-
Africa has the worst government but entertainment puts us on the map – Davido
Award-winning Nigerian artist Davido has once again emphasized the profound impact of African culture and entertainment in reshaping global perceptions of the continent.
In a recent interview with Apple Music, the singer delved into his latest album, shared insights on his musical journey, and discussed the growing global recognition of African culture.
While acknowledging the persistent challenges faced by the continent, especially in leadership and governance, Davido highlighted the unifying power of music, fashion, and entertainment in promoting Africa’s influence on the world stage.
His reflections were a reminder of how far African culture has come and the central role entertainment plays in altering global narratives.
“Every successful person who has experienced success can’t explain the feeling,” Davido said, sharing his perspective on the intangible yet powerful nature of success, one that cannot always be easily put into words.
“I’m happy that entertainment switched the narrative. We don’t have the best leaders. We have the worst governments…”
— Davido pic.twitter.com/FXT22vufFd
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) April 30, 2025
The Afrobeat star also recounted personal memories from his time as an African student abroad, drawing parallels to how Africans in the diaspora now hold a renewed pride in their heritage.
“I remember back then, I took a flight from Lagos to school and my classmates asked if we had airports. But now people are trying to go back home and trace their ancestry and all,” he reflected, pointing to how perceptions of Africa have evolved over the years.
He continued, speaking about how the tables have turned: “In the December that just passed, there were more Americans than Nigerians in Lagos, bro. I was in Lagos for a week and I just left a few days ago, I didn’t want to leave. Back then we used to be so excited to go to America. It’s not just music but the whole culture has put Africa on the map.”
Davido further pointed out the African presence in global fashion, particularly during Paris Fashion Week, where African models and creative directors now dominate.
“If you go to the Paris Fashion Week, 80% of the models and creative directors are African. I’m happy that entertainment switched the narrative about Africa. We don’t have the best leaders and we have the worst government but our entertainment is it. Once that music plays, wow,” he stated, underscoring the significant role entertainment plays in pushing Africa’s global agenda despite political challenges.
“Last December, there were more Americans than Nigerians in Lagos.”
— Davido pic.twitter.com/bEJ4LIyEgS
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) April 30, 2025
In his conversation, Davido celebrated the strength and unity found within African culture and entertainment, reiterating how these industries continue to break barriers and set new standards internationally.