Gobal Afrofusion icon Burna Boy electrified Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, delivering a sold-out performance that culminated in a show-stopping moment: a surprise appearance by rising Nigerian star Shallipopi for the live debut of their unreleased “Laho” remix in the UK. The high octane collaboration, performed before 23,500 fans, sent social media into a frenzy and underscored the growing global influence of Nigerian music.
The evening reached its peak when Burna Boy invited Shallipopi, the Benin City born artist and CEO of Plutomania Records, to perform the unreleased remix of “Laho.” The track, originally released by Shallipopi on February 21, 2025.
As his first single of the year, has already gained traction for its infectious rhythm and viral appeal on platforms like TikTok. The remix, teased earlier at Burna Boy’s France concerts, blends Shallipopi’s street-pop energy with Burna Boy’s polished Afrofusion, creating a sound that resonates with both Nigerian and international audiences.
“Laho,” in its original form, is a vibrant Afrobeat track that showcases Shallipopi’s lyrical flair and cultural roots in Benin City. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a favorite among content creators. The remix, which Burna Boy reportedly mixed and mastered in his home studio, elevates the track with his signature vocal depth and global appeal. While the full remix remains unreleased as of April 21, 2025, live performances in Manchester and France have heightened anticipation, with fans clamoring for its official drop on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
The Manchester performance, captured in fan videos shared on X, highlighted the duo’s chemistry, with Shallipopi’s raw energy complementing Burna Boy’s commanding presence. Social media reactions were ecstatic, with users like @AlbumTalksHQ calling the moment “a celebration of Nigerian creativity” and @Cleverlydey4u noting that “Burna Boy gave Shallipopi his biggest stage yet.” The Co-op Live arena, the UK’s largest indoor venue with cutting edge acoustics, amplified the performance’s impact, creating an intimate yet explosive atmosphere for fans.
Burna Boy’s decision to feature Shallipopi reflects his commitment to uplifting emerging Nigerian talent. Shallipopi, born Crown Uzama, rose to fame with his 2023 hit “Elon Musk” and solidified his status with the 2024 album Shakespopi and the Olamide assisted single “Order.” His collaboration with Burna Boy marks a significant milestone, exposing him to a global audience. The “Laho” remix also underscores the evolving sound of Nigerian music, blending street pop’s gritty authenticity with Afrofusion’s polished production.
Its live performances in major venues like Co-op Live and Stade de France (100,000 capacity) demonstrate its potential to transcend borders, much like Burna Boy’s own hits have done. The song’s cultural references to Benin City and its viral traction on TikTok position it as a bridge between local Nigerian audiences and the diaspora, a hallmark of Burna Boy’s global strategy.
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