In a recent exclusive interview with Business Untitled, the multi-award-winning Afrobeat sensation, David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, provided intriguing insights into his favored collaborators and challenged the widespread labeling of African music under the umbrella term “Afrobeats.”
Davido, renowned for his chart-topping hits and dynamic collaborations, shed light on his preferred musical partners, emphasizing the creative synergy he shares with fellow artists. Among his top collaborators is Kizz Daniel, with whom he has delivered hits like “One Ticket” and the recent “Twe Twe” remix, showcasing a seamless blend of their talents.
Another esteemed artist Davido lauded is Zlatan, a fellow luminary in the Afrobeat scene. Together, they have produced chart-toppers such as “Osanle” and “Money,” reflecting their shared musical chemistry and penchant for crafting infectious tunes.
Venturing into the international arena, Davido expressed admiration for Chris Brown, with whom he has created memorable tracks like “Blow My Mind” and “Sensational,” transcending geographical boundaries with their combined talents.
However, amidst his accolades and collaborations, Davido took a stand against the ubiquitous labeling of African music as “Afrobeats.” He joins the ranks of fellow Nigerian artists Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Fireboy, who have also voiced their discontent with the oversimplification of the genre.
During his appearance on the latest edition of the Business Untitled Podcast, Davido expressed his frustration with the pigeonholing of African artists into the Afrobeats category, regardless of their diverse musical styles.
“The first place that accepted African music outside Africa was the UK before America later joined. The UK termed African music Afrobeats. Afrobeat is a sound that was originally pioneered by Fela Kuti. But now all African songs are termed Afrobeats. If an African artiste sings pure R&B, sounding like SZA, or Summerwalker, they put them under Afrobeats. If an African rapper raps like Drake, they still put them under Afrobeats,” Davido lamented.
Asserting his stance on the issue, Davido emphasized the need for more nuanced categorization, acknowledging the significance of genres in defining musical identities. While he personally identifies his music as Afrofusion, he advocates for a broader recognition of the diverse sounds emanating from the continent.
“I don’t get offended when we’re being categorized as Afrobeats. I mean, we need a genre. It could be R&B or Afropop. I call my music Afrofusion but I’m not big on ‘Oh put Afrofusion on my song.’ I know how long it took for African music to become mainstream,” he remarked.
Through his discerning choices in collaborators and his unwavering advocacy for musical diversity, Davido continues to cement his status as a trailblazer in the global music landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the industry while challenging existing paradigms.
