with the raw intensity that has become Burna’s trademark.

One of the tour’s most defining moments came on 29 June 2024 at London Stadium, where nearly 59,000 fans turned up for a show that grossed an unprecedented $6.147 million in a single night, the highest ever recorded by an African artist. 

By the end of 2025, the tour had firmly pulled ahead of all previous African touring records.

Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu in Port Harcourt, Burna Boy’s rise to this level has been years in the making. From winning a Grammy for Twice as Tall in 2021 to becoming the first African artist to sell out Madison Square Garden in 2022, I Told Them now feels like the culmination of a decade-long grind.

Midway through the tour, early figures sat around $15 million, but major stadium dates in cities like London and Paris pushed the totals into record-breaking territory.

Beyond the numbers, the tour stood out for its strategic execution. Burna Boy and his team focused on premium global markets, with average grosses of about $1.38 million per show and ticket prices that reflected his superstar status.

 Appearances by artists such as Dave, Stormzy, J Hus, Popcaan, Snoh Aalegra and Toni Braxton added to the appeal, drawing diverse audiences from African diaspora communities and international fans alike.

The tour also produced multiple individual records. Burna Boy became the first African artist to sell out major stadiums in the UK, the US and France, while his Canadian dates alone grossed $5.7 million across six shows. 

In the United States, he broke his own arena records, including a $1.725 million night at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. At Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, he also set a record for the most expensive average ticket price for an African artist, at $172.76.

Pheelz speaks against music comparisons as Samklef criticises industry culture

  

Pheelz has weighed in on the growing culture of music comparisons in the Nigerian music industry, warning that constant rivalry is doing more harm than good.

The producer and hitmaker took to X to remind fans that music was created to be enjoyed, not turned into a competitive sport.

Reacting to his post, veteran producer Samklef reflected on what he described as a more peaceful era in the industry, recalling a time when new artists were welcomed without pressure or hostility.

He cited the early careers of Wizkid and Olamide as examples of when creativity thrived without comparisons.

However, Samklef’s response quickly drew attention after he alleged that the industry became increasingly toxic in later years, accusing unnamed figures of promoting unhealthy competition, fake streams and intimidation tactics.

"Music was fun when we started. When Wizkid came, there was no comparison—everything was pure love. Olamide came too, same thing. No pressure, no hatred, just music. Then one Scorpio boy who moves like diddy..Davido entered, and since then the industry turned toxic. Cultist mindset, threats, fake streams, dirty moves everywhere," he wrote.

“Music no be football. It was never a fight,” Sam added.

The exchange comes as end-of-year rankings, streaming statistics and award conversations have intensified comparisons among fans of top musicians.

In recent months, online rivalries have frequently dominated social media, sometimes spilling over into direct exchanges involving the artists themselves.

Music was fun when we started.
When Wizkid came, there was no comparison—everything was pure love.
Olamide came too, same thing.
No pressure, no hatred, just music.

Then one Scorpio ♏️ boy who moves like diddy..Davido entered, and since then the industry turned toxic.
Cultist… https://t.co/Ij9Th2bepp

— SAMKLEF DRAGON (@SAMKLEF) December 15, 2025

Adekunle Gold announces historic Lagos concert with 55-piece orchestra

Adekunle Gold, popularly known as AG Baby, is preparing to stage one of the most ambitious performances of his career with the announcement of a major homecoming concert in Lagos. 

The Afrobeats star revealed that he will headline a landmark show at the National Theatre on December 26, where he will perform with a full orchestra in what is being described as one of the largest symphonic collaborations in Nigerian pop music history.

Sharing the news on X on Sunday, 14 December 2025, Adekunle Gold promised fans a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

The concert will feature a live journey through his entire six-album catalogue, backed by a 55-piece MUSON Orchestra alongside his live band, The 79th Element. 

“Experience FUJI and all 6 albums that shaped my journey,” he wrote, inviting fans to witness the evolution of his sound on a grand stage.

The Boxing Day show represents a full-circle moment for the singer, who grew up immersed in the indigenous sounds of Lagos. 

