Davido rejects ‘western sounds’ in new music

Davido has announced his plans to shift his focus back to his roots.

The Afrobeats superstar made the remarks during a recent appearance on the Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show with Eddie Kadi on BBC Radio 1Xtra. Reflecting on his career achievements, he said: “This part of my career, I have performed everywhere, sold out every arena, I have been to three Grammys in the last three years. The music that is coming next is very Davido, it is very African. We have done it so I am not really looking to really do Western sounds.”

According to the singer, after years of global success and multiple Grammy nominations, he now feels fulfilled and is no longer driven by the need for Western validation. Instead, he aims to embrace a more authentic sound rooted in his Nigerian and African identity, marking a new phase in his musical journey.

Davido also highlighted his massive popularity in South Africa, claiming that “80 per cent” of South Africans are familiar with and supportive of his music. He attributed this strong connection to his frequent collaborations with South African artists and his consistent presence in the country’s music scene. “I remember when I had the Number 1 song on radio in South Africa, and for you as an Afrobeats artiste to get a No. 1 song in SA… Cause if you look at the top songs there, it’s American & South African music,” he added.

The comments come shortly after Davido announced his first-ever UK festival, “Davido and Friends,” scheduled to take place on August 14, 2026, at the iconic Crystal Palace Bowl in London. The event is expected to be a major celebration of Afrobeats and African music.

No release date has been confirmed for the new music yet, but fans are already anticipating a fresh, unapologetically African chapter from the superstar.