Precious Nwonu, Enugu
Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, says his planned three-night residency at the National Theatre in Lagos will demonstrate that African artists can stage major international-standard entertainment events on the continent.
Davido is scheduled to perform at the newly renovated National Theatre from December 17 to 19, combining songs from his latest album, Oriadé, with some of his biggest hits and performances featuring collaborators.
Speaking to CNN, the singer said bringing the production to Nigeria was important to him because of its cultural and economic significance.
He said his experience touring several African countries last year, after an eight-year break from a broader continental tour, reinforced his desire to perform more extensively for audiences at home.
“Bringing everything back home is very important for the culture,” Davido said.
The singer said returning home had also provided him with fresh inspiration and strengthened his resolve to avoid another prolonged absence from his Nigerian fans.
Davido said his plans were partly influenced by Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny’s 30-date residency in Puerto Rico in 2025, which attracted visitors and generated economic activity beyond the concert venue.
According to Davido, the residency demonstrated how a major music event could promote a country’s culture while creating economic opportunities.
He hopes his Lagos shows will have a similar effect by attracting international visitors, particularly during December when Nigerians in the diaspora and tourists travel to the country for concerts and other entertainment events.
Davido also highlighted the abundance of creative talent in Lagos, saying the city remains a major source of musical inspiration.
He described the National Theatre as central to his plans because of its historical importance to Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Comparing the facility to Madison Square Garden in New York, Davido said the residency would provide an opportunity to demonstrate that Africa has venues capable of hosting major international productions.
“It’s very important that we show the outside world that we have these kinds of facilities in Africa as well,” he said.
The singer said the global rise of Afrobeats had created opportunities for African musicians to perform across the United States, United Kingdom, Middle East and other parts of the world.
However, he argued that international success should be matched by continued investment in audiences and the entertainment industry at home.
Davido acknowledged that overseas performances can attract higher fees but said bringing major productions to Nigeria could create jobs and stimulate economic activity within the country.
He also advised emerging musicians to remain connected to the audiences who supported them before they achieved international recognition.
“Don’t forget where you started,” he said, stressing the importance of appreciating the fans who helped build their careers.
CNN reported that Davido’s planned Lagos residency would be among the first major residency projects by an Afrobeats artist in Nigeria. Adekunle Gold previously held a smaller Lagos residency in 2018.