Adekunle Gold Makes History: First Artist to Sell Out Wole Soyinka Centre and Scores Prestigious Plaque!

Nigerian music star Adekunle Gold has etched his name deeper into the annals of Nigerian entertainment history after becoming the first artiste to sell out the newly renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, the iconic venue formerly known as the National Theatre in Lagos.

The milestone was achieved on December 26, 2025, when the Lagos-born Afrobeats singer performed to a full house of 3,560 enthusiastic fans during his highly anticipated concert titled “FUJI: An Iconic Show.”

In recognition of this landmark achievement, organisers presented Adekunle Gold with two commemorative plaques, one acknowledging his groundbreaking sell-out, and the other honouring Something Different Management, Events and Record Label, the team responsible for orchestrating the historic event.

The concert was more than just a musical performance, it was an experience. With a black-tie dress code setting a tone of sophistication, Adekunle Gold delivered an unforgettable fusion of Afrobeats and classical orchestration, backed by a full orchestra and his band, The 79th Element.

Industry heavyweights and legends also graced the night. Rap superstar Olamide took to the stage to introduce Adekunle Gold, celebrating him as a refined and sophisticated force in Afrobeats. Legendary performers Adewale Ayuba and Yinka Ayefele added to the evening’s musical tapestry, further elevating the event’s cultural weight.

In a surprise highlight, fellow Nigerian music icon Davido joined Adekunle Gold on stage to perform their hit collaboration “Only God Can Save Me,” delighting fans and underscoring the event’s significance.

The Wole Soyinka Centre: A Revived Cultural Landmark

The venue itself carries tremendous cultural importance. Originally opened in 1976 as the National Theatre, the facility underwent extensive renovations and was renamed in honour of Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka — one of Nigeria’s most revered literary and cultural figures.

This concert marked one of the early major music events since the theatre’s revival, signaling a revitalization of large-scale live performance culture in Lagos and reinforcing the venue’s role as a central hub for the arts.

For Adekunle Gold,  this milestone is another high point in a career that has consistently pushed boundaries. Since his breakout with hits like “Orente” and his evolution into a globally recognised Afrobeats figure, his ability to sell out such a prestigious and culturally significant space underscores both his artistic reach and the growing appetite for high-quality live musical experiences in Nigeria.

Taking to social media after the event, Adekunle Gold thanked his fans for their unwavering support and hinted at his next move: “Thank you all for a great end to 2025. North America is up next… where should I bring the Fuji experience to?”

This historic concert not only celebrates a personal achievement for Adekunle Gold but also reflects the dynamism of Nigeria’s music industry and its expanding global footprint. As venues like the Wole Soyinka Centre continue to host landmark performances, Nigerian artists are redefining what success looks like on both national and international stages.