Grammy-winning Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy delivered one of the most unforgettable moments of Iconiq Fest Lagos after making an unannounced appearance during Shallipopi’s headline performance on Friday night.

The surprise moment unfolded at the Landmark Event Centre, where Burna Boy walked on stage during the closing segment of Shallipopi’s set, instantly sending the crowd into a frenzy. Dressed casually but commanding the stage with ease, the global star transformed the atmosphere in seconds, turning the performance into what many fans are already calling the defining moment of the festival’s debut edition.

The duo thrilled the audience with a live performance of “Laho II (Remix)”, a collaboration that further bridged the gap between street-pop energy and global Afrobeats appeal. Burna Boy then went on to perform his hit single “Dem Dey”, keeping the crowd on its feet. At one point, Shallipopi hailed him as “ODG, the highest,” a shout-out that drew thunderous cheers from the packed venue.

Iconiq Fest, which ran from December 18 to 20, featured Chike, BNXN, and Shallipopi as headliners across the three days, with supporting acts such as Famous Pluto and Zerry DL. The festival recorded strong attendance throughout, with no major disruptions reported, further cementing its place in Lagos’ increasingly crowded Detty December calendar.

Opinion: A Moment That Defines Detty December

Burna Boy’s unexpected appearance was more than just a guest performance—it was a reminder of the magic that live music can create when artists show up for each other without prior announcements or heavy promotion. In a December already packed with concerts, album launches, and celebrity appearances, this moment stood out because it felt organic and unscripted.

For Shallipopi, sharing the stage with Burna Boy was a powerful co-sign, reinforcing his growing influence and relevance in the Nigerian music scene. For Burna Boy, it was another example of his ability to elevate any stage he steps on, whether planned or spontaneous.

As social media continues to buzz about the performance, one thing is clear: Iconiq Fest may be new, but it has already delivered a moment that will be remembered long after Detty December fades. Sometimes, the biggest highlights are the ones nobody saw coming—and this was one of them.