“Way Bigger Than Us Now“: Davido Reflects on Afrobeats’ Transformative Global Journey
In an insightful conversation with MixMag, Afrobeats superstar Davido opened up about the genre’s meteoric rise on the global stage, emphasizing the shift in perception of African music and culture. Reflecting on the journey that has taken Afrobeats from the streets of Lagos to stadiums around the world, Davido acknowledges the responsibility that comes with being at the forefront of this movement.
“We have to be very cautious and understand that it’s way bigger than us now,”
Davido shared.
“We’re representing a whole demographic of people. The culture as a whole, and Afrobeats, have come and changed the mindset about being African. It’s a way different time from when we started.”
Looking back on the early days of his career, Davido remembers the challenges of convincing the global industry that Afrobeats had the potential to dominate the world stage. He recalled his early days after signing with Sony, telling them,
“This Afrobeats is coming o. We’re going to be the biggest, we’re going to be the hottest.” At the time, the industry wasn’t convinced, and he was met with skepticism. “Then, they were looking at me like I was crazy. Now look at them rushing to Nigeria to sign every Tom, Dick, and Harry.”
This candid reflection highlights the immense growth of Afrobeats, which has now transcended regional boundaries, finding its place in global music charts, festivals, and mainstream media. The genre’s influence is undeniable, with artists like Davido leading the charge, reshaping the narrative around African music and culture. It’s a testament to the resilience of the movement, which, against all odds, has gained recognition and respect on the world stage.
Read More: 5ive: Inside Davido’s Epic Album Creation – 80 Songs, 17 Final Cuts
