Wizkid admits headlining inaugural AfroRepublik Festival is ‘dream come true’

Nigerian musician Wizkid said that he has finally realised his dream of headlining the first AfroRepublik Festival in London.

The musician, known for his collaboration with Drake on global hit One Dance, has helped to organise the celebration of all things afro pop at the O2 tomorrow.

“I’m very, very excited because this is something I used to speak to my friends about making happen,” he told the Standard.

“This festival was a dream and something I used to think about before it ever came to life. I’m just thankful to God we’re doing this."

Wizkid — real name Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun — has put together a line-up of rising musical talent including Maleek Berry, Mr Eazi, Not3s, Tekno, Tiwa Savage and Yxng Bane.

Talking about the popularity of Afrobeat music in the UK, he said: “It’s real music, it’s good music, it’s a universal language.

"If it’s good music, people will definitely listen to it.” Despite having already performed at the O2, Wizkid, inset, admitted that he still gets nervous before going on stage.

“Yeah those two seconds before you get on stage, I get the little butterflies. But it’s only two seconds and when I get on stage it’s fine,” he said.

“I just hang out with my closest friends before I go on. I just chill. I really don’t do anything special, I just enjoy it. Say a little prayer before I go on stage, to my team and to myself.”