My next song will be very African — Davido

Afrobeats icon Davido has announced a significant shift in his creative direction, revealing that his next musical project will prioritize authentic African sounds over Western commercial expectations. Speaking on the Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show with Eddie Kadi, the artist explained that after achieving global milestones, including three Grammy nominations in three years, he no longer feels the need to seek international validation.

Davido reflected on his extensive career, noting that he has performed in nearly every major global arena. He emphasized that his upcoming work will be a return to his core identity, stating, “The music that is coming next is very Davido, it is very African. We have done it so I am not really looking to really do Western sounds.” This marks a new phase for the singer, focused on artistic fulfillment and cultural authenticity.

The announcement coincides with the news of his first-ever UK festival, titled “Davido and Friends,” which is set to take place at the historic Crystal Palace Bowl. This event is expected to be a celebration of the genre’s growth, featuring a lineup that highlights the collaborative spirit of the modern African music scene.

During the interview, Davido also highlighted his deep connection with South Africa, claiming that “80 per cent” of the population there is familiar with and supportive of his work. He took particular pride in his past chart success in the country, noting, “I remember when I had the Number 1 song on radio in South Africa… if you look at the top songs there, it’s American & South African music.”

The singer attributed this strong presence to his frequent collaborations with South African artists and his consistent engagement with their local music industry. By bridging these regional sounds, he has managed to maintain a dominant position across the continent while simultaneously headlining major festivals in Europe and the Americas.

Davido concluded by reiterating that his focus is now on leaving a legacy rooted in his heritage. As he prepares for the “Davido and Friends” festival and his new releases, fans can expect a sound that is unapologetically African, signaling a departure from the crossover-heavy tracks that have defined much of the recent global Afrobeats explosion.