Burna Boy Sets New Benchmark as Africa’s Top-Grossing Touring Artist

Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has officially become the highest-grossing African touring artist in history, following the phenomenal success of his “I Told Them” world tour. The tour, which spanned 22 shows across North America and Europe, raked in an impressive $30.5 million USD from 302,801 tickets sold, according to the latest figures from Touring Data. This surpasses the previous record held by Wizkid’s “Made in Lagos” tour.

Burna Boy’s tour showcased his signature blend of Afrobeat, reggae, and hip-hop influences, thrilling audiences with hits like “City Boys” and “Big 7.” Beyond entertainment, the milestone signals African artists’ growing influence on the global music scene, proving that live performances can rival major Western acts in scale and revenue.

A Decade of Grind Pays Off

Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu in Port Harcourt, Burna Boy has steadily climbed to international acclaim, winning a Grammy for “Twice as Tall” in 2021 and selling out Madison Square Garden in 2022. The “I Told Them” tour took his career to new heights, with record-breaking shows including a $6.147 million USD gross at London Stadium on June 29, 2024, where nearly 59,000 fans attended.

Strategic tour planning, premium ticket pricing, and high-profile collaborations with artists such as Dave, Stormzy, J Hus, Popcaan, and Snoh Aalegra amplified the tour’s success, drawing diverse crowds across continents. Burna Boy’s achievements highlight the potential for African artists to command stadiums and generate revenues comparable to global superstars.

Record-Breaking Feats

• Highest-grossing tour by an African artist: $30.5 million USD across 22 shows.
• Single-night record: $6.147 million USD at London Stadium, UK.
• Highest U.S. arena gross: $1.725 million USD at Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
• Premium ticket pricing: Average ticket price reached $172.76 USD at Hard Rock Live, Hollywood.
• Stadium sell-outs: First African artist to sell out venues in the UK, U.S., and France.

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With “I Told Them,” Burna Boy has redefined what African music can achieve on the global stage, setting new benchmarks for artists like Rema, Tems, Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr to follow. The tour is not just a commercial triumph; it is a cultural statement, demonstrating the rising economic and creative power of African artistry.