Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Blending Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall and pop, Burna Boy is nothing short of an international superstar, who has thus far transcended styles and cultures throughout a prolific decade of dropping a full-length project within a mere year or two of each other.

The Grammy Award winner’s latest, “I Told Them…,” found him making history as not only the inaugural Afro-fusion artist to perform on the main stage of the program, but also be the first African to sell out an American stadium (New York City’s Citi Field), all while shattering a lengthy list of global streaming records.

It was far from a shock the Nigerian singer/songwriter/producer reached the same status at the Wintrust Arena, though chances are those who managed to make their way inside the South Loop staple won’t have this relatively intimate opportunity ever again.

That’s because the incomparable Burna Boy, his phenomenal band and lively dance crew were explosive enough to reach the back row of Soldier Field across the street, spending nearly two hours transmitting breathlessly captivating beats and energizing vibes.

Set against the two story backdrop of a barbershop, the current collection’s title track and “Gbona” off “African Giant” introduced a gigantic wall of sound, plus a trend of rotating between sunny solo originals and cross-genre collaborative covers.

After all, this is a guy who’s teamed with everyone from English troubadour Ed Sheeran to pop personality Justin Bieber, Latin leader J Balvin, hip-hop/trap star 21 Savage, R&B crooner Khalid, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, French singer Dadju, legendary choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Peter Gabriel confidant Youssou N’Dour, British rapper Dave and Chicago’s own Lil Durk, while fellow rapper J. Cole once called him “Tupac reincarnated in Africa.”

As the headliner continued working the runaway, even incorporating a drum line and proudly waving his country’s flag, it became clear what a pivotal ambassador he’s been for expanding the riveting reach of Afrobeats, alongside the likes of Wizkid and Davido, and the influence it’s rapidly gaining in America and elsewhere.

A confetti blast and “Last Last” sealed the deal as Burna Boy signed off with the “Love, Damini” delight and had the entire Wintrust gloriously grooving and being thankful to have caught such a significant creator in the midst of shaping culture.

For additional information on Burna Boy, visit OnASpaceship.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Wintrust Arena include Keyshia Cole, Trey Songz, Jaheim and K. Michelle (Feb. 29); Ashanti, Monica, Tamar Braxton, Silk, Danny Boy and 702 (Mar. 16); Primus, Puscifer and A Perfect Circle (May 1) and Keith Sweat (Sept. 13). For additional details, visit WintrustArena.com.

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