Nigerian-Italian musician Charles Onyeabor has revealed plans to expand his headline concert series, The Charles Onyeabor Show, beyond Florence as he continues to strengthen his presence within the international music industry.
The singer recently concluded the second edition of the concert at the Hard Rock Cafe in Florence, Italy, on October 3, recording a sold-out event that brought together African and European music enthusiasts.
Onyeabor, whose latest album, Legacy Continua, was released earlier this year, believes the success of the concert has demonstrated the potential for his music to connect with audiences across different international markets.
“The Charles Onyeabor Show is something I want to continue developing into a recognised platform for my music, performance and cultural expression. I want it to grow beyond one city and create opportunities to connect with audiences in other parts of Europe and eventually across the world,” he said.
The concert featured an international lineup of performers and DJs, with Onyeabor delivering selections from his catalogue of Afrobeats, funk and soul-inspired recordings.
His interest in developing an independent concert platform also reflects his experiences navigating the European music industry as an African artist.
According to the singer, musicians operating outside the conventional expectations of mainstream Afrobeats often encounter difficulties establishing their identities within international markets.
“As an African artist working in Europe, you can also find yourself having to explain your identity, your sound and your place in the industry before people have even given your music a proper chance,” he explained.
Having previously performed alongside internationally recognised artists including P-Square, Ruger, Kizz Daniel and Offset, Onyeabor is now increasingly focused on establishing his own audience and developing opportunities for other performers.
His latest album, Legacy Continua, has also provided a new foundation for this phase of his career.
The project pays tribute to his father, William Onyeabor, whose pioneering contributions to electronic funk continue to influence contemporary African music.
Nevertheless, the singer remains determined to establish a distinct musical identity and expand his creative activities beyond his family’s celebrated heritage.
“I want to reach more audiences, perform on bigger stages, collaborate with great artists and bring my music to places where people may not yet know my story,” he said.
With the Florence concert completed, Onyeabor is looking towards larger international performances and further collaborations as he continues developing his career.
Cover credit: michaeltubescreations1
