The global reach of Afrobeat continues to expand in remarkable and unexpected directions, and this week, the latest chapter in that story was written not in Lagos, London, or New York, but in Australia.
Nigerian music heavyweight and industry trailblazer Olamide has officially confirmed a brand new release, launched in a surprise announcement that has sparked intense excitement across continents. Known for his dynamic lyrical style and for shaping the Afrobeat and street-hop movement over the last decade, Olamide has now set his sights on a new frontier: the Australian music scene.
The build-up began with a cryptic message shared through official channels stating, “It’s time. AXS COM,” referencing the global ticketing platform widely used for concerts, live events, and exclusive presales. While fans in the United Kingdom initially assumed this signaled a highly anticipated return to British stages, the subsequent reveal sent shockwaves through social media and the music industry alike.
From Lagos to the Land Down Under
According to representatives from Olamide’s management team, the artist’s latest project is not just a new song or album, but a fully immersive performance event set to take place in Australia. This marks a significant moment in his already illustrious career, as it is the first time Olamide will headline a major event in the Southern Hemisphere.
While details surrounding the nature of the release remain tightly guarded, early reports suggest it could involve a surprise live show in Sydney or Melbourne, paired with an exclusive digital launch on streaming platforms and AXS COM. There is also speculation that the performance may be live-streamed globally, allowing fans in the United Kingdom, Nigeria, and the United States to join in real time.
In a brief message shared with fans through his social media channels, Olamide acknowledged the global anticipation:
“It does not matter where we launch from. The energy, the rhythm, the heart—it is always for the people. Australia, we are coming. United Kingdom, stay ready.”
A Global Pioneer in a Continental Sound
Born and raised in Bariga, Lagos, Olamide Gbenga Adedeji—known mononymously as Olamide—rose to fame in the early 2010s and has since become one of the most influential artists in African music. As the founder of YBNL Nation, he has not only propelled his own career but also mentored a generation of emerging talent, including Fireboy DML, Asake, and others.
Olamide’s music blends Yoruba and English with streetwise narratives, irresistible rhythms, and a keen awareness of both cultural tradition and urban transformation. His decision to launch a project in Australia is emblematic of the Afrobeat genre’s increasing global footprint, a movement that has seen artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems headline festivals and stadiums around the world.
Yet, this particular move by Olamide is more than just another tour stop. It reflects a strategic and cultural expansion into regions that have historically been on the periphery of Afrobeat’s major markets.
What This Means for the United Kingdom
Despite the focus on Australia for the launch, all signs suggest that the United Kingdom remains a key destination on Olamide’s immediate radar. The choice to tease the announcement using the UK’s national reference and AXS COM strongly implies a forthcoming UK tour or activation.
Sources close to the artist have hinted that fans in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and other key cities should be prepared for upcoming ticket drops. AXS COM is expected to host official listings, pre-sale codes, and VIP access packages in the coming days.
For now, fans are encouraged to sign up for notifications through the platform and to monitor Olamide’s official pages for real-time updates. If this Australian release is any indication, what follows in the United Kingdom is likely to be equally bold and unexpected.
Afrobeat’s Rising Global Pulse
Olamide’s choice to step outside traditional markets and bring Afrobeat to Australian audiences underscores the genre’s growing resonance with a worldwide demographic. Over the past five years, Afrobeat has moved from being a regional movement to becoming a global phenomenon. Music streaming platforms have reported exponential growth in Afrobeat listening across Asia, Oceania, and South America, with Australia showing particular interest.
With cultural crossovers happening faster than ever, artists like Olamide are not merely riding the wave—they are defining its direction. From Lagos to London to Melbourne, the message is clear: Afrobeat is not just global, it is universal.
And as Olamide puts it simply, “It is time.”