Wizkid to headline African music festival in Malaysia

For the inaugural edition, the festival is inviting Nigerian pop star Wizkid to thrill attendees. Organised by 1805 Entertainment, the festival is advertised as “unique compared to the rest of the international events held in Malaysia. It is aimed to promote afro-beats attracting all kinds of individuals from Malaysia and all over South East Asia”.

Perhaps as assurance giving recent developments in the country with regards to immigrants, 1805 promises “a professionally-hosted concert with maximum security to ensure safety for all the people that will attend the event.”

Besides a headline performance by Wizkid, the African Music Concert Malaysia will see members of Wizkid’s Star Boy Entertainment perform as well. Along with these music performances are cultural dances and comedy.

In recent times, Wizkid’s international profile has risen. His hit song 'Ojuelegba' was heard across the continent, and then remixed by Ghana’s Sarkodie and by British Skepta along with Canada’s Drake. The recently released single ‘One Dance’ by Drake features the Nigerian pop act. The single was one of two singles heralding the arrival of Six, Drake’s fourth studio album. As ‘One Dance’ entered the US charts heading to Number 2, it brought with it a detail: it handed Wizkid an entry into the higher sections of the US chart, a perhaps unprecedented feat for a resident Nigerian artist.

A third album, following his 2014 sophomore Joy, which was expected last year, was delayed by the singer.

In July, the globe-trotting rapper will be heading to the US to take part in the Essence festival in New Orleans.

The African Music Concert Malaysia will take place at the Grand Seasons Hotel Ballroom in Kuala Lumpur on 14 May. Regular tickets cost 250RM ($63), VIP tickets are 480 RM ($120), while students pay 190 RM ($48) via Ticketpro.