Afrobeats superstar, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid delivered a show-stopping performance at the maiden edition of the Afroplus Festival, held at the RFK Festival Grounds in Washington, DC.
The event, designed to celebrate global Black music and culture, drew thousands of fans and featured an impressive lineup of artists including Asake, Shatta Wale, Wande Coal, and American rapper Gunna.
Wizkid’s set proved to be one of the night’s biggest highlights. The 34-year-old singer electrified the crowd with a dynamic run-through of some of his most iconic hits, taking fans on a nostalgic journey through his celebrated sophomore album, Ayo (Joy).
The energy reached its peak during his performance of ‘In My Bed’, when Wizkid drenched the ecstatic audience with water while chanting Yoruba praise lines that echoed across the venue:
“Balogun eleniyan / Wizzy eleniyan / Ogunmola eleniyan / Agbaje eleniyan / Fashola eleniyan / Tinubu eleniyan / Otedola eleniyan.”
The chant, which has become a signature moment in his shows, underscored the strong cultural connection that defines his artistry and stagecraft.
In addition to ‘In My Bed’, Wizkid treated fans to high-energy renditions of Kese Kese, Caro, and even surprised the audience by performing American rapper Gunna’s chart-topping single Fukumean further proof of the cross-continental synergy that Afroplus Festival aims to celebrate.
Since breaking onto the scene in 2011 with his debut album Superstar, Wizkid has cemented his position as one of Afrobeats’ most influential figures. Over the years, he has released a string of acclaimed projects including Sound from the Other Side (2017) and More Love, Less Ego (2022). His latest album, Morayo, dropped on November 22, 2024, and was dedicated to his late mother, who passed away in August 2023.
Beyond his commercial success, Wizkid has also achieved major milestones on the global stage. In 2021, he earned a Grammy Award for his contribution to Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, a moment that solidified Afrobeats’ growing recognition in international music circles.
The Afroplus Festival, which debuted this year, is envisioned as an annual celebration bringing together Black artists from Africa, the Caribbean, and the diaspora. With Wizkid leading an electrifying roster that included Asake’s energetic set, Shatta Wale’s dancehall vibes, and Wande Coal’s classic Afropop hits, the event was a true showcase of diversity and excellence in Black music.
Wizkid’s performance not only affirmed his status as a global music icon but also reflected how far Afrobeats has come from Lagos street parties to dominating global stages. As chants of “Wizzy! Wizzy!” filled the night air and fans sang along to every word, it was clear that Afroplus Festival had made an unforgettable first impression.
With its vibrant energy, cross-continental collaborations, and celebration of cultural pride, the inaugural Afroplus Festival set a high standard for future editions. For Wizkid, it was yet another reminder of his unrivaled ability to connect with audiences worldwide, whether performing timeless hits, celebrating his Yoruba heritage, or simply sharing the joy of music with fans across generations.
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