Africa plus magazine

The performance of African artists Burna Boy and Ayra Starr at Wembley Stadium during Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour is a landmark moment in the globalization of African music, symbolizing both the commercial viability and cultural significance of Afrobeats and contemporary African pop on the world’s most prestigious stages.

With a capacity of 90,000, Wembley is not just the UK’s largest stadium but a hallowed ground in the music industry, representing the pinnacle of live performance achievement . For African artists, headlining or featuring at such a venue signifies a breakthrough into the mainstream Western market and an acknowledgment of their role as global cultural ambassadors. Burna Boy, a Grammy-winning Afrofusion pioneer, and Ayra Starr, a rapidly rising Afrobeats and pop sensation, performing here, underscores how African music has evolved from a niche genre to a dominant force in global pop culture. Their inclusion in Coldplay’s record-breaking tour, which has already sold over 12 million tickets, places them at the heart of a historic live music event, amplifying their reach and cementing their status as international stars .

🎵 The allure of Wembley Stadium for pop stars lies in its iconic status, historical legacy, and sheer scale, making it a symbol of career-defining success. As the second-largest stadium in Europe, with a capacity of 90,000, it hosts not only sporting legends but also music’s biggest acts, from Queen and Michael Jackson to Adele, who holds the concert attendance record of 98,000 . Performing at Wembley is a testament to an artist’s ability to fill massive venues and connect with audiences on a grand scale, often seen as a rite of passage for global superstardom. Coldplay’s 10-night residency at Wembley in 2025—a record-breaking stint—highlights the venue’s prestige . For African artists like Burna Boy and Ayra Starr, sharing this stage is particularly significant; it represents a breaking of geographical and industry barriers, affirming that African music can command the same level of international appeal and production as any Western act. This performance is not just a personal milestone but a historic moment for the African music scene, showcasing its vibrancy and widespread acceptance .

🌍 Alongside Burna Boy and Ayra Starr, several other African artists are set to perform at Coldplay’s Wembley shows, reflecting a diverse and talented lineup. Nigerian singer-songwriter Ayra Starr is confirmed as a support act for the first two nights (August 22 and 23) . She will be joined by:

· Tems, another Nigerian singer-songwriter known for her soulful Afrobeats and R&B influences, who will perform during the final four dates (September 3, 4, 7, and 8) .
· Elyanna, a Palestinian-Chilean pop star who has collaborated with Coldplay and represents the broader global influences of the tour, will also perform across all dates .

This inclusion of African talent highlights Coldplay’s commitment to showcasing diverse musical traditions and aligns with their broader sustainability and cultural goals, including donations to grassroots music venues . For these artists, performing at Wembley is a catapult into the global spotlight, offering unprecedented exposure and opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration.