Dapper Live, the live events division of the Dapper Group, has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records™ as the title holder for the Largest Orchestra for an Afrobeats Concert. The record was achieved during Trench Symphony: The Dapper Live Experience, staged on December 16, 2025, at the Balmoral Eko Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The landmark production brought together more than 80 orchestral musicians who performed live alongside leading Afrobeats artists, setting a new global standard for orchestral presentation within African popular music.
Conceived and executive produced by Damilola “Dapper” Akinwunmi, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Dapper Group, Trench Symphony reimagined Afrobeats through the grandeur and sophistication of a full live orchestra. The concert featured performances from T.I Blaze, TML Vibez, Bhadboi OML, Rybeena, Lasmid, Cazulee, Kashcoming, and DWillsHarmony, with special guest appearances by Fuji legends King Dr. Saheed Osupa and KS1 Malaika.
Under the musical direction of Bazzman Sam, with conductors Fatola and Clintonic leading the orchestra, the performance merged classical orchestration with the vibrant pulse of Afrobeats. The result was a culturally resonant and technically ambitious live experience.
Kelechi “Chopper” Aquari played a pivotal role in coordinating multiple aspects of the production. Creative direction for the concert was led by Director K, while sound production was overseen by Temitayo “Tee Y Mix” Ibitoye, with engineering by Mr. Bassey. Their work ensured a precise balance between the orchestra and the performing artists. The event was directed by Dunni Akinwunmi, who supervised overall production logistics, alongside Mojoyin of Owambe Events, the show producer responsible for the seamless execution of the record-setting evening.
The Guinness World Records confirmation highlights Afrobeats’ continued evolution as a dominant global genre. As orchestral collaborations increasingly shape contemporary music worldwide, Dapper Live’s achievement places Lagos firmly at the centre of this creative movement. It reinforces the city’s standing as a cultural capital of Afrobeats and a hub for innovation within the global music ecosystem.
“Trench Symphony was born from a simple but powerful belief that African music, in its truest and most authentic form, belongs on the world’s biggest stages,” said Damilola “Dapper” Akinwunmi. “We did not set out merely to break a record. Our aim was to create a defining cultural moment. This achievement demonstrates what becomes possible when African vision, excellence, and scale come together. From Lagos to the world, Afrobeats continues to expand its creative boundaries.”
Following the record confirmation, Dapper Live has announced plans to take Trench Symphony on a major 2026 tour across ten Nigerian states before expanding to international markets including London, Birmingham, Dublin, Paris, and select cities in Canada. Tour dates and ticketing information will be announced in the coming months as Dapper Live advances its mission to present African music on the world stage in its most ambitious and authentic form.
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