For one night only, the heartbeat of Lagos will meet the glory of Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre as global Afrobeats sensation Asake joins Glenn Alexander II for a full symphonic orchestra by Red Bull Symphonic, marking the event’s first-ever New York City presence.
The concert, taking place this weekend on Nov. 8, will transform Asake’s biggest hits into an orchestral experience, combining the vibrant sounds of Afrobeats with the timeless classical instrumentation.
For Asake, who has had a monumental year with a Grammy nomination, chart-topping singles like “Why Love,” and a forthcoming studio album Money, this performance represents both a creative expansion and a cultural bridge. Drawing from his Yoruba roots and genre-blending sound that fuses fújì, Afropop, and amapiano, Asake’s collaboration with Red Bull Symphonic celebrates how African music continues to reshape the global stage.
Leading the orchestral side of the performance, Glenn Alexander II brings a distinct musical versatility shaped by his experience conducting the national U.S. tour of Les Misérables and performances with ensembles from Carnegie Hall to the Atlanta Symphony. For Alexander, the project is both a technical challenge and a cultural milestone. Translating Afrobeats’ rhythmic intensity into orchestral form demanded a deep understanding of percussion and groove, and under his direction, the orchestra captures those complex layers with remarkable authenticity. When asked to describe the performance in three words, Alexander said “magical, worship, and innovative/ groundbreaking/ one of a kind”.
As the first Red Bull Symphonic to be staged in New York, the event also represents a larger cultural moment for the city. With its mix of artistic excellence and community spirit, the concert embodies how global and local influences continually intersect in Brooklyn’s music scene. The performance provides an opportunity for classical music to be more accessible to broader audiences, breaking its reputation for exclusivity by bringing it into conversation with one of the most popular and energetic genres in the world.
Following Red Bull Symphonic’s sold-out shows with Rick Ross (Atlanta, 2022) and Metro Boomin (Los Angeles, 2023), the Asake collaboration continues the series’ evolution into one of the most exciting cross-genre live events today. For both Asake and Alexander, it’s not only about performance, it’s about shaping the future of music and inspiring a new generation to see music in a whole new light.
November 8, 2025 – Kings Theatre, Brooklyn, NY
For more information, visit Redbull.com/Symphonic-NYC-Asake.
