Global music sensation Burna Boy sent shockwaves through central London on Sunday with an electrifying surprise performance during the England Lionesses’ victory parade. The Nigerian Afro-fusion superstar appeared unannounced during the celebrations for England’s historic back-to-back UEFA Women’s European Championship titles, lighting up the crowd and creating one of the most unforgettable moments of the day.
The parade, which took place in front of the iconic Buckingham Palace, was attended by tens of thousands of jubilant fans, eager to celebrate the Lionesses’ latest triumph. England had secured the 2025 European Championship title in dramatic fashion, defeating Spain in a nail-biting penalty shootout in Berlin, with head coach Sarina Wiegman once again leading the team to glory.
Just as the celebrations reached their peak, former England international and BBC host Alex Scott took to the stage to introduce a “very special guest.” Few could have predicted the appearance of Burna Boy—real name Damini Ogulu—who strolled onto the stage wearing a beaming smile and was met with thunderous applause and stunned gasps.
“Oh No Way!” – Wiegman Overwhelmed by Surprise
Head coach Sarina Wiegman, who had already stolen headlines for becoming the first manager in history to win three consecutive women’s Euros (two with England and one with the Netherlands), was visibly stunned when Burna Boy appeared. Her spontaneous reaction—“Oh no way!”—was caught on camera and instantly went viral across social media platforms.
Wiegman has previously mentioned Burna Boy’s track “For My Hand” as her most-streamed song of 2023, calling it her go-to tune for relaxation and motivation during the tournament. As Burna Boy stepped forward and gave her a warm hug, the 55-year-old Dutch coach’s face lit up with pure joy. She soon joined the players in dancing gleefully as Burna launched into a soulful live performance of the song.
The players, equally thrilled, pulled out their phones to record the unforgettable moment, capturing the blend of sport and music in a way that perfectly embodied the spirit of celebration.
A Historic Moment for Women’s Football—and Afrobeat
Burna Boy’s appearance signaled a new level of cultural crossover for African music on the global stage. Already a Grammy Award winner and one of the leading voices in contemporary Afrobeat, his involvement in such a prestigious European sporting celebration emphasized the growing influence of African artists in mainstream pop culture.
For many of the England squad members—some of whom are fans of Afrobeat and dancehall—the surprise was not just about the celebrity factor but a testament to how far the game and its culture have evolved. Women’s football, long underfunded and undervalued, is now attracting some of the biggest names in music and entertainment.
The collaboration between Burna Boy and the Lionesses also resonated deeply with fans from diverse backgrounds, many of whom took to social media to express how much it meant to see a Nigerian star included in a national celebration of such scale and significance.
Music and Football Unite a Nation
The victory parade itself was a spectacular event. Beginning with an open-top bus tour down The Mall, England’s players waved to adoring fans, many draped in St George’s flags, wearing replica kits, and holding up signs bearing the names of their favorite players. The team sang, laughed, and celebrated alongside thousands of supporters who lined the iconic avenue in a show of national pride and unity.
The musical entertainment didn’t stop with Burna Boy. British soul legend Heather Small also took the stage to perform her classic anthem “Proud,” which had become something of an unofficial soundtrack in the England dressing room during the tournament. As she belted out the familiar lyrics, “What have you done today to make you feel proud?” the players joined her on stage, arm in arm, swaying in unison and mouthing the words.
It was a fitting tribute to their hard-fought success and the cultural milestones they continue to achieve—on and off the pitch.
Sarina Wiegman’s Legacy Cemented
While Burna Boy’s surprise undoubtedly stole the spotlight, the day remained a celebration of the Lionesses’ resilience, unity, and continued dominance in European football under Sarina Wiegman. Her tactical brilliance, calm leadership, and ability to inspire have turned the Lionesses into a juggernaut, winning consecutive Euros and setting the standard for excellence.
Speaking at the event, Wiegman expressed gratitude to the fans, her players, and her coaching staff.
“This team has shown again what belief and togetherness can accomplish. It’s been a journey of heart, hard work, and history-making moments. And today, celebrating with all of you, feels like the perfect conclusion to this chapter,” she said.
Wiegman also made a special mention of Burna Boy during her speech.
“Honestly, I’m still in shock. That was incredible. I’ve been listening to his music for years. To have him here singing that song—it just shows how football brings everyone together.”
Looking Ahead
With the next FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, the Lionesses are riding high on momentum. The FA has already announced further investment into youth development programs and infrastructure, inspired by the team’s back-to-back European successes.
Burna Boy, meanwhile, continues his “I Told Them” world tour and is expected to return to Europe for more festival dates later this year. His cameo in the England victory parade only adds to his growing list of global achievements and marks another powerful cultural crossover between African music and international sports.
Conclusion
What began as a traditional victory parade quickly turned into a historic celebration of sport, unity, and cultural fusion. Burna Boy’s surprise performance at Buckingham Palace was more than just a musical interlude—it was a symbolic moment showing how far both women’s football and African music have come in capturing the global stage.
From the streets of Port Harcourt to the heart of London’s royal celebrations, Burna Boy reminded the world why his voice—just like the Lionesses’—can move stadiums, hearts, and history itself.
https://x.com/SkyFootball/status/1950161946952581468?t=Hb9Pi38kafWFX4aVYdG8Og&s=19
By Africa Live News Entertainment Desk
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