Nigerian singer David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has openly reflected on his significant impact on the Afrobeats genre, cementing his place as one of its foremost pioneers.
Speaking in the latest issue of TheBeatJuice magazine, Davido asserted his indispensable role in the growth and global recognition of Afrobeats. “Afrobeats can’t be brought up without my name. Impossible,” he confidently declared.
His statement reflects the undeniable influence he has wielded through chart-topping hits and groundbreaking achievements, which have helped shape the genre into a global force.
Davido’s claim is not unfounded, as he stands among the triumvirate of Afrobeats superstars, alongside Wizkid and Burna Boy, credited with propelling African music to international prominence. However, like his contemporaries, Davido has expressed mixed feelings about the widespread categorization of African artists under the Afrobeats umbrella.
In a candid conversation on the Business Untitled Podcast, the “Skelewu” crooner lamented how the term often oversimplifies the diversity of African music. He noted that the label tends to “box” artists into a single genre, overlooking their unique sounds and artistry.
Despite his reservations, Davido embraces the Afrobeats label for its pivotal role in spotlighting African talent globally. He shared, “I don’t get offended when we’ve been categorised as Afrobeats. I mean, we need a genre. It could be R&B or Afropop.”
This pragmatic approach underscores his awareness of the branding power the genre name carries, even as he champions a more nuanced appreciation of his artistry. While he personally identifies his music as “Afrofusion,” Davido emphasized that the label isn’t as important to him as the collective progress of African music.
Elaborating on his perspective, Davido explained his stance on the genre’s mainstream success. “I call my music Afrofusion, but I’m not big on ‘Oh, put Afrofusion on my song.’ I know how long it took for African music to become mainstream,” he said.
His words reveal a deep understanding of the long struggle to gain global acceptance for African music and the unity required among artists to sustain this momentum. Davido’s acknowledgment of the strides made, coupled with his refusal to be restricted by labels, demonstrates his dedication to artistic freedom and growth.
Davido’s statements resonate as a call for recognition of the individuality within Africa’s music scene while celebrating the collective triumph of Afrobeats.
His contributions, from crafting viral hits to pioneering collaborations with international stars, have indeed earned him a pivotal role in the genre’s history.
Whether referred to as Afrobeats or Afrofusion, Davido’s music continues to embody the vibrancy and creativity that define African artistry, solidifying his legacy as a global ambassador of contemporary African sound.
