‘African Giant’ Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade Excite Global Audience at Nigeria’s Independence Event

Nigeria’s biggest stars, including Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Flavour, Lola Rae and Burna Boy took to the stage as part of activities put together by THISDAY ARISE GROUP to celebrate Nigeria’s 60th Independence anniversary.

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Flavour opened the show with an energetic performance of several hits. Dressed in a sequined grey blazer and accompanied by backing dancers, the star breezed through songs like ‘Ada Ada’, ‘Shake’, ‘Nwa Baby’ and the Omawumi feature, ‘Bottom Belle’.

Up next was Wizkid with a surprisingly mellow performance. Supported by a band he’d met only 24 hours before, ‘Starboy’ gave a soul-tinged rendition of his songs ‘Joro’, the ubiquitous ‘Ojuelegba’, his hit with Beyonce, ‘Brown Skin Girl’, and ‘No Stress’ off his next highly-anticipated album, Made in Lagos, set for release later this month.

The singer wished Nigeria happier days on her 60th anniversary.

Meanwhile, Davido thrilled with a lively performance of hit after hit, from ‘Dami Duro,’ ‘Aye,’ ‘Skelewu’ and ‘If’ to newer songs, ‘Blow My Mind’ and ‘FEM’.

His most recent album, last November’s A Good Time, featured guests such as Chris Brown, Summer Walker and Popcaan. He is currently working on an EP that will showcase the acts he has signed to his label, Davido Music Worldwide.

Lola Rae, the first female artist to be signed by Davido, churned out a medley of hits in a world-class performance. The ‘Watch My Ting Go’ singer gained recognition for her award-winning debut single, and took a brief hiatus after giving birth to a daughter whose father is musician, Tekno.

Supported by band Alternate Sound, Tiwa Savage launched into a medley of her hits, kicking off with older songs ‘Ma Lo’ and ‘My Darling’, then transitioning to newer hits like ‘Koroba’ from her latest album, Celia.

Hailed as the ‘Queen of Afrobeats’, Savage released her fourth full-length Nigerian album to critical acclaim.

Dressed in a simple pair of jeans, t-shirt and jacket combo, Grammy-nominated superstar, Burna Boy, kicked off a 40-minute set with songs ‘Level Up’, ‘Real Life’ and ‘23’, tunes off his latest album, Twice As Tall.

Then came songs from his African Giant album. During his performance, he called for change in the country, saying he’d want his future children to live in a better Nigeria. Other songs performed include ‘On the Low’ and ‘Anybody.’

Popstar Yemi Alade took to the stage in a colorful Ankara jumpsuit for an equally vibrant, energetic performance. The recently announced UN ambassador sang hits like ‘Tangerine,’ ‘Ferrari’, ‘Africa’ and her latest single, ‘True Love.’

The six-hour global virtual commemoration featured leading performers, fashion from top designers and speeches from icons, statesmen and global leaders.

By Rita Osakwe

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