Afrobeats has been on a meteoric rise in the music industry over the past decade, and Nigerian singer Davido is a testament to its success.
Not only was he nominated for the first-ever Best African Music Performance Grammy earlier this year, but he is also headlining at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden tonight.
Born David Adedeji Adeleke, Davido has been on a steady rise to stardom. His latest album, “Timeless,” shattered records upon its release. It garnered the highest number of first-day streams by an African album on Spotify, with 10 tracks making it to the Apple Music US Top 200 songs chart. The album’s hit track, “Unavailable,” featuring South African producer Musa Keys, even started a global dance trend.
Davido’s upcoming performance at MSG follows the success of his A.W.A.Y. Festival held in Atlanta last November. His ability to seamlessly navigate between Nigerian and American cultures is evident in his music and collaborations. From his deep connections in the hip-hop scene to his unique African flair showcased in tracks like “Sensational” with Chris Brown, Davido continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
His 2017 hit single, “Fall,” is often credited as America’s gateway to modern Afrobeats, making waves on urban and rhythmic stations across the nation. The track even caught the attention of Cardi B, who hinted at a potential remix during the peak of her success with “Invasion of Privacy.”
Fans can expect nothing short of high-energy and top-tier production at Davido’s MSG performance. In a recent interview, he expressed his excitement for the show, new music projects, and even hinted at a collaboration with Cardi B that almost came to fruition.
Davido’s influence extends beyond his music, as he continues to champion new African artists and elevate the Afrobeats genre. With plans for a full-blown tour, a documentary in the works, and aspirations to collaborate with artists like Rihanna, Davido’s impact on the music industry is far from over.
