Afrobeats took centre stage at Coachella 2026, but not without debate, as Davido delivered his long-awaited debut while Wizkid and Tems sparked a viral moment that quickly stole the spotlight.
Davido performed a 45-minute set at the Gobi Stage during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, marking his first official appearance on the globally renowned lineup.
The Nigerian superstar opened with ‘Dami Duro’ and ran through a catalogue of fan favourites, including ‘If,’ ‘Skelewu,’ and ‘With You,’ backed by a live band and energetic choreography that kept the crowd engaged throughout.
A standout moment came when Adekunle Gold joined him on stage for a joint performance that included their hit collaboration ‘High,’ adding an extra layer of excitement to the set.
Despite the strong reception, attention quickly shifted later in the night when Wizkid and Tems made an unannounced appearance alongside Justin Bieber on the main stage to perform the global hit ‘Essence’ remix.
The surprise performance triggered one of the loudest reactions of the festival, with fans erupting as Bieber introduced Wizkid, creating a viral highlight that dominated social media conversations.
Neither Wizkid nor Tems was listed on the official Coachella 2026 lineup, yet their appearance overshadowed the scheduled performances and reignited discussions about artist billing and stage placement.
Davido’s appearance carried added significance as he was the only Nigerian artist officially billed on this year’s lineup, a noticeable drop in representation compared to previous editions of the festival.
Coachella 2026, marking its 25th anniversary, featured headliners including Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G, drawing global attention to one of the world’s biggest music events.
While Davido’s debut was widely praised, conversations around his placement on a smaller stage and the limited Afrobeats representation have continued to spark debate among fans and industry watchers.
The singer is set to return for a second performance during the festival’s second weekend on April 18, offering another opportunity to cement his presence on the Coachella stage.
