The world-renowned Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival returned with its signature star power and international flair, and once again, Nigerian music left an indelible mark on the iconic stage. Afrobeat legend Seun Kuti, alongside his legendary Egypt 80 band, delivered a captivating performance on the opening day of the festival, which saw tens of thousands gather at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.
This year’s Coachella lineup boasted more than 100 global acts, with American pop megastar Lady Gaga headlining the first day. Still, it was Seun Kuti’s powerful set that had Afrobeat fans buzzing, as he performed for the third time at the world-famous festival a milestone that now makes him the Nigerian artist with the most Coachella appearances to date.
Seun Kuti first made history at Coachella back in 2012 when he became the first Nigerian artist ever to perform at the event. Since then, his presence has not only celebrated the genre his father, Fela Kuti, pioneered, but also expanded Afrobeat’s reach on the global stage. His 2025 performance once again underlined his unmatched stage energy, rich political lyricism, and mastery over a live ensemble, earning roaring applause from both new and long-time fans.
The Grammy-nominated star’s return to Coachella was matched in magnitude by other major international acts. The legendary American rock band Green Day, known for their explosive live shows and multi-platinum album Kerplunk, headlined the second day, while global hip-hop and pop icon Post Malone closed out the third day of the festival. Malone, who holds the record for the most RIAA diamond-certified songs in history, thrilled fans with a genre-blending performance that capped off the weekend in grand style.
Joining Seun Kuti at Coachella this year was fellow Nigerian artist Rema, whose rise to global acclaim has been meteoric. Rema currently holds the record for the most-streamed song by a Nigerian artist with the global smash Calm Down and its remix with Selena Gomez. His presence added even more star power to Nigeria’s representation at the festival, further cementing the country’s status as a powerhouse in global music.
Over the years, Coachella has welcomed several Nigerian artists who have contributed to spreading Afrobeats and Afro-fusion music to broader audiences. The list includes Burna Boy, CKay, Spinall, Fireboy DML, and Tems. Tems made headlines at the 2024 edition with a show-stopping performance alongside Wizkid and Justin Bieber, performing their Grammy-nominated hit Essence to thunderous cheers.
Coachella’s ongoing embrace of Nigerian talent is a testament to the global appetite for Afrobeat and Afrofusion sounds. Seun Kuti’s landmark performance not only honored his family’s musical legacy but also solidified his position as a bridge between the genre’s roots and its bold future. As Afrobeat continues to thrive on international stages, Nigerian artists are increasingly being recognized not just as performers, but as cultural ambassadors.
The 2025 edition of Coachella is yet another reminder that Nigerian music is not just trending it’s here to stay, evolving, and dominating in every arena, from local concerts to the biggest music festivals in the world.
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