Wizkid Enters His Rock Star Period at Madison Sq. Backyard

Huge hits, crazed followers and star energy are the makings of a rock star — and Wizkid has all of them. Recent after the Recording Academy revealed that they have been contemplating including an Afrobeat class to subsequent yr’s Grammys ceremony, the Nigerian singer-songwriter is additional cementing why the style is trailblazing a lane all of its personal.

On Nov. 16, Wizkid introduced his signature aptitude to New York, changing into solely the second Nigerian artist to headline and promote out the famed Madison Sq. Backyard. With a brand new album (“Extra Love, Much less Ego”) and a profession defining hit (“Essence” that includes Tems) below his belt since his final New York live performance, the London-based artist seemingly had all the chess items in place to create a memorable evening.

DJ Tunez — Wizkid’s longtime producer and touring DJ — opened the evening by taking part in a set jam-packed with Afrobeat classics, High 40 hits and an array of hip-hop and R&B songs honoring the sound of New York Metropolis. Tunez set a powerful tone for the evening, because the already packed enviornment was activated and dancing lengthy earlier than Wiz hit the stage.

This vitality created the proper momentum for Wizkid to take the stage. He opened together with his breakthrough single “Ojuelegba,” backed by an city choir and full band. Donning an all-black sequined set paired with a black fur coat, Wiz slowly crept across the stage till the tempo ramped up, and the Backyard began bouncing.

The setlist was curated to take the viewers on a sonic journey all through Wizkid’s profession, whereas sprinkling in new vibes from his new album. Whereas lots of hits function different gifted artists, Wiz determined to carry out with out particular company, singing and rapping the components sometimes carried out by his counterparts.

The group went wild when Wizkid carried out “Come Nearer,” from his main label debut “Sounds from the Different Aspect,” and rapped Drake’s strains with ease. A shirtless Wiz then transitioned into “True Love” when a fan unexpectedly jumped onstage and tried to make contact with the artist. The fan was kneeling and shaking, and, with no safety in sight, Wiz confusedly and gently pushed the fan offstage whereas sustaining his cool and staying on key.

Because the present started to wind down, Wizkid carried out an prolonged model of “Essence,” including new chords and new harmonies, paired with name and response interactions with the viewers. After the world went darkish, he returned to do an encore of the opening track “Ojuelegba” earlier than thanking the viewers.