Real Warri Pikin Set to Headline indigo at The O2 in Landmark London Show

Nigerian comedy star Real Warri Pikin is set to make history when she headlines indigo at The O2 on Sunday 29 November 2026. With her show In My Element, the popular comedian will become the first African female comedian to headline her own show at the iconic London venue.

The production is a collaboration between SMADE Entertainment Group and Shekpe Knights Entertainment (SKE). It marks Real Warri Pikin’s largest UK show to date and follows the conclusion of her recent US tour with SKE. The booking continues a partnership that has already taken her comedy across North America and now brings her back to London on the biggest stage of her UK career.

Born Anita Alaire Afoke Asuoha in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, Real Warri Pikin has built her reputation through sold-out live shows, viral digital content and personal storytelling that transforms hardship into humour. The UK has long been part of her journey. She first performed for British audiences on AY Live in 2019 before returning in 2022 to headline her own sold-out shows in London, Manchester and Milton Keynes. The O2 date represents the next step in that relationship, moving her from club and theatre stages to one of London’s most recognisable arenas.
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Real Warri Pikin said: “As a Black woman, if you wait for everyone to approve your dream before you move, you’ll spend your whole life standing in the same place.
Sometimes courage is not enough. You need audacity.”
She continued: “This is not just for me. It’s for every Black woman who has ever been told to shrink herself, to dream smaller, or to wait her turn. I hope when they see me on that stage, they see what’s possible for themselves too.”

Dr. Adesegun Adeosun Jr. (Dr. King SMADE), founder of SMADE Entertainment Group, emphasised the wider impact: “Real Warri Pikin represents exactly what we set out to build at SMADE. Twenty-two years ago we started as promoters. Today we are building the infrastructure that lets African talent headline the biggest stages in the world. This show is proof that African comedy belongs at that level.”
He added: “Every artist we bring to a stage like indigo at The O2 opens the door a little wider for the next one. That is the work.”

Adewumi “Ben” Awoyode, Founder & CEO of Shekpe Knights Entertainment, described the booking as historic: “This moment represents far more than another event we’ve produced. It is a reminder of what becomes possible when talent is met with opportunity. For a Nigerian woman to dream this boldly and earn her place on one of the world’s most iconic stages, despite the limited spotlight historically given to female comedians, is both inspiring and historic.”

In My Element forms part of a growing wave of African entertainment reaching major international venues, reflecting rising global demand for African comedy, film and live performance. Tickets go on sale with an announcement on Monday 3 August at 10am, followed by O2 Priority Pre-Sale on Wednesday 5 August, Venue Pre-Sale on Thursday 6 August, and General On-Sale on Friday 7 August, all at 10am.