Nigerian superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has emphasized his influence on the global rise of afrobeats. Speaking in an interview with TheBeatJuice magazine, the award-winning artist confidently declared:
“Afrobeats can’t be brought up without my name. Impossible.”
Davido’s assertion highlights his significant role in pushing the genre to international prominence, alongside contemporaries like Wizkid and Burna Boy. Known for global hits like Skelewu and Fall, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in African music.
An Afrofusion Advocate
Despite his afrobeats success, Davido has voiced reservations about the genre label, aligning himself more closely with afrofusion—a blend of African rhythms with pop, R&B, and other styles.
In a previous interview on the Business Untitled Podcast, Davido shared:
“I call my music Afrofusion, but I’m not big on saying, ‘Put Afrofusion on my song.’ I know how long it took for African music to become mainstream.”
While he embraces the afrobeats tag for its global impact, he notes that the term often oversimplifies the variety of music coming out of Africa.
A Legacy in the Making
Davido’s bold claim highlights his undeniable contributions to the afrobeats movement, from pioneering sounds to fostering collaborations that have brought African music to the world stage. His journey reflects the genre’s growth into a global phenomenon, making his name synonymous with its success.
As afrobeats continues to break records and expand its reach, Davido’s influence will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of its history.
