Adekunle Gold has carved his name into Nigeria’s cultural history books, becoming the first artist to headline a concert at the newly renovated National Theatre, now officially known as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Lagos.
The landmark performance signalled not just a personal career milestone for the singer, but a powerful rebirth for one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural institutions.
On December 26, 2025, the revitalised venue pulsed with life as Adekunle Gold delivered a sold-out orchestral concert that fused elegance, innovation and sonic depth. Tickets reportedly sold out within days, reflecting widespread anticipation and the symbolic weight attached to the theatre’s long-awaited return to active cultural life.
Far removed from a conventional live show, the performance unfolded as a carefully curated musical experience. Backed by the 55-piece MUSON Orchestra and his live band, The 79th Element, Adekunle Gold reimagined songs from his acclaimed Fuji album alongside fan favourites, transforming familiar hits into rich, orchestral compositions that elevated the night into a cinematic spectacle.
With immersive staging, sweeping arrangements and emotionally charged delivery, the concert blurred the boundaries between pop, soul and classical music. Industry observers and fans alike hailed the performance as a new artistic benchmark for Nigerian live music, applauding its ambition and technical sophistication.
In recognition of the historic sold-out show at the 3,560-seat auditorium, Adekunle Gold was presented with a commemorative plaque, formally etching his name into the evolving story of the Wole Soyinka Centre.
Beyond the music, the concert symbolised the rebirth of the National Theatre itself. Once a fading monument of Nigeria’s creative past, the venue has now been restored to host world-class performances, reflecting renewed national commitment to the creative economy and Lagos’ growing status as a global cultural hub.
Social media buzzed with praise in the aftermath, as fans, critics and fellow creatives described the night as a defining moment for Nigerian entertainment—proof that homegrown talent can deliver experiences on par with global standards while remaining deeply rooted in cultural identity.
In one unforgettable evening, Adekunle Gold didn’t just perform; he helped usher the National Theatre back into relevance, marking the dawn of a new era for live performance and cultural expression in Nigeria.
