Nigerian singer Davido is poised to make history tonight as he takes the stage at New York's iconic Madison Square Garden, cementing Afrobeats' transition into the global mainstream.
Born David Adedeji Adeleke, Davido has been at the forefront of the genre's meteoric rise over the past decade, with his latest album "Timeless" breaking multiple streaming records upon its release.
The 31-year-old artist's journey to this career-defining moment has been shaped by his unique cultural duality, having been born in Atlanta before returning to his Nigerian roots. This blend of American and African influences has allowed Davido to seamlessly navigate the hip-hop scene while maintaining his distinct Afrobeats flair.
"I've always been the guy to put people onto African stuff - music, food, clothes, social media," Davido told Variety in a recent interview. "I wouldn't say Atlanta has influenced my music because I really make African music. But I'd say it's influenced my style - people say I dress like a rapper."
Tracks like his 2017 hit "Fall" have been hailed as catalysts for Afrobeats' breakthrough in the United States, with the song climbing the charts and catching the attention of artists like Cardi B, who teased a potential remix.
Davido's ability to connect with audiences beyond the African diaspora has been crucial to the genre's mainstream acceptance. His upcoming MSG performance is a testament to this, with the artist noting that non-African fans make up a significant portion of his concert-goers.
"You ain't selling out no arena [in the U.S.] with 100 percent Africans," Davido said. "And it's amazing to see what people will pay. On the day of my last arena show in Atlanta, tickets were going for $2,000."
As Afrobeats continues to gain momentum globally, Davido embraces his role as a cultural ambassador, using his platform to highlight emerging artists and champion the next generation of talent.
"Music is everlasting. There's no limit. The smallest person can give you the biggest record of your life," he said. "Afrobeats is in great hands."
Davido's MSG performance promises to be a landmark moment, not just for the artist, but for the entire Afrobeats movement. With his distinctive blend of sounds, crossover appeal, and unwavering commitment to the genre, he is solidifying Afrobeats' place on the world stage.