Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Asake has added another milestone to his extraordinary rise, becoming the first African artist to headline the U.S. edition of Red Bull Symphonic. The groundbreaking performance took place on Saturday, 8th November 2025, at the iconic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, marking a powerful cultural moment for Afrobeats and the entire African music industry.
A Night of Culture, Art and Global Fusion
Redbull Symphonic US
Red Bull Symphonic is known for pairing major musical talents with full classical orchestras, reimagining their catalogues with grand, cinematic arrangements. Asake brought the energy, the culture and the soul of Lagos to Brooklyn — but this time, wrapped in the elegance of a 33-piece orchestra.
Conducted by the brilliant Glenn Alexander II and arranged by maestro Anthony Parnther, the performance blended traditional orchestral elements with Asake’s signature sound:
Street-pop
Afrobeats
Fuji rhythms
Amapiano influences
Songs like “Lonely at the Top”, “Sungba”, “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)”, and “Amapiano” were transformed into orchestral masterpieces, giving fans a completely fresh listening experience
Star-Studded Surprise Appearances
Asake & Wizkid
The night became even bigger when global stars stepped on stage to join Asake.Surprise guest appearances included:
Wizkid – delivering an electric moment with their joint performance
Gunna
Central Cee
Tiakola
Fridayy
These collaborations elevated the show from a concert into a global cultural celebration.
Asake
Kings Theatre was filled with energy, elegance and artistic pride — from the black-tie-inspired audience fashion to the dramatic staging and lighting that honoured both classical and African aesthetics.
A Cultural Shift for Africa’s Music Powerhouse
Asake’s headline performance is more than a personal achievement — it’s a historic moment for African music.
1. New Levels of Global Recognition
African artists are no longer just participating in global events; they are leading them, shaping them and expanding the boundaries of what African music can be.
2. A Statement of Growth and Evolution
Asake’s move into orchestral performance proves that Afrobeats is evolving — becoming versatile, sophisticated and globally respected.
3. Representation for the Continent
For young artists across Ghana, Nigeria and Africa at large, this moment proves that African sound belongs on every stage, including the most prestigious artistic platforms in the world.
Asake’s Enduring Impact
Even as he breaks new ground on stage, Asake continues to demonstrate staying power. His classic tracks and his debut album remain staples on streaming platforms worldwide, showing that his music has both longevity and depth.
This Red Bull Symphonic concert marks a new chapter in his journey — one that blends culture, art, ambition and global influence.
Conclusion
Asake’s groundbreaking headline performance at Red Bull Symphonic is a reminder that African music is not just trending — it is transforming global culture.From the streets of Lagos to the orchestral halls of Brooklyn, Afrobeats continues to rise, evolve and redefine artistic boundaries.
And Asake is at the forefront of that movement — boldly carrying Africa’s sound into new arenas with confidence, pride and innovation.