A celebration of Afrobeats across generations took centre stage at the 2025 Glenfiddich Experimental Night Concert, as a curated timeline of Nigerian music from the early 2000s to 2025 unfolded before a live audience.
The annual event, held in partnership with international music label gamma records, brought together artists and DJs spanning different eras of Nigerian pop. The night blended nostalgia, evolution and cultural reinvention into a single immersive experience.
Proceedings opened with an extended DJ relay that set the tone for the evening. DJs Casper Sandra, Cocaina, Gigi Jasmine, Maze x Mxtreme, Crowd Kontroller, Tag Team and Tunes rotated seamlessly, pulling records from multiple decades and genres, and guiding guests through the soundscape of Afrobeats’ growth.
Live performances began with Peruzzi, who anchored the night in the present. Delivering crowd favourites such as Somebody Baby and Majesty, the singer received warm call-and-response reactions, offering a confident and contemporary opening set.
Veteran rapper 9ice followed with a shift in tempo and tone. Known for his storytelling approach, he leaned into reflective performances that highlighted his longevity in the industry. Songs like Gongo Aso and Street Credibility drew immediate recognition, with the audience responding from a place of shared memory rather than hype.
Terry G then took over the stage, dramatically altering the atmosphere. The self-styled “Free Madness” star brought back the raw, unpredictable energy that once defined a distinct era of Nigerian pop. His set was loud, unrestrained and genre-blending, reminding attendees of the disruptive force he represented in his prime.
Emerging artist Fola closed the night, pushing the event into forward-looking territory. His performance embraced experimentation and hinted at the evolving direction of Afrobeats, offering a contrast to the earlier nostalgia-driven moments.
Beyond the music, the concert attracted notable figures from Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industries. In attendance were gamma Africa Vice President and General Manager Larry Gaaga, alongside Osi Suave, Charles Okpaleke, Ike Onyema, Seyi Classic, Fola David, Shaun Okojie, Mide Iwasokun, Chimezie Imo and Efe Tommy, among others.
The 2025 Glenfiddich Experimental Night ultimately served as both a reflection on Afrobeats’ journey and a statement on its future, bringing past, present and possibility into one shared space.
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