Olamide Makes History as First African Rapper to Sell Out OVO Wembley Arena
Nigerian rap star Olamide has made history by becoming the first African rapper to completely sell out the 12,500-capacity OVO Wembley Arena in London.
The show took place on Sunday night, and the venue was filled with excited fans who came to celebrate this big moment for Nigerian music. Olamide was even given a special plaque on stage to mark the achievement. The energy in the arena felt like Lagos was brought to London.
The concert was also streamed live on Olamide’s YouTube page, where thousands more fans watched his first London headline concert since 2016.
Olamide opened the night with some of his biggest songs, including “The Money,” “Don’t Stop,” “Infinity,” and “Eleda Mi O.” The crowd sang along to every word as he performed hit after hit.
A standout moment was when he performed “Lambebe,” a song released 11 years ago. The audience sang it so loudly that Olamide joked about people who said he had lost his fanbase:
“Dem say I no get fans again, e no better for them,” he said, as the crowd cheered.
YBNL Stars Show Up for Their Boss
Olamide also celebrated his role as a label head. His first signee, Lil Kesh, came out to perform, followed by Asake and Pheelz, who thrilled fans with their hit collaborations.
Other artists he has helped along their journeys, like Bella Shmurda, Joeboy, Seyi Vibez, and Ashidapo, also joined him on stage. Their appearances showed Olamide’s huge influence on the Nigerian music industry.
Olamide’s Legacy
Olamide Gbenga Adedeji has been one of Africa’s most influential artists for years. He raps and sings in both Yoruba and English, mixing local culture with international appeal.
He has also broken records beyond music. In 2013, he became the first Nigerian artist to sign a Cîroc endorsement deal. In 2023, he earned his first Grammy nomination for “Amapiano” with Asake—the first Grammy nomination ever for an African rapper. In 2025, Billboard listed him among its Global Power Players.
His sold-out show proves that Nigerian rap—not just Afrobeats—has global power, with fans ready to fill major arenas abroad.
Olamide continues to set new standards for African music and inspire the next generation.
