Davido: Afrobeats is Having a Global Moment and Nigeria’s Bright Future
Nigerian music sensation Davido believes Nigerian culture is more prominent than ever on the global stage. In a recent interview with AFP in Paris, the 32-year-old artist highlighted how not only music but also Nigerian film, food, and fashion are making waves worldwide.
“Afrobeats is not just popular in music,” Davido shared, adding that Nigeria’s cultural influence is growing in many industries. Despite critics arguing that American artists are drawing inspiration from Afrobeats, Davido sees it as a positive development, saying, “I like it.”
As a Nigerian-American and self-proclaimed “citizen of the world,” Davido’s vision for Africa’s future is rooted in those who choose to stay and build their communities. While acknowledging the allure of the American dream, he urges others to consider the value of staying in Africa: “It’s okay to visit, but don’t leave your people and go there.”
His words might resonate differently with those facing Nigeria’s toughest economic times, where the term “japa” (meaning “escape”) has become synonymous with leaving the country in search of better opportunities.
Davido, born David Adedeji Adeleke in Atlanta, finds himself straddling the line between a Nigeria bursting with potential and a world finally taking notice of the continent’s rise. As he prepares for the release of his album “5ive,” he’s confident the record will resonate globally. “We have music for everyone – from the French to the Caribbean, Americans, Africans… it’s a full, global package album.”
A Global Afrobeats Phenomenon
With over eight million monthly listeners — including Britain’s King Charles — Davido is at the forefront of the Afrobeats revolution. But his rise is no accident. He grew up in an African household where music was always part of the fabric of daily life. From parties to car rides to school, music was the soundtrack of his childhood.
It was during his teenage years, when a cousin took him to a studio, that he discovered his love for creating African music. “That’s when I fell in love with it,” Davido recalls, his passion for the genre unmistakable.
By 16, he was mixing and mastering his own tracks, drawing inspiration from Nigerian duos like P-Square, who blended African sounds with global influences like Michael Jackson.
A New Wave of Influence
As Afrobeats continues to grow globally, Davido sees the flow of musical influence moving in both directions. When asked about American artists incorporating Afrobeats into their sound, he sees it as a sign of respect: “It’s a privilege for another culture to try to imitate what you’re doing,” he says.
For him, music is a universal language, and it’s no surprise that Afrobeats is now becoming a dominant force globally. “In Nigeria, we do hip hop too. We have rappers. We have R&B artists. It’s all part of the music landscape.”
Some of his popular tracks, like “Unavailable” and “Aye,” continue to capture audiences worldwide, helping reshape the narrative around African music.
Nigeria’s Strength and His Commitment to Change
Despite his international success, Davido remains deeply connected to Nigeria, a country he describes as “rich with talent, grace, and opportunity.” While Nigeria faces numerous challenges, he believes music has the power to uplift. When asked why his songs don’t often focus on Nigeria’s struggles, he responds: “That’s not the type of music my people would really like to hear.”
“I have sung about it in the past, but I’m very vocal about it more in Africa than in America,” he adds.
As he gears up for a world tour, including stops in Paris, London, New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, Davido is mindful of how his success is tied to his roots. “African music has changed the narrative of how Africans are looked at around the world,” he concludes, underscoring the impact of Afrobeats and the broader cultural shift taking place globally.
