By Aderinola Omotosho
On Saturday night, Kings Theatre in Brooklyn became a stage for something extraordinary. It all felt worlds away from the energy of Lagos streets. Yet Asake managed to bring both worlds together, reimagining his hits in the Red Bull Symphonic show. Strings, brass, and percussion intertwined with his signature Afrobeats, fújì, and amapiano-infused sound, creating a cultural collision that turned the theatre into a space where street-born rhythms met orchestral grandeur.
The one-night event, held on 8 November, was part of The Red Bull Symphonic series, known for pairing today’s biggest contemporary artists with full orchestras, creating live re-interpretations of their catalogues. Metro Boomin did it. Rick Ross did it. But Asake’s edition — arranged by Anthony Parnther and conducted by Glenn Alexander II — hits differently. He’s not just another global act testing a concept; he’s the first African artist to headline the U.S. version of the show.
That in itself is huge — a statement about where Afrobeats sits globally right now. The genre has already conquered charts and clubs, but putting it in a symphonic setting, complete with strings, brass, and grand orchestral flourishes, does something deeper. It pushes Afrobeats into the realm of high art without stripping away its raw, street-born identity.
During the one‑night event, Asake delivered some of his biggest hits — including Remember, Lonely at the Top, and Peace Be Unto You — each reworked with orchestral layers that shifted the familiar into something bold and new. Mid‑set, he previewed an unreleased collaboration with DJ Snake — a fresh track off his upcoming album Money — giving the audience a first listen of the next chapter in his evolving sound.
The evening also featured guest appearances that lifted the event from memorable to landmark. Wizkid joined Asake for their hit MMS, appearing on‑stage alongside the full orchestra — the moment alone became a major talking point. Gunna, Central Cee, Tiakola, and Fridayy also made appearances, each bringing their own flavour to the mix and underscoring the global scope of the event. This wasn’t just a local Afrobeats show transplanted into a symphonic theatre — it was a show that bridged Lagos, London, and New York, fusing international talent with African sound in a venue recognised for its historic grandeur.
Social media quickly reflected the historic nature of the performance. Clips circulated on TikTok and Instagram showing orchestral arrangements and Asake on stage, while X (formerly Twitter) buzzed with reactions. One user posted, “Asake is performing an orchestral concert with #redbullsymphonic at the Kings Theatre in New York City. We’re witnessing greatness.” Another wrote, “Now I understand why Wiz fans love him with every iota of their being. He’s AURA himself, effortlessly talented. Delivery 100%, class personified.”
Fans also noted the significance of the collaborations, with one tweeting, “Asake is such a lucky boy because he has two big brothers in the music industry. Olamide and big wiz.”Instagram users highlighted his new material too: “Asake thrilled fans with an unreleased track at his Red Bull Symphonic Concert on Saturday.” The buzz made it clear that this was a moment fans would remember for years.
Beyond the spectacle, the show underscored Afrobeats’ global evolution. The genre proved it could thrive in orchestral settings without losing its vibrancy or cultural identity. Yoruba vocal patterns, fújì rhythms, and street-born grooves merged seamlessly with strings and brass, creating a sound that felt both familiar and strikingly new.
For Asake, the performance represents a significant moment in his artistic journey. By bridging street energy with orchestral sophistication, he is expanding the possibilities of live Afrobeats shows and demonstrating the genre’s versatility on a global stage. Red Bull Symphonic featuring Asake showed that Afrobeats can inhabit any space — from intimate clubs to historic theatres — while maintaining the vitality and soul that have made it resonate worldwide.
