EXCLUSIVE: Davido Disagrees On Afrobeats Slow Down Talk

As Davido prepares to take the stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California for the first time, the moment is bigger than just another festival booking. 

This year, the Nigerian superstar is the — a stark contrast to recent editions that showcased a wider range of talent from across Africa. Still, he’s stepping into it with pride, while making clear that more artists from the continent should be included in spaces like this.

“I’m proud to be representing Africa at one of the biggest festivals in North America,” Davido tells OkayAfrica. “It’s my first time performing at Coachella, and I’m excited to bring the energy of Nigeria and Lagos to the global stage. I just hope that more and more festivals around the world continue to book African artists on the lineup. Our sound has become influential all around the world, so it’s important that this type of representation continues.”

After a sustained run of strong presence from the continent, this year’s Coachella lineup tells a different story, with only one Afrobeats artist billed for 2026. Diaspora acts like PinkPantheress, who is of Kenyan descent, and Little Simz, who has Nigerian heritage, are also on the lineup, but the overall footprint feels smaller. The popular music and arts festival previously leaned into the genre’s global rise, bringing names like Burna Boy, Rema, Tyla, Tems, Mr Eazi, Seun Kuti, MHD, and Amaarae to its stages, while Wizkid was once scheduled but unable to perform due to visa issues. The shift has sparked conversation about whether festivals in the U.S. are pulling back on talent from the region or simply moving through another industry cycle.

Davido believes it’s just the nature of how things move. “The industry trends in different directions every year. It is a cycle none of us can control, but as an African artist, I will always aim to further the influence of our culture,” he explains. “Africa’s influence is everywhere, so my goal is for global festivals to see the impact of our music and include more African artists in the future.”

“I Want Africa to Stand on Its Own”

Even with that context in mind, the Atlanta-born, Lagos-raised singer isn’t approaching the performance with pressure. For him, it’s less about carrying a flag and more about doing what he’s always done: connecting through music. 

“Western validation isn’t the end-all or be-all. I want Africa to stand on its own, especially its music and people,” he says. “I think it’s hard to feel that pressure when performing my music. It’s just a part of who I am. It’s going to be in the desert, it’s going to feel like summer, and African music will be playing. It’s going to feel like a big party, and I am honestly just excited to see everyone and connect with the crowd.”

That mindset comes after more than a decade of building a global career. From early hits like “Dami Duro” to his latest album 5IVE, Davido has remained a constant force in Afrobeats, helping push the genre into international spaces while maintaining a strong connection to home. The album debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s World Albums chart and placed 16 songs on its U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart — a reminder of both his reach and the genre’s continued presence.

Meanwhile, the conversation around Afrobeats has taken a different turn. Critics and industry insiders, including journalist Joey Akan, have raised concerns about the genre’s global momentum, citing reduced investment from major labels and questions about long-term sustainability. Davido, however, doesn’t subscribe to that narrative. “I think that’s misleading,” he emphasizes. “Music isn’t just a product that trends and disappears. It has longevity and lives a life that is endless. Afrobeats won’t ever go away, but it will keep evolving.” 

Building Afrobeats’ Infrastructure with Intention

His view is grounded in what he’s seeing unfold in real time. “African culture influences so much of the music industry, even if not everyone understands how,” he continues. “I think the world is about to have a renaissance for African sounds and music. Some of the most popular hits of the past few years have come from African voices and artists. The talent that has come out of the [continent] is crazy. Honestly, it comes down to music fans and if they are personally listening to and experiencing that music. We’re definitely seeing a lot more fans from around the world than ever before.”

Rather than decline, the 33-year-old sees a different trajectory — one that requires building with intention. “I think every space in the industry always has room for growth and progress,” he adds. “For Afrobeats, especially Africa’s infrastructure, we need more arenas and stadiums across the country to support the demand of the genre. We need to invest in ourselves, and the world should continue tapping us as a global resource. Invest in Africa.”

That same sense of ownership and expansion is reflected in Davido’s next moves. Beyond Coachella, he is continuing to build his own platforms, including the upcoming ‘Davido & Friends’ festival in London, where he’ll be joined by Omah Lay, Black Sherif, Gabzy TxC, Jazzworx & Thukuthela, and more. 

“London is a second home for me. The music also has a huge scene out there, and the communities inspire the artistry and vice versa,” he says. “Bringing all my friends and highlighting a lineup of friends in London is going to be a special experience. I can’t wait.”

The Next Chapter: Creativity, Legacy and ‘Go Time’

While performing across Europe and Africa on his “5IVE Alive Tour,” the “UNAVAILABLE” hitmaker is already thinking about what comes next creatively, feeding off the energy of the road. “I have a lot of exciting things coming together. I get more inspired during the tour by feeling the energy from everyone dancing, living more life, and seeing new places,” he shares. “All of these places inspire me, and especially being home in Africa fuels me. As I continue to have new experiences, it puts me in the right headspace to create.”

When the tour ends, there may be a moment to recharge, but not for long. “Recharging and spending time with family and friends is something I’ll always prioritize. But that doesn’t mean it isn't ‘go time.’ We’re heading into summer. The vibes will be set. So definitely watch this space,” he adds.

That balance between rest and relentless output has defined his longevity. Fifteen years into his career, Davido continues to evolve while staying rooted in his purpose. “This year marks 15 years of my music career. 15 years of working on my artistry and creating. It's a craft,” he reflects. “5IVE felt like a pinnacle point of my career, but I know there are many more yet to come. The consistency is proof of my dedication to propelling African music to the mainstage. That is my biggest honor, and everything I do reflects that.”

Even moments that don’t end in wins — like his nomination at the 2026 Grammys for Best African Music Performance for “With You” featuring Omah Lay — are part of that journey. “It is always a blessing to be recognized in a prestigious space like the Recording Academy. The Grammys is one of the highest honors, and for African music to be highlighted motivates me,” he says. “I hope one day we have our own African Grammys. The range and breadth of African music extends so far.”

As Davido heads into the desert for his Coachella debut, his evolution is exactly what he plans to showcase — not just as an artist, but as a representative of a sound that continues to shape global music.

And if there’s one song he wishes people would revisit along the way? “Like Dat,” he says. “It came out right after ‘FIA,’ so it was tough. I love that song.”