Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, says his three-night residency at Lagos’ National Theatre will demonstrate the capacity of African artistes to stage major global music events from Nigeria.
Davido is scheduled to headline the renovated National Theatre from December 17 to 19, with the residency expected to feature songs from his latest album and selections from his 15-year music career.
In an interview with CNN, the singer said hosting the event in Nigeria was important for showcasing the country’s entertainment infrastructure and strengthening the connection between Afrobeats and its home audience.
“It’s very important that we show the outside world that we have these kinds of facilities in Africa as well. We’re really showing people that we can do this ourselves,” he said.
Davido described the National Theatre as Nigeria’s equivalent of New York’s Madison Square Garden, citing its historical significance to the country’s entertainment industry.
He said bringing the residency to Lagos was also intended to generate wider cultural and economic benefits by attracting audiences to Nigeria.
“Bringing everything back home is very important for the culture,” he said.
Davido said the concept was partly influenced by Puerto Rican artiste Bad Bunny’s residency, which attracted international visitors and generated economic activity around the performances.
He said a successful residency in Lagos could similarly contribute to tourism and the wider entertainment economy, particularly during the December festive period when Nigerians in the diaspora and international visitors travel to the country.
Davido said the programme would feature music from different stages of his career, with appearances by some of his collaborators expected.
He also urged African artistes who achieve international recognition to maintain strong connections with audiences in their home countries.
“Everybody’s going to get a hit and run to America, run to the UK, run to the Middle East and do shows, but I feel like bringing everything back home is very important for the culture,” he said.
The singer acknowledged that artistes could earn more from performances outside Africa but said staging major events at home could create opportunities for workers and businesses across the entertainment industry.
He said Lagos had a large pool of creative talent and that major events could help expose the city and Nigeria’s music industry to international audiences.
“The talent in Lagos is mind-blowing; talent is like water in Lagos,” he said.
Davido said the residency would also mark a celebration of his musical journey and provide an opportunity to reconnect with audiences who supported his career in Nigeria.
He urged African artistes to remain connected to their roots and appreciate the contribution of local audiences to their international success.
CNN
