From the vibrant African Cup of Nations to the thrilling National Basketball Association (NBA) stage, and the grand Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, which stands as the pinnacle of sporting events globally, artists have left their mark with electrifying performances and adding an extra layer of excitement and cultural richness to these sports events.
In this article, we’ll journey through the most unforgettable performances by female African artists at major international sports tournaments, igniting the stage with their undeniable talent. These powerhouse performances captivated audiences worldwide and left an enduring legacy.
Angélique Kidjo (Benin)
In 2010, Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup for the first time, marking a historic milestone in football history. The official World Cup Kick-off Concert took place at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, featuring a star-studded lineup of musicians like Shakira, Black Eyed Peas, Hugh Masekela, Angelique Kidjo from Benin, Vieux Farka Touré from Mali, Amadou & Mariam, and Alicia Keys.
During the concert, Angelique delivered captivating performances of “Afirika,” “Malaika,” and “Move on Up” as a medley with the Soweto Gospel choir. The phenomenal singer who is fluent in English, French, Fon, Yoruba, and Gen, took the audience on a wild journey as she switched between languages seamlessly engaging the diverse audience with a performance like never before.
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Another performance I can not get over is Yemi Alade’s performance at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The flexible queen wowed the audience at the 2024 AFCON opening ceremony in Ivory Coast with a stunning rendition of the official anthem ‘Akwaba’ in collaboration with Magic System and Mohamad Ramadan.
Her ability to switch between English and French made her performance even more versatile, allowing her to not only deliver great vocals, but engage the audience and she went on to deliver an electrifying performance that set the stage on fire!
Tems (Nigeria)
The Grammy-award winning artist made history as the first female Nigerian artiste to perform at the NBA halftime Show. She delivered a captivating medley performance of her hit songs “Crazy Things’’ and “Free Mind’’ engaging the audience who could be heard screaming out the lyrics and vibing alongside.
She also delivered ‘Essence’ and ‘Wait For You’ – two songs that gave her Grammy nominations. Tems’ performance showcased the remarkable talent and prowess of female Afrobeats artists and their ability to shine on a global level.
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
Although not a sports tournament, a noteworthy mention is Tiwa’s performance at Gamers8, the world’s biggest festival and destination for participants, gamers, esports enthusiasts and fans around the world.
The Afrobeat queen was received by a mammoth crowd when she hit the stage at the Gamers8 Esports and music concert in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia becoming the first female Afrobeat artist to headline a concert in Saudi Arabia.
African artists have consistently brought the continent’s vibrant energy and rhythm to the ceremonies. African artists have used these global platforms to share their unique sounds, styles, and passion with a massive audience.
