Burna Boy Co-Op Live review: The African Giant lived up to his name in a blockbuster show
Back in 2019, I couldn't contain my excitement when I found out Burna Boy would be heading to Manchester. Growing in popularity then, the Nigerian Afrobeats artist was booked for the Albert Hall.
It felt like an intimate show thanks to its 1,800 capacity, but was injected full of the energy fans expect from the African Giant.
Fast forward to 2025, where last night he played Manchester's newest venue with a 23,500 capacity - the Co-Op Live - as part of his 'I Told Them...' tour. It was an absolutely huge show by comparison; the arena was packed out, and the energy inside was completely unrivalled from start to finish.
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Burna Boy's dates in the UK this year thus far are few and far between. Manchester is the only major city with an arena date, other than a planned appearance at London's Wireless festival later this summer, where he's set to play alongside Vybz Kartel. I missed the ticket sale for this one, but I'm going to find some, by hook or by crook. The solo arena date made Manchester as a choice all the more special, and I know our city did Burna proud.
The crowd was warmed up by a DJ set. The DJ played a fusion of Afrobeats, Dancehall, hip-hop and R&B - fitting for Burna Boy's eclectic sound, which would be a theme throughout the entire night. People were up and dancing from the very start, which I find is always a good sign of things to come. There's nothing worse than going to a concert where you're one of the only people on your feet, but that certainly wasn't the case here.
I do have to admit a bit of a pet peeve in the set though. As with many Manchester shows, Oasis was played, and it's something that grinds my gears a bit as it ruins the vibe. Yes, they're local, but that doesn't mean everyone in Manchester wants to hear them. Not every crowd is there to hear Indie pop - and there are definitely talented local artists from different genres more fitting to the occasion. DJs, please, no more Oasis for these events!
Once the DJ had nicely warmed the audience up (Oasis aside), it was time for the main act. Burna Boy's set started with 'Location', much to the delight of the crowd, which erupted into huge cheers, as everyone began to sing along.
The sing along continued for much of the concert, with huge hits like 'City Boys', 'Ye', 'Bundle By Bundle' and 'Last Last'. There really is nothing better than being able to sing songs you usually blast in the car at the top of your lungs with zero judgement. It's quite liberating, although my voice had pretty much gone by the end of the show.
One of the things you come to expect from a show like this is a special guest appearance, and Burna Boy certainly didn't disappoint. Having heard London's Dave was brought out on stage for an appearance a few nights earlier for a show in Paris, speculation was high amongst me and my friend as to who would come out in Manchester. We thought it may be a more local artist, but got the complete surprise factor when Nigerian singer and rapper Shallipoppi appeared. What a treat that was!
A nice touch throughout the show was the implementation of light up bracelets given to each audience member upon arrival. Partygoers were encouraged to put them on their wrists, and they lit up in different colours, flashed and glowed during the set.
These bracelets, although small, made the arena look absolutely spectacular for the duration of the show. It really gave the feel of an even bigger space, and highlighted the sheer amount of people inside enjoying themselves.
All in all, I can't give this show anything but five stars. A night indulging in many of my favourite songs, surrounded by people there to enjoy themselves and lap up the energy, really was unbeatable, and something I'll remember fondly for a long time. It was made all the more special by the fact it was a one-off UK arena show in our wonderful city. Hopefully we don't have to wait too long before the African Giant is back.
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