Big hits, crazed fans, and star power are the ingredients for a rock star, and Wizkid has them all. Following the Recording Academy's announcement that they were considering adding an Afrobeat category to next year's Grammys ceremony, the Nigerian singer-songwriter is further proving why the genre is forging its own path.
-#Wizkid @wizkidayo shuts down the GARDEN! 💥 - #MadisonSquareGarden is just another venue for the Starboy 💜💥 - #Blogger pic.twitter.com/cwsLMDIGpD
— Akwasi Bugati 🇬🇭 akwasibugati.com (@akwasibugati) November 17, 2022
Wizkid brought his signature flair to New York on November 16, becoming only the second Nigerian artist to headline and sell out the legendary Madison Square Garden. With a new album ("More Love, Less Ego") and a career-defining hit ("Essence" featuring Tems) under his belt since his previous New York performance, the London-based artist appeared to have all of the chess pieces in place for a memorable night.
Wizkid's longtime producer and touring DJ, DJ Tunez, kicked off the night with a set jam-packed with Afrobeat classics, Top 40 hits, and a slew of hip-hop and R&B songs honoring the sound of New York City. Tunez set the tone for the night, with the already packed arena activated and dancing long before Wiz took the stage.
This energy provided the ideal setting for Wizkid to take the stage. He began with his breakthrough single "Ojuelegba," which was accompanied by an urban choir and a full band. Wiz, dressed in an all-black sequined set and a black fur coat, crept around the stage slowly until the tempo picked up and the Garden began to bounce.
The setlist was designed to take the audience on a musical journey through Wizkid's career while also incorporating new sounds from his new album. Unlike many of his hits, which feature other talented artists, Wiz decided to perform without any special guests, singing and rapping the parts normally performed by his counterparts.
Wizkid performed "Come Closer," from his major label debut "Sounds from the Other Side," and rapped Drake's lines effortlessly. When a fan unexpectedly jumped onstage and attempted to make contact with the artist, a shirtless Wiz transitioned into "True Love." Wiz was confused and gently pushed the fan offstage while maintaining his cool and staying on key, despite the fact that the fan was kneeling and shaking.
As the show came to a close, Wizkid performed an extended version of "Essence," which included new chords and harmonies, as well as call and response interactions with the audience. He returned after the arena had darkened to perform an encore of the opening song "Ojuelegba" before thanking the audience.
