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Davido Reflects on Afrobeats Evolution, Global Rise, and Africa’s Hidden Music Wealth
Afrobeats megastar Davido has shed light on the evolution of the genre and how African artists once thrived within the continent long before the global spotlight turned toward Afrobeats.
Speaking in a recent interview on Culture Knockout, the multi-award-winning singer shared insights into his early success and the lucrative African music market that is often overlooked by outsiders.
“Before Afrobeats went global, we African artists were comfortable being in Africa. I was going to Gabon, Senegal, and getting 200,000 USD for a show, and I was 21, 23, 23 years old,” Davido stated.
Recalling his first breakthrough at just 17, Davido narrated how he rapidly rose to prominence across Africa, earning impressive fees to perform in countries like Congo, Mali, and Gabon. According to him, the African music scene had always been financially rewarding thanks to wealthy patrons and a deeply rooted fanbase that supported homegrown stars.
He used his experience to challenge a common misconception among foreign audiences and the media — the belief that Africa lacked a viable music industry until Western recognition arrived. Davido’s story, however, paints a different picture — one where African artists already enjoyed massive success, long before international validation.
“I was mostly based in Nigeria,” Davido noted, referring to the early part of his career. “I only travelled when I had to perform. But after Fall, I had to go to the US and UK for media tours,” he added, reflecting on the hit 2017 single that served as his major crossover success.
That milestone moment marked a turning point for both Davido and Afrobeats. Fall became one of the genre’s defining global hits, opening doors to new audiences and wider industry acceptance.
Today, as Afrobeats continues to make waves internationally, Davido remains at the forefront. He recently released his fifth studio album, Five, solidifying his legacy as one of the genre’s top exports. Yet, in his view, the movement has grown beyond the familiar names.
“Afrobeats is now more than just the Big 3. We now have a Big 20. So many artists are pushing the sound,” he emphasized.
With his words, Davido not only highlights the genre’s expansion but also calls for greater acknowledgment of the African ecosystem that built it — a scene that flourished long before the West began to pay attention.