Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has made history again, becoming the first African artist to headline and sell out the renowned 80,000-capacity Stade de France in Paris.
The milestone event took place on Friday, April 18, 2025, and saw the Afrofusion sensation deliver an electrifying performance to a crowd of over 80,000 fans.
The sold-out concert not only cemented his legacy as a global music icon but also marked a defining moment for the Afrobeats genre on the world stage.
Opening acts included Nigerian singer Nissi and Afrobeats star Fireboy DML, who both set the tone for the unforgettable night. Burna Boy took the stage to thunderous applause, delivering a high-energy setlist that included fan favourites and global hits.
Throughout the night, Burna Boy thrilled fans with surprise guest appearances. French singer Dadju, Joé Dwèt Filé, Nigerian rapper Shallipopi, and British rapper Dave all joined him on stage.
One of the night’s standout moments came when Dave performed their hit track Location, igniting the crowd in a shared moment of transcontinental celebration.
Reacting to the historic feat, Burna Boy addressed the crowd with heartfelt gratitude:
“Merci beaucoup, Paris! Thank you for believing in this sound, in this movement, in me. This is bigger than me, it’s for Africa, it’s for every dreamer.”
Videos from the concert have since gone viral on social media, with fans and fellow artists celebrating the significance of the achievement. Nigerian producer Don Jazzy tweeted:
“What Burna Boy is doing for African music is beyond legendary. Stade de France? Sold out? History has been made!”
Music critics have lauded the feat as a landmark achievement not only for Burna Boy but for the entire African music industry, reinforcing Afrobeats’ status as a global genre.
This performance at France’s national stadium follows Burna Boy’s previous sell-out concerts at iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York, London Stadium, and the Paris La Défense Arena, further proving his unmatched global appeal.
Burna Boy’s Stade de France triumph is a cultural milestone, one that reinforces Africa’s place on the global music map.
