Afrobeats superstar Davido has opened up about the genre’s evolution from a continental powerhouse to a global phenomenon. In a recent interview on Culture Knockout, the Nigerian hitmaker reflected on the early days of his career and how Afrobeats artists once thrived solely within Africa before the genre gained international attention.
Davido shared that long before the genre’s global boom, African artists were already enjoying significant success across the continent. He recalled earning up to $200,000 per show in countries like Congo, Senegal, and Gabon, all while in his early twenties.
“Before Afrobeats went global, we African artists were comfortable being in Africa,” he said. “I was 21, 23 years old, flying around the continent and getting paid well to perform. We were good.”
He emphasized that African artists were making substantial income from regional concerts and support from wealthy African patrons who valued their music. According to Davido, there was no immediate pressure to chase Western validation.
However, the narrative began to shift in 2017 with the success of his breakout international hit Fall. The song not only introduced Davido to a wider audience but also marked his first major media tour in the U.S. and U.K., signaling a turning point in his career, and Afrobeats as a whole.
“Fall changed everything,” he noted. “That was the first time I had to go on a proper press run abroad. Before that, I was mostly based in Nigeria and only traveled when there was a show.”
Now a global ambassador for the genre, Davido continues to play a pivotal role in Afrobeats’ international appeal. His fifth studio album, Five, is the latest in a string of successful projects cementing his relevance and artistry.
Speaking on the current state of the genre, Davido acknowledged that the movement is no longer driven by just the “Big 3”, a reference to himself, Wizkid, and Burna Boy. According to him, Afrobeats now boasts a “Big 20,” with a growing roster of talented artists pushing the sound forward on the global stage.
You can watch Davido’s full interview on Culture Knockout for more insights into his journey and the rise of Afrobeats.
