A New Era at the National Theatre: Adekunle Gold Becomes First Artist to Headline the Renovated Venue
Adekunle Gold has marked a landmark moment in Nigerian cultural history, becoming the first artist to headline the newly renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (National Theatre, Lagos), where he delivered a sold-out orchestral concert alongside the MUSON Orchestra and his band, The 79th Element.
Selling out just five days after its announcement, the concert served as both a testament to Adekunle Gold’s artistic stature and a powerful re-introduction of the National Theatre as a renewed home for ambitious, world-class creative expression. The evening unfolded as a seamless fusion of heritage and innovation, redefining what is possible for live music performance in Nigeria.
Throughout the night, Adekunle Gold performed selections from his critically acclaimed album Fuji, alongside defining works from his decade-long catalogue, all reimagined through sweeping orchestral arrangements, immersive live instrumentation, and cinematic stage production. Fan favourites were transformed into grand, emotive interpretations that elevated the audience experience, blurring the lines between popular music, classical performance, and theatrical storytelling.
Reopening the National Theatre following its long-awaited restoration places Adekunle Gold in direct continuity with the legendary artists who helped shape the venue’s legacy, while simultaneously ushering it into a bold new era. The performance represented a rare convergence of scale, symbolism, and sound, a moment never before witnessed on the Theatre’s stage.
Social media buzzed throughout the night, as fans, critics, and industry figures hailed the show as “generational,” “historic,” and “a turning point for Nigerian live music.” Many praised the concert as proof that Nigerian artists can deliver productions that rival the finest global stages.
The Lagos performance follows Adekunle Gold’s trailblazing orchestral debut at the EFG London Jazz Festival on November 23, 2025, where he became the first Nigerian artist to headline an orchestral concert at London’s Royal Festival Hall. That sold-out show in collaboration with the Guildhall Session Orchestra, earned widespread acclaim for its rich, genre-defying reinterpretations of favourites such as “Sade” and “Many People,” alongside selections from Fuji.
Together, the London and Lagos productions firmly establish Adekunle Gold as a defining artist of his generation, one who continues to expand the global perception of Nigerian music while deeply honouring its roots. With this orchestral series, he has not only raised the standard for live performance but set a new benchmark for cultural ambition, artistic excellence, and global relevance.
