Nigerian singer Charles Onyeabor returned to Florence, Italy, for the second edition of his concert, The Charles Onyeabor Show, drawing a sold-out crowd to Hard Rock Cafe on October 3.
The concert brought together African and international performers for an evening centred on music and cultural exchange.
Onyeabor performed tracks from his latest album, Legacy Continua, as well as selections from his wider catalogue. His set blended Afrobeat, Afro-funk and other influences that have shaped his sound.
The singer was joined on stage by Danypreez, Emmiboy, Big Wailz, Lil Madd, Young Game, Tommy Kuti and rapper Vas Angelov.
Afrobeats MC and media personality Adesope Olajide, popularly known as Shopsydoo, returned as the host after also anchoring the inaugural edition.
DJs Fizzy, Stephy and Simpo handled the music between performances.
Reflecting on the concert, Onyeabor said the reception from the Florence audience was particularly meaningful to him.
“Florence showed me incredible love again. To return for the second edition and see the venue sold out means a lot to me. I don’t take that support for granted.”
The singer said the event was designed to go beyond a conventional music concert by bringing people from different backgrounds together through music and African culture.
“We wanted to create more than a concert; we wanted people from different backgrounds to come together, enjoy good music and experience African culture and energy.”
Onyeabor also linked the concert to the message behind Legacy Continua, describing the album as a reflection of what he has inherited, experienced and hopes to carry forward.
“This is exactly what Legacy Continua represents for me; taking everything I have inherited, everything I have experienced and everything I am building, and moving it forward.”
Onyeabor is the son of late Nigerian Afro-funk pioneer William Onyeabor.
