The 2024 Glastonbury Music Festival became a vibrant celebration of Nigerian music as Burna Boy, Femi Kuti, Tems, and Ayra Starr took center stage, captivating over 200,000 attendees with electrifying performances.
Glastonbury, renowned for its colossal crowds and eclectic lineup, welcomed the Nigerian stars amidst a sea of music enthusiasts from across the globe. The festival, held from June 26 to 30, showcased a diverse array of talents, but the Afrobeat and Afrobeats fusion stole the spotlight this year.
Ayra Starr’s sensational performance
On June 28, Ayra Starr, riding high on the success of her recent album ‘The Year I Turned 21,’ wowed the audience with a dynamic performance. Her rendition of ‘Sability,’ a fan-favorite since its 2022 release, resonated powerfully, cementing her status as a rising star in the global music scene.
Ayra Starr shuts down Glastonbury Fest with ‘Sability’ on the Pyramid stage😍#ayraatglasto pic.twitter.com/EkjsOG8cN0
— Steph the hot Journo 💕 (@0najite) June 29, 2024
Tems’ Grammy-Winning return
Grammy winner Tems graced the Glastonbury stage once again, delivering soul-stirring performances from her debut album ‘Born In The Wild.’ Her magnetic presence and vocal prowess captivated fans, reaffirming her place among the industry’s elite.
Burna Boy’s Historic Double Act
Fresh from a historic London stadium concert, Burna Boy took the Glastonbury stage on June 30 by storm. The Grammy-winning artist delighted fans with a medley of his chart-topping hits, including the crowd-pleasing ‘Last Last,’ which ignited a euphoric response from the audience.
Burna Boy made sure everyone took off their shirts before performing his classic “Ye” live at the Glastonbury ‘24. LEGENDARY❗️ pic.twitter.com/s9VepakZNB
— benny. (@benny7gg) July 1, 2024
Femi Kuti and the Afrobeat Legacy
Legendary Afrobeat icon Femi Kuti, accompanied by his son Made Kuti, delivered a spellbinding performance that honored the genre’s rich heritage. Their collaboration with British band Coldplay on ‘Arabesque’ electrified the crowd, showcasing Afrobeat’s global resonance.
Femi Kuti, Made Kuti and ColdPlay #Glastonbury pic.twitter.com/xDWAGMbHwI
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) July 1, 2024
What to note
In a surprise twist, Burna Boy and British rapper Little Simz joined Coldplay for the premiere of ‘We Pray,’ marking a significant moment in music history. The collaboration, featuring Chris Martin of Coldplay, underscores Burna Boy’s global influence and cross-genre appeal.