Hip-Hopera at SXSW 2026
Babatunde Akinboboye, known for his 'Hip Hopera,' is releasing a debut album and launching a national tour this year SXSW 2026: the 12 breakout artists our critics say you need to see in Austin, spotlighting SXSW 2026.
Akinboboye, a Nigerian-American baritone, is merging his classical training with his love for hip hop. This unique blend, dubbed "Hip Hopera," has gained him international attention. His "Hip Hopera Tour" is scheduled to hit multiple cities, including Atlanta on June 18th and Philadelphia on June 27th. He'll also be performing in Boston on July 5th. Akinboboye initially gained viral fame in 2018 after blending opera with Kendrick Lamar's "Humble". The video garnered over 10 million views and media coverage. His performances include opera arias, original bars, and beats, promising storytelling and crowd interaction. He aims to make opera more accessible and culturally relevant. Beyond performing, Akinboboye is an advocate for African and African American composers. He also engages in conversations about music, Black history, mental health, and neurodivergence.
