“Afrobeats can’t be brought up without my name. Impossible” – Davido

Renowned Nigerian artist David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido stirred reactions after declaring that his name is inseparable from the history of Afrobeats.

The multi-award-winning singer stated, “Afrobeats can’t be brought up without my name. Impossible,” during a recent interview, igniting diverse reactions from fans and followers.

The statement comes at a time when Afrobeats has gained global recognition, with numerous artists contributing to the genre’s meteoric rise. For Davido, however, his contributions are unparalleled.

Since bursting onto the scene in 2011 with his hit single Dami Duro, the artist has consistently released chart-topping songs and collaborated with international stars, helping to popularize the genre beyond Africa.

Davido’s confidence in his impact is supported by an impressive track record. With accolades such as BET Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and multiple sold-out concerts worldwide, his influence on Afrobeats is undeniable.

His 2017 hit Fall became the longest-charting Nigerian song on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, while his 2019 album A Good Time further cemented his global appeal.

However, the bold statement has also drawn criticism as some fans argue that Afrobeats is a collective effort shaped by numerous icons, including Fela Kuti, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage.

@Jacob David – “Afrobeats is bigger than any one person. It’s a movement,” Anatola Joshua – “Davido has achieved a lot, but so have others. This kind of comment stirs unnecessary controversy.”