Our Music Is Changing How The World Sees Africa – Davido

Nigerian music sensation Davido believes that Nigerian culture is experiencing an unprecedented global moment.

“We’re very popular, not only in music,” the 32-year-old Afrobeats star told AFP during a recent interview in Paris, highlighting the growing international influence of Nigeria’s film, food, and fashion industries.

While some critics have raised concerns about American artists appropriating the Afrobeats sound, Davido welcomes the attention. “I like it,” he said.

Yet, as a Nigerian-American and self-described “citizen of the world,” Davido emphasized that Africa’s true future lies with those who remain on the continent rather than the diaspora. “Everybody always has the American dream,” he noted.

“Every kid that grows up in Africa wants to visit America. That’s cool. It’s okay to visit, but don’t leave your people and go there.”

His comments come at a time when Nigeria faces its worst economic crisis in a generation. The term “japa”—a” Yoruba word meaning “to escape” — has become synonymous with emigration in search of better opportunities abroad.

Born David Adedeji Adeleke in Atlanta, Georgia, Davido embodies the bridge between a vibrant, rising Nigeria and a world increasingly attuned to the talents and culture of the so-called Giant of Africa. Speaking ahead of the release of his new album, 5ive, he expressed confidence in its global appeal.

“We have music for the French people. We have music for the Caribbean people. We have music for the Americans, Africans, everybody,” he said. “It’s like a full, global package album.”

A Global Influence with African Roots

With more than eight million monthly listeners on streaming platforms — among them Britain’s King Charles — Davido is both a leader and beneficiary of the surging international popularity of Afrobeats.

Yet, his musical identity remains deeply rooted in Africa. Recalling his childhood, he described growing up in a household where music was ever-present — from lively family parties to the songs playing in the car on the way to school.

A pivotal moment came when, as a teenager, a cousin introduced him to a recording studio. “For the first time, I saw somebody create music… African music,” he recounted. “That’s when I fell in love with it.”

By the age of 16, he was producing and mixing his own tracks, drawing inspiration from pioneering Nigerian artists like P-Square, who themselves were influenced by American pop icons such as Michael Jackson.

Today, Davido observes a reversal of influence, with Western artists now drawing from African rhythms and melodies. “It’s a privilege for another culture to try to imitate what you’re doing,” he said in response to concerns about cultural appropriation. “In Nigeria, we do hip hop too. We have rappers; we have R&B singers. Music is a universal language. So I don’t see any problem with that.”

Davido’s popular tracks include “Unavailable” and “Aye,” both emblematic of his ability to blend global appeal with local authenticity.

Focus on Nigeria

Despite his international success, Davido maintains a deep connection to Nigeria and its challenges. “We’ve been going through hard times,” he acknowledged. “Nigeria is a very rich country with so much talent, so much grace, so much opportunity.”

He noted that while he has occasionally addressed social issues in his music, his audience typically prefers more uplifting themes. “I have sung about it in the past. But I’m much more vocal about it in Africa than in America.”

As he prepares to embark on a global tour — with scheduled performances in Paris, London, New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles — Davido reflected on the impact African music is having on global perceptions.

“African music has changed the narrative of how Africans are looked at around the world,” he said.