Bringing an orchestral performance to the iconic National Theatre reflects both his roots and the artistic growth that has defined his career over the past decade.

Fans attending the National Theatre concert can expect a powerful retelling of Adekunle Gold’s musical journey, from early favourites to recent hits, reimagined through orchestral arrangements. 

The collaboration between the MUSON Orchestra and The 79th Element band is expected to blend the rhythm and soul of Afrobeats and Fuji with classical grandeur, creating an immersive live experience.

Odumodublvck takes aim at rival rapper in cryptic tweet

Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck has once again set social media buzzing after sharing a controversial tweet that many believe is directed at fellow rapper Blaqbonez.

In the post, Odumodublvck criticised record labels that pay artists during the festive season instead of allowing them to generate income through bookings, mocking what he described as artificial hype.

 He went on to question the success and relevance of an unnamed rapper’s work, claiming there was “no motion,” no songs worth booking, and suggesting that hip hop as they know it is no longer thriving.

"RECORD LABEL WEY DEY PAY ARTISTE DURING CHRISTMAS PERIOD INSTEAD OF MAKE ARTISTE MAKE MONEY FOR RECORD LABEL  DEM NO DEY MAKE KOBO FOR HIM HEAD, INSTEAD, DEM DEY ORGANIZE SHOWS MAKE E BE LIKE SAY E GET MOTION.

"KEEP RAPING ABOUT YOURSELF, FULL ALBUM NO MOTION. NOT ONE TUNE WORTH A BOOKING. HIP HOP? E DON CLOSE," he wrote.

Although Odumodublvck did not mention any names, fans were quick to speculate that the tweet was aimed at Blaqbonez, especially given the long-running tension between the two artists.

The rappers have traded jabs for months, both directly and indirectly, keeping their rivalry in the public eye.

The tweet drew mixed reactions online. 

While a few users supported Odumodublvck’s blunt take on the music industry, the majority pushed back, trolling him and dismissing his claims. 

5 Nigerian songs that defined 2025 and ruled our playlists

2025 delivered a wave of unforgettable music moments, but a handful of Nigerian songs rose far above the rest.

 These tracks didn’t just top charts, they shaped culture, sparked trends, dominated radio, and became the heartbeat of parties, social media and everyday life.

From love ballads to street anthems and carefree bangers, these are the five songs that defined Nigerian music this year.

1. With You – Davido featuring Omah Lay
With You was the ultimate 2025 anthem. Davido teamed up with Omah Lay to deliver a smooth, emotional track that quickly became a fan favourite. Its heartfelt lyrics and soothing melody made it the perfect soundtrack for weddings, chill nights, and romantic playlists, cementing its place as one of the year’s most-played songs.

2. Fun – Rema
Rema brought pure energy and escapism with “Fun.” The song’s playful beat and catchy hook turned it into a summer and party favourite, dominating dance floors and TikTok challenges. Its feel-good vibe made it the perfect track for anyone looking to forget their worries and simply enjoy the moment.

3. Body – Ckay featuring Mavo
Ckay’s “Body” fused street-pop energy with catchy melodies, creating a track that everyone wanted to dance to. Featuring Mavo, the song became a club and social media favourite, proving once again that street-inspired Nigerian music has the power to go mainstream while staying authentic.

4. Many People – Adekunle Gold
Adekunle Gold’s “Many People” offered a more reflective and melodic experience. With his signature smooth vocals, Adekunle Gold connected deeply with listeners, creating a track that felt personal and comforting. It became a go-to for those quiet moments or introspective playlists, showing that Nigerian music can be both popular and meaningful.

5. Hot Body – Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr closed the year with “Hot Body,” a high-energy anthem full of confidence and swagger. Mixing Afropop and dancehall influences, the song lit up clubs, fashion events, and social media. “Hot Body” showcased Ayra Starr’s bold persona and empowered young listeners, proving that female voices are a major driving force in Nigerian music today.

These five songs not only topped charts and playlists but also reflected the diversity and vibrancy of Nigerian music in 2025.