Davido Reflects on His Impact in Afrobeats, Emphasizes Afro-Fusion Identity

Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has discussed his significant contributions to the growth of the afrobeats genre, asserting that his name is inseparable from the genre’s rise to global prominence.

In a recent interview with TheBeatJuice magazine, the "Skelewu" hitmaker confidently stated, “Afrobeats can’t be brought up without my name. Impossible.” Davido’s statement reinforces his standing as one of the genre's key pioneers alongside fellow artists Wizkid and Burna Boy.

Despite his central role in the afrobeats movement, Davido has often expressed his discomfort with being boxed into a single musical category. In a previous appearance on the Business Untitled Podcast, the artist shared his thoughts on the tendency to categorize all African music under the afrobeats label, regardless of its specific style.

“I prefer to be referred to as an 'afro-fusion' artist,” Davido said, noting that while he doesn't mind the afrobeats label, he sees it as limiting. “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.” He further explained that he is not particularly concerned with the genre label as long as it contributes to African music's mainstream success.

Davido’s preference for the term “afro-fusion” reflects his musical versatility, blending various influences, and highlights his pivotal role in shaping the global reach of African music.