In a spectacular fusion of genres that captivated the music world, Afrobeats sensation Asake made history by headlining the prestigious Red Bull Symphonic in New York City, with the evening reaching an electrifying peak when global superstar Wizkid made a surprise appearance.
A Night of Musical History in Brooklyn
The event unfolded on 09 November 2025 at Brooklyn's iconic Kings Theatre, where thousands of fans witnessed a groundbreaking moment for African music. Asake became the first African artist to headline the U.S. edition of Red Bull Symphonic, joining an elite roster of previous headliners including rapper Rick Ross in Atlanta (2022) and producer Metro Boomin in Los Angeles (2023).
The sold-out show itself represented a significant milestone, but the unannounced arrival of Afrobeats legend Wizkid created pandemonium both in the venue and across social media platforms. Walking onto the stage unexpectedly, Wizkid triggered wild reactions from the capacity crowd at Brooklyn's largest theatre.
The Unforgettable 'MMS' Collaboration
Together, the two Nigerian music giants performed their 2024 hit collaboration 'MMS', backed by a full 33-piece orchestra conducted by Glenn Alexander II. The performance created a magical contrast as Asake's characteristic street-pop energy blended seamlessly with Wizkid's smooth, calm delivery.
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), immediately flooded with clips of the historic performance. User @flyometrics captured the sentiment of many, writing: "Now I understand why Wiz fans love him with every iota of their being. He's AURA himself, effortlessly talented. Delivery 100%, class personified."
Another fan, @AyoEchika, highlighted the significance of the mentorship within the Afrobeats community, commenting: "Asake is such a lucky boy because he has two big brothers in the music industry. Olamide and big wiz."
Asake's Visionary Approach to the Symphony
For Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, the event represented a full-circle moment. The artist, who studied Theatre Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, approached the challenge with deliberate artistic vision. Known for his innovative blending of fújì, Amapiano, and street-pop, he worked with conductor Glenn Alexander II to reimagine his biggest hits in a classical context.
"Classical music was influential in my childhood and love for music, and blending it with fújì, Afrobeats, and amapiano alongside a full orchestra is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Asake explained. "I'm excited for what it will do for the culture, and for my fans to rediscover my music in a new light."
The respect was mutual from the orchestral side. Conductor Alexander II emphasized the importance of maintaining artistic integrity: "The last thing you want is a cheap version of something, right? That would be disrespectful to the integrity of the music."
Beyond the musical performance, the evening carried deeper significance for the Afrobeats community. Wizkid's decision to share the stage with Asake symbolized a powerful passing of the torch, with the established legend standing beside one of the genre's new kings.
The event also featured Asake previewing an exciting new track during his performance, giving attendees an exclusive glimpse into his evolving musical journey.
Meanwhile, Wizkid continues to enjoy a remarkable year professionally. The prolific hitmaker is nominated for a 2026 Grammy Award in the Best African Music Performance category for his collaboration "Gimme Dat" with Ayra Starr, even as he takes time to support and celebrate his fellow artists.
By selecting Asake as their headliner, Red Bull Symphonic delivered a powerful statement about Afrobeats' global stature, demonstrating that the genre can hold its own alongside any musical tradition while still moving crowds with its irresistible rhythms and energy.
