Afrobeats superstar Davido has used a BBC interview to deliver a strong message about African artistes building real success at home instead of chasing constant overseas validation.
Speaking on the BBC This Is Africa programme with DJ Edu, the Oriadé singer reflected on his own decision to bring his 5ive Alive Tour back to Nigerian cities after performing in American arenas.
“Our feeling of needing to belong to something needs to stop. That’s why I took it back to Nigeria,” Davido said.
He explained that rather than sticking only to big arena shows, he deliberately performed in places like Ibadan, Enugu and even Adamawa.
“When I did my tour, I didn’t do the arenas and all, but I did Ibadan, Enugu, and even Adamawa in the north. We’re doing our own thing. The continent is now big.”
Davido then pointed to Flavour as living proof that staying focused on Nigeria and Africa can pay off better than following the popular path of heavy US touring.“
You don’t always have to follow what everybody else is doing. Flavour is in Nigeria making money than a lot of artistes that are touring in America.”
He rounded off the point by stressing the size and potential of the African market.
“It doesn’t have to be outside when we can have our own in Africa.”
The comments have sparked widespread discussion. Davido’s own Nigerian leg of the 5ive Alive Tour in late 2025 saw him light up stages in Uyo, Yola, Enugu and Ibadan after completing a successful North American run, reinforcing his belief in giving back to the continent that made him.
By highlighting Flavour’s consistent earnings and local dominance, Davido is urging the industry to rethink the idea that success only counts when it happens abroad. His words celebrate artistes who build strong African bases and prove that the continent itself is big enough and profitable enough.
Fans and industry watchers have largely praised the message, seeing it as both a tribute to Flavour’s steady grind and a timely call for more home-focused investment in Afrobeats.