Adekunle Gold makes history with orchestral performance at Royal Festival Hall

Kehinde Adeleye
At the EFG London Jazz Festival, four-year-old Deja, daughter of Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Adekunle Gold, captured hearts when she introduced her father on stage during his grand finale at the Royal Festival Hall.
The touching moment came just before Gold performed alongside the 50-piece Guildhall Session Orchestra, an esteemed ensemble of alumni from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. With this performance, Gold became the first Nigerian and one of the few African artists to headline a full orchestral show at the festival.
Gold’s set offered orchestral interpretations of some of his most popular hits, including Many People and Sade, blending his signature Afrobeats style with lush strings and sweeping brass arrangements.
Among the audience were his wife, Simi, and little Deja, whose confident and heartfelt stage presence delighted fans. Social media quickly reacted to the moment, with one viewer tweeting: “Deja just introduced her Dad, Adekunle Gold, at the London Jazz Festival. My heart.” Another fan described the performance as a “stunning showcase of Nigerian talent on a global stage.”
The concert celebrated Gold’s artistic growth, highlighting the evolution of Afrobeats and its rising influence on the international music scene. Gold, whose career spans soulful folk, Afropop, and orchestral jazz, said his goal was to add a new dimension to his live performances.
For many attendees, Deja’s introduction became the emotional highlight of the evening, showcasing the personal side of stardom and a cherished father-daughter moment shared with thousands.