United Kingdom : The United Kingdom witnessed an electrifying spectacle as Badshah, one of the biggest names in the South-Asian music and entertainment industry, made a historic debut with sold-out performances in London and Leeds over the weekend.
Badshah, known for his chart-topping hits and dynamic stage presence, took center stage at Wembley’s Ovo Arena and First Direct Arena, bringing an unparalleled fusion of Punjabi hip-hop, Bollywood, and pop music. The concerts, marking his first appearance at these iconic venues, created a wave of anticipation for his upcoming album, ‘Badworld.’
The event, billed as immersive and experiential, featured crowd-pleasing elements such as confetti, streamers, CO2 jets, holographic effects, DMX fire machines, and pyrotechnics. Badshah, a Billboard-charting South Asian music sensation, made a larger-than-life impact on stage, accompanied by his famous mammoth-sized teddy bear and exotic dancers.
Performing a marathon three-hour, 27-track setlist, Badshah treated fans to a range of his chart-topping hits, including ‘Gone Girl,’ ‘Jawaab,’ ‘Jugnu,’ ‘Paani Paani,’ ‘Garmi,’ ‘DJ Waale Babu,’ ‘Lets Nacho,’ ‘Kala Chashma,’ ‘Kar Gayi Chull,’ ‘Genda Phool,’ ‘Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai,’ and ‘Paagal.’
Despite both arenas having a seated arrangement, the audience couldn’t resist the infectious energy, with many standing on their seats, dancing and chanting Badshah’s name. A memorable moment occurred when Badshah emerged from the center of the stadium, providing an up-close and personal experience to fans at the farther end.
The climax of the evening saw the entire audience light up their cell phones in synchronized appreciation, creating a visually stunning experience as the arena lights dimmed. Badshah, in his modest style, expressed gratitude, acknowledging the iconic artists who performed at the venue before him.
Wearing custom-made Sidhu Moose Wala earplugs as a mark of respect, Badshah commented, “A big shoutout to all my fans in the U.K. for coming out over the weekend. It has been an incredibly delightful experience for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed sharing the music and making memories with each one of you. I thank all the stakeholders involved in making this tour a success and look forward to performing again real soon!”
Saurabh Abbi, CEO, TM Ventures, Badshah’s management, added, “The kind of response we received in the U.K. has surpassed our expectations, and we are thankful for all the heartwarming messages coming in from the live event and music community. We look forward to taking the Badshah Live experience to different corners of the world next year.”
Sunny Sethi, Executive Creative Producer, Imagine X Global, highlighted the immersive experience, stating, “It’s a region steeped in music history, and we’re excited to add Badshah’s name to this illustrious list. Our production isn’t just a concert; it’s an immersive experience that allows Badshah to connect and resonate with his fans.”
Govind Shahi, Executive Vice President, IndiaCast UK Ltd (Colors TV UK), expressed their commitment to delivering captivating experiences, saying, “In a nightclub-esque atmosphere, Colors was thrilled to be part of this live audience, witnessing why the ‘bad boy’ is truly the Badshah of today’s music scene.”
As the first Indian hip-hop artist-entrepreneur with a curated South Asian list on Capital XTRA and a Formula 1 playlist to his credit, Badshah’s UK tour showcased his vocal prowess and ability to bridge cultures, solidifying his legacy among a global fanbase.
The Badshah Live In UK Tour was produced by Rock On Music, Colors TV, Imagine X Global, and Sunrise Radio. Fans can anticipate more spectacular performances in the coming year, as Badshah continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
