Afrobeats sensation Davido made his inaugural visit to Warri on October 6, 2024. The global music icon’s first stop was a reverent audience with the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, setting a tone of respect and cultural appreciation for his historic tour of the Delta State city.
As the sun rose over the bustling oil city of Warri, anticipation filled the air. Word had spread quickly that Davido, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated artists, was about to set foot in the city for the first time. By 10 AM, crowds had begun to gather along the major roads, hoping to catch a glimpse of the star.
However, before greeting his fans, Davido made a beeline for the royal palace of Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri. This strategic move underscored the artist’s deep respect for Nigerian traditions and his understanding of the importance of paying homage to traditional rulers.
First Time Ever In Warri, First Stop Is At The Great Palace Of The Most Fresh, Smart, Detailed, Composed & Steezed Up King @oluofwarri OGIANE,” announced Chief Priest, Davido’s close friend and tour companion, in a viral social media post.
Dr. Oluwaseun Adebayo, a cultural anthropologist