Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, disclosed that he spent time with fellow artist Ayo Balogun, aka Wizkid, before the release of his chart-topping “Timeless” album on March 31, 2023. The meetup, aimed at demonstrating unity between the two music icons, has sparked discussions about artist relationships and fan culture in the Nigerian music industry.
Speaking in a candid video interview shared by bwetv.ng on Instagram, Davido shed light on the motivations behind his pre-album release strategy. The “Fall” hitmaker explained that the hangout with Wizkid was a deliberate move to showcase harmony between the two artists often pitted against each other by fans.
“I wanted to make sure there was no drama surrounding my album release,” Davido stated, his voice tinged with a mix of enthusiasm and seriousness. “Meeting up with Wizkid was about showing our fans that there’s no beef between us. It’s all love in the industry.”
The revelation comes amidst long-standing rivalries between the fanbases of both artists, commonly known as ’30BG’ (Davido’s fans) and ‘Wizkid FC’. Davido addressed this issue head-on in the interview, expressing his desire to maintain peace among supporters.
I’ve reached out to key fans, trying to avoid any fights involving Wizkid’s supporters,” Davido explained. “But you know how it is – sometimes, no matter what I say, some fans just continue arguing online.”
Despite the challenges, Davido maintained a positive outlook on fan interactions. These fans also have qualities I appreciate. It’s all part of the game,” he added with a smile.
The news of Davido and Wizkid’s meetup has sent ripples through the Nigerian music scene. Music critic Oluwaseun Adebayo commented on the significance of this gesture:
“This move by Davido showcases a maturing industry. It’s a step towards fostering a more collaborative environment in Nigerian music, which ultimately benefits the artists and fans alike.
However, public reaction to Davido’s revelation has been mixed. Some fans expressed skepticism, with Instagram user @selfmade040297 commenting, “Davido can lie.” Others, like @olufreshh, praised the artist’s approach: “He doesn’t fight his colleagues to promote album, stream and sales.”
Interestingly, some fans used the opportunity to highlight broader societal issues. User @prince_nicolas008 remarked, “So naa Wizkid and David matter concern una most?. Petrol is #1050 that one no concern una. Oloriburuku werey lo poju ninu yin.” This comment underscores the complex relationship between celebrity culture and socio-economic realities in Nigeria.
As the dust settles on this revelation, industry watchers are keen to see how it might influence artist relationships and fan interactions in the Nigerian music scene. Davido’s approach could potentially set a new standard for inter-artist relations and album promotions.
While challenges remain in bridging the divide between passionate fanbases, Davido’s candid disclosure marks a significant step towards fostering unity in the competitive world of Afrobeats. As the genre continues to gain global recognition, such gestures of camaraderie among its leading figures could play a crucial role in shaping its future trajectory.
