In December 2025, Dapper Live, a division of Dapper Group, broke the Guinness World Record for the largest orchestra performing at an Afrobeats concert. The event, titled “Trench Symphony: The Dapper Live Experience,” featured over 80 orchestra members and a lineup of artists including T.I Blaze, TML Vibez, Bhadboi OML, Rybeena, Lasmid, Cazulee, Kashcoming and DWillsHarmony, all performing in Lagos, Nigeria.
A Vision for African Music
Damilola Akinwunmi, founder of Dapper Group, described the event as a fulfillment of a long-held ambition. “It meant everything to do this at home, to accomplish our goal of coming up with creative ideas for our concerts that you wouldn’t expect and making things happen that typically wouldn’t in our genre,” he said. Dapper Group, established in 2018, has grown to include 25 employees and represents 20 artists, producing 10,000 records in under a decade and surpassing 1 billion streams annually since 2022.
The company’s expansion reflects a broader mission: connecting Africa to the world through music. Akinwunmi explained, “People, especially Black Americans and even white people, wish to be connected to Africa. They want to learn about Africa, and one of the easiest ways to learn about Africa is from the music.”
Blending Genres and Building an Ecosystem
Akinwunmi noted that merging an orchestra with Afrobeats presented challenges, as many of the artists on his label are considered “street artists” with music rooted in African traditions. However, he believed the combination created a unique synergy, drawing on the “sheer musicality and originality” of both orchestral and African instrumentation. Rehearsals with the full orchestra began three weeks before the event, following nearly two months of preparation with a smaller ensemble.
Dapper Group has evolved into a “360-degree company,” encompassing Dapper Live, Dapper Music & Entertainment, Dvpper Digital, Dapper Films, publishing arm S94, and BOP (Bangers Only Productions). Akinwunmi started the company with the belief that a uniquely African perspective was needed to develop the music industry in Nigeria.
Looking Ahead
Dapper Live plans to tour “Trench Symphony” across Nigeria and internationally, with performances scheduled in London, Birmingham, Dublin, Paris, and Toronto. Akinwunmi expressed a desire to expand the present to universities and eventually bring it to the United States, despite previous visa challenges. He emphasized a commitment to continuous innovation and setting new standards for African music on a global scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Dapper Live to attempt a Guinness World Record?
Damilola Akinwunmi was inspired by his girlfriend’s Guinness World Record and by a similar feat achieved by Young Jeezy with hip-hop, believing a comparable record was attainable for Afrobeats.
What challenges were faced when combining an orchestra with Afrobeats?
The challenge lay in merging the orchestral sound with the music of artists often described as “street artists,” whose music is deeply rooted in African traditions. Ensuring the combination sounded good required significant effort, and rehearsal.
What are Dapper Group’s future plans?
Dapper Group intends to grab “Trench Symphony” on a world tour, including performances in Nigeria, the U.K., Ireland, France, Canada, and potentially the United States.
What role does music play in connecting people to African culture?
