DJ Stylebender! Israel Adesanya rocks AfroSoul Festival Crowd in New Zealand

Israel Adesanya traded his gloves for turntables over the weekend as he made his DJ debut at the AfroSoul Festival in New Zealand, performing alongside Burna Boy in a celebration of African culture, music, and community.

The former UFC Middleweight Champion, famously known as “The Last Stylebender,” surprised fans by taking the decks at Go Media Stadium for what turned out to be one of the festival’s most talked-about moments.

DJ Stylebender Takes Center Stage

Adesanya, performing under the name DJ Stylebender, delivered a high-energy set that had the crowd on their feet, blending afrobeats, amapiano, and hip-hop in a way that captured both his creativity and charisma.

The 35-year-old fighter joined a star-studded lineup that included Burna Boy, Victony, and Darkoo, marking a proud moment for the Nigerian-born athlete to reconnect with his roots. “It felt amazing to bring a slice of Africa to Aotearoa,” Adesanya said in an interview after his set. “Music has always been part of who I am, it’s another form of self-expression, just like fighting.”

A Celebration of Heritage and Rhythm

The AfroSoul Festival 2025 — themed “A Slice of Africa to New Zealand” showcased a fusion of sound, dance, and art that reflected the growing influence of African music worldwide. Fans experienced a mix of afrobeats, amapiano, and soul rhythms from top performers, while Adesanya’s surprise DJ appearance added an unexpected twist to the lineup.

For Adesanya, it was more than just a performance, it was a chance to celebrate his heritage and engage with the African community in New Zealand.

“From Lagos to Auckland, it’s all about connection,” he told reporters. “This was home in every sense of the word.”

Balancing Beats and the Octagon

While his festival debut has gone viral online, Adesanya hasn’t stepped away from MMA entirely. Sources close to his camp confirm that he has resumed training, though there’s no confirmed date for his return to the octagon.

Still, the crossover moment highlights his trademark versatility, proving once again why he remains one of the most charismatic and multidimensional figures in combat sports.

SportsLigue