Davido honours D'banj for paving the way for Afrobeats
Davido and D’banj
What you need to know:
- D’banj’s “Oliver Twist” made big waves internationally, especially after Kanye West appeared in the accompanying music video
Afrobeats superstar Davido is currently paying tribute to veteran musician D'banj for his groundbreaking achievements in elevating Nigerian music on the global stage.
In a recent interview with Apple Music, Davido reveals how D'banj's 2012 hit single "Oliver Twist" inspires him to embrace his cultural heritage and focus on African music.
"D'banj represents my first vision of a Nigerian artiste taking over the world," he states.
He recalls how no one in America books Nigerian artistes for shows until he sees Kanye West in D'banj's "Oliver Twist" video on YouTube.
Davido credits D'banj's pioneering success for opening doors for Nigerian artistes globally, noting that it leads to American bookings for 2Face, P-Square, and others, with earnings around $1 million per show.
This realisation sparks a turning point in Davido's career as he decides to switch and focus on African music, solidifying the cultural roots that define his artistry.
