Nigerian artists continue to make history on the global stage with several now receiving official days named in their honor by major cities in the United States.
Afrobeats continues to command global attention, not just through streaming charts and sold-out shows, but now through official civic honors in major international cities. Several Nigerian artists have received proclamations from U.S. states and city governments, dedicating specific official days of the year to celebrate their cultural impact and musical achievements.
Davido – July 7 (Houston, Texas)
July 7 was declared “Davido Day” by the Mayor of Houston in 2023 for his “significant contributions to the music industry” 👏🏽
Happy Davido Day 7️⃣/7️⃣ pic.twitter.com/cdW9d9hmfk
— NOTJUSTOK (@NOTJUSTOK) July 7, 2025
Afrobeats heavyweight David ‘Davido’ Adeleke stands out as the only Nigerian artist to have two official days named in his honor across two major U.S. cities. On July 7, 2023, the Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, declared the date “Davido Day” following his sold-out concert at the Toyota Center. The show’s Eko Bridge-themed stage and Davido’s ongoing philanthropic work further showcased the significance of the proclamation.
Davido at state of Georgia General assembly meeting with Georgia House of Representatives and Georgia state senate. He was recognized as an ‘Outstanding Georgia Citizen’. #AWUKE pic.twitter.com/YGCPmfWPKl
— Rasheed (@Rasheed_Adinoyi) November 6, 2024
Just months later, on November 18, the city of Atlanta honored him during the inaugural A.W.A.Y. (Are We African Yet?) Festival, recognizing his influence on African culture in the diaspora. Davido also received a standing ovation in the Georgia State Capitol, where he was named an Outstanding Georgia Citizen, a moment he proudly shared with fans online.
Wizkid – October 6 (Minnesota, USA)
Today is Wizkid Day in Minnesota, USA 🇺🇸 #WorldWizkidDay pic.twitter.com/cskNQoYrdM
— WeTalkSound (WTS) (@wetalksound) October 6, 2023
In 2018, Ayodeji Wizkid Balogun was honored by the Governor of Minnesota, Mark Dayton, who declared October 6 as “Wizkid Day.” This was in recognition of Wizkid’s record-breaking concert at the Skyway Theatre, where he became the first African artist, and one of very few globally, including Beyoncé, to sell out the venue.
Wizkid’s contributions to music and culture earned him this rare honor, and the official document resurfaced on social media in 2023 as fans revisited his global milestones.
Praiz – February 6 (Minnesota, USA)
3. US recognitionMost times I just hope for certain things and wouldn’t imagine some other things like being awarded “Praise Adejo Day” in the United States of America. On the 6th of February, I was the first African artist proclaimed in the state of Minnesota, USA. pic.twitter.com/D0UEfEcQyi
— Digimillennials (@DigiMillennials) July 30, 2022
Long before such honors became a trend, vocalist and songwriter Praise Adejo, popularly known as Praiz, received his own day in Minnesota. On February 6, the state recognized “Praiz Adejo Day,” a proclamation issued in acknowledgment of his musical talent and charitable efforts.
Praiz shared his excitement about the recognition online, giving thanks to both the city and his supporters. His contribution to humanitarian causes made him stand out, earning him one of the earliest U.S. civic recognitions for a Nigerian artist.
Burna Boy – March 2 (Boston, Massachusetts)
🚨 — March 2nd has now been declared “Burna Boy’s Day” in the city of Boston, Massachusetts 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/pMnRVpPsJj
— BURNA BOY STATS (@BurnaBoyStats) February 29, 2024
Grammy-winning artist Damini ‘Burna Boy’ Ogulu was honored in Boston, Massachusetts, with the declaration of March 2 as “Burna Boy Day.” The Boston City Council, led by Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, recognized his impact not only in music but also in social advocacy.
The official proclamation celebrated Burna Boy’s role in amplifying marginalized voices and pushing the Afrobeats genre into new global territories. Responding to the honor, Burna Boy thanked the city and reaffirmed his commitment to uniting people through music.
In conclusion, these proclamations go beyond symbolic celebration, they serve as markers of cultural diplomacy, honoring Nigerian artists who continue to reshape the global soundscape and elevate African music on the world stage. As Afrobeats surges forward, more Nigerian stars are likely to join this prestigious list.
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