The NBA has become more and more global in the past few years, incorporating a greater volume of international players from Asia, Europe, and especially Africa. The NBA All-Star Game is renowned for its thrilling on-court and off-court performances. In celebration of African contributions to the league, the 2023 NBA All-Star Game Halftime Show featured three of Africa’s most prominent Afrobeats/Afropop performers: Burna Boy, Rema, and Tems.
In an homage to African music, the lineup brought down the house during the halftime show on Sunday, February 19, as Team Giannis and Team Lebron went against each other in an all-star game at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. The event was a lengthy celebration of African music, with Nigeria serving as the sole headlining act. Most NBA All-Stars choose to stay courtside during halftime (instead of going to the locker rooms) to listen to and record the performers because of their popular tunes.
Pascal Siakam introducing Burna Boy for the Halftime Show! pic.twitter.com/9Zu8JWtyMR
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) February 20, 2023
The Toronto Raptors’ Cameroonian standout Pascal Siakam introduced the three performers before they entered the stage to present an electrifying performance. They displayed the distinctive rhythms and tones of African music. With his smash hit “Anybody,” Burna Boy opened the show and set the tone for an amazing evening. He also performed “It’s Plenty,” off his Grammy-nominated album “Love, Damini.”
The crowd was also electrified by Rema’s explosive voice and dance routines as he performed his chart-topping song “Calm Down“ and his freshly released “Holiday“ in the subsequent set.
Grammy award-winning singer Tems showcased her strong vocals and dominating stage presence by performing a soulful cover of her well-known classic “Crazy Tings” to close out the set. She also delivered groovy performances of “Free Mind” and her verse on Wizkid’s “Essence.”
The three delivered energetic performances that had the crowd shouting for more, providing a halftime show that was absolutely unforgettable. A dance team that performed both traditional and contemporary African dances, as well as a band that kept the energy upbeat, accompanied each performance. And just as things seemed to be coming to a close, Burna Boy made an unexpected return to perform “Last Last” and “Ye,” two of his biggest hits.
The performance was momentous not only for the Nigerian artistes but also for the NBA, as it was the first time a Nigerian musician had performed at the all-star game—a testament to the fact that they are not only internationally acclaimed stars but ones with loyal fan bases in the United States and worldwide. The NBA All-Star Game halftime show featuring African artistes is also a testament to the expanding worldwide influence of Africa’s most popular genre.
The worldwide reaction to the halftime performance further proves that the global dominance of Afrobeats is not a fleeting trend. The genre, whose quick rise to mainstream status has been lauded, is here to stay as long as artistes continue to put their best foot forward.
Burna Boy, Rema, and Tems have solidified their positions as some of the most fascinating musicians in the world right now with their distinctive looks and cutting-edge sounds. It was a historic occasion when they performed in the NBA All-Star Game in 2023, showcasing the strength and beauty of African music on a grand scale.
In the end, Team Giannis defeated Team Lebron 184 to 174, with Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum scoring 55 points. 2023 NBA Halftime Show
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