Jay-Z marked his return to the London stage after almost a decade by serenading his wife Beyonce to celebrate her birthday.
The performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium featured unannounced guest appearances from US hip-hop group Fugees, actor Idris Elba, DJ Khaled and UK rapper Giggs.
The US rapper, whose real name is Shawn Carter, led the stadium crowd in a rendition of Happy Birthday to the Single Ladies star. Beyonce waved and blew kisses to onlookers as fireworks exploded overhead, and she could be seen energetically dancing along during her husband’s performance on her 45th birthday.
Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, members of the hip-hop outfit Fugees, delivered three of their most famous tracks: Ready Or Not, Killing Me Softly and Fu-Gee-La. The group has not released a studio record since 1996’s landmark album The Score, which stands as one of the most prominent albums of the decade and marks its 30th anniversary this year.
Addressing the stadium, Jay-Z said: "They (Fugees) took me out on my first European tour, opening up for them." Turning to face the duo, he added: "Thank you, I appreciate you. I’m forever a fan."
At the start of the gig, the performer highlighted the significance of playing in the capital, telling the crowd: "This place holds a special significance in my career, so tonight I want to turn it all the way up."
His extensive set included hit singles such as 99 Problems, Dirt Off My Shoulder, Run This Town, Empire State Of Mind and No Church In The Wild, alongside Girls, Girls, Girls, Izzo (HOVA), Paris and Numb/Encore.
The concert also included cameo appearances from Luther actor Elba and rapper DJ Khaled, while grime artist Giggs stepped on stage alongside him to perform Talkin’ Da Hardest.
The performance represents Jay-Z’s first UK solo gig in nearly ten years, having last appeared in 2017 to headline V Festival for his 4:44 tour.
His current JAY-Z30 show commemorates three decades of music, celebrating 30 years since his debut album Reasonable Doubt and 25 years since his sixth studio release, The Blueprint.
The musician will return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a second show on Saturday night.
