Nigerian music is no longer limited to clubs, radio, or streaming platforms. It now commands attention at football’s biggest events. Afrobeats stars have performed live at global matches, thrilling fans with unforgettable shows. These are five moments when Nigerian music left a global audience in awe.

Davido

FIFA World Cup

On December 18, 2022, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, became the first Nigerian artiste to feature on a FIFA World Cup theme song. He performed Hayya Hayya (Better Together) at the draw ceremony in Qatar alongside American singer Trinidad Cardona and Qatari singer Aisha. The performance was broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide and reminded football fans of Nigeria’s growing influence in global music. Even though the Super Eagles missed out on the tournament, Davido’s presence gave Nigerians a reason to celebrate. The performance also marked his return to the stage months after personal tragedy, making it one of his most emotional appearances till date.

Patoranking

World Cup Fan Festival

Reggae and dancehall singer Patoranking joined the celebration of football and music during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as well. He performed live at the FIFA Fan Festival in Al Bidda Park on November 28, 2022. The crowd danced and cheered as he delivered hit songs like No Kissing Babe and Suh Different. Videos shared online captured the excitement. Fans could be seen waving Nigerian flags and vibing to the beats. The energy, joy, and patriotism on display made it one of the festival’s most memorable highlights. The energy, joy, and patriotism on display made it one of the festival’s most memorable highlights.

Rema

Ballon d’Or ceremony

In October 2023, Rema (born Divine Ikubor) became the first Nigerian artist to perform at the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards in Paris. He stepped on stage to deliver a stunning performance of his global hit Calm Down before an audience filled with football legends, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski. The organisers praised his performance on social media with the caption “Calm Down” alongside a video of the live moment. The night was a moment of pride, not just for Rema but for Afrobeats as a global force. His confidence and delivery confirmed that Nigerian music now plays a central role in global events.

Burba Boy

UEFA Champions League final

In June 2023, Burna Boy made history as the first Nigerian artist to perform at the UEFA Champions League final, held at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul. He performed Last Last and It’s Plenty with his band and dancers, turning the opening ceremony into a full-blown concert and a celebration of African excellence. Watched by millions of football fans around the world, the performance fused Afrobeats energy with football culture. Burna Boy brought energy, confidence and a unique African rhythm that stood out in the middle of football tradition. Many fans described the performance as a proud moment that showed how far Afrobeats has come on the world stage.

Tems

FIFA Club World Cup final

Grammy-winning singer Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, gave a captivating halftime performance at the FIFA Club World Cup final in July 2025 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. At halftime, with Chelsea leading Paris Saint-Germain 3-0, Tems graced the stage in a glittering outfit and performed Love Me Jeje, her fresh take on Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic. Her smooth vocals and calm delivery earned loud cheers in the stadium, with fans describing her performance as powerful and graceful. For many, it was a proud celebration of Nigerian creativity, African culture, and global reach. Since the song’s release in 2024, where it gained massive attention on radio and streaming platforms, the FIFA performance has added another highlight to Tems’ growing international reputation. (The Guardian)