Entertainment
‘2025 go hear am’: Davido reacts to $10 million fee rumors for Indian royal wedding
Nigerian artist David Adeleke popularly known as Davido has reacted to rumors of a $10 million payment for a performance at an Indian royal wedding.
On Friday, Davido made a grand entrance in India, and clips of his arrival have been circulating online.
The Afrobeats star shared videos on his Instagram stories, showcasing his arrival in India via ship, accompanied by a grand welcome ceremony.
The Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), gathered that Davido was to perform for Indian media figure Alkesh Thavrani and his partner, Sheetal Mazda, in Udaipur, India.
However, Davido on his Instagram story, downplayed the rumored fee, using laughing emoji.
He tagged the groom’s account and humorously asked, “@AlkeshThavrani, wer my balance?” while sharing a report about the alleged payment.
In another post, he hinted at receiving his fee, but his comments left fans curious about the actual figure.
He joked, “@AlkeshThavrani, received. 2025 go hear am! I need an Indian passport.”
In another post, Davido hinted at receiving his performance fee, but his playful remarks left fans questioning the actual amount.
He wrote, “@AlkeshThavrani, received. 2025 go hear am! I need an Indian passport.”
Afrobeats: International breakthrough
Since 2018, Afrobeats, distinct from Afrobeat, has experienced remarkable global popularity.
Primarily, Nigerian artists have propelled this genre’s ascent.
Burna Boy stands out among these influential musicians.
As reported by Billboard Magazine, they designate Nigeria’s Afrobeats as the fastest-growing music genre in both the United States and the United Kingdom by 2023.
CKay, a prominent Afrobeats artist, famously stated that “Afrobeats is the new pop.”
Increasingly, Nigerian artists are gaining international accolades.
Legendary figures like King Sunny Ade, Femi Kuti, and Seun Kuti have previously been nominated for Grammy Awards.
Burna Boy’s groundbreaking album “African Giant” received a Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album in 2020.
The following year, his album “Twice as Tall” clinched the Grammy for Best Global Music Album.
Furthermore, Wizkid’s “Made in Lagos” earned a nomination in the same category in 2021, while “Essence,” featuring Tems, also received a nod for Best Global Music Performance.
Collaborations between Afrobeats stars and major international artists have amplified their global visibility.
In 2019, global superstar Beyoncé collaborated with several Nigerian musicians, including Wizkid and Burna Boy.
Her track “Brown Skin Girl” gained considerable acclaim, winning Best Music Video at the 2021 Grammys.
Moreover, Angélique Kidjo’s album “Mother Nature,” with contributions from various Nigerian artists, received a nomination for Best Global Music Album in 2021.
The rise of Nigerian Afrobeats has led to the establishment of awards recognizing African talent, such as the Best African Act category at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2005.
Additionally, the BET Awards introduced their Best International Act: Africa category in 2011, further honoring African artists.
Regarding chart performance, in 2012, D’banj’s hit “Oliver Twist” marked a significant milestone by peaking at number 9 on the UK Singles Chart.
It also reached number 2 on the UK R&B Chart, becoming the first Nigerian Afrobeats song to achieve such heights.
In April 2012, P-Square remixed their 2009 track “E No Easy,” collaborating with Matt Houston.
This remix became the first Nigerian Afrobeats song to enter the top five on the French SNEP chart and the top ten on the Ultratop Belgian chart.
It spent an impressive 29 weeks and 16 weeks, respectively.
The track defined the summer of Afrobeats in France and enhanced the genre’s visibility across French-speaking countries in Europe.
Wizkid’s “Essence,” featuring Tems, also made significant strides, reaching the top ten of the US Billboard Hot 100 through a remix with Justin Bieber.
The impact of Nigerian pop artists is evident as they sell out major venues such as the O2 Arena in London and the Accor Arena in Paris.
Stars like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have become household names, drawing huge crowds eager to experience their performances.
Overall, Afrobeats exemplifies the global influence of Nigerian music today.
Through collaborations, chart successes, and international awards, it has established itself as a formidable presence in the global music landscape.
The momentum gained by artists in this genre signals a bright future for Afrobeats, indicating its potential for even greater achievements in the years to come.
In summary, the international acclaim for Afrobeats illustrates the artistry and cultural significance of Nigerian musicians.
Their contributions have not only transformed the music scene but also fostered a rich exchange of influence and creativity across borders.
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