Burna Boy Makes History as First African Artist to Sell Out 23,500-Capacity Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester.

On April 21, 2025, Nigerian superstar Burna Boy achieved a historic milestone by selling out the 23,500-capacity Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, UK, becoming the first African artist to do so.

According to posts on X, the event marked a significant moment for Afrobeats, with fans celebrating Burna Boy’s global influence and the genre’s rising prominence.

The Co-Op Live Arena, noted as the UK’s largest entertainment venue, was filled to the brim as fans witnessed the Grammy winner’s electrifying performance.

Social media buzzed with excitement, with X users sharing photos of Burna Boy commanding the stage and praising his ability to draw such a massive crowd. Hashtags like #BurnaBoyManchester trended as fans celebrated the cultural impact of the night. However, the “first African artist” claim warrants scrutiny.

Co-Op Live Arena, which opened in 2024, has a limited history of performances, though other Afrobeats stars like Wizkid have sold out major UK venues like the O2 Arena. Still, Burna Boy’s feat underscores his unique draw in Manchester.

The sold-out show also highlights Manchester’s growing role as a hub for global music acts, with the Co-Op Live Arena becoming a go-to spot for superstars. Fans on X noted the “bragging rights” this win gave Burna Boy’s supporters, reflecting the competitive spirit among Afrobeats fanbases.

More broadly, the event signals the global appetite for African music, raising questions about the future of Afrobeats and the pressure on artists to keep breaking records.

Burna Boy’s Manchester triumph is a proud moment for his fans and the African music community, solidifying his status as a global icon.

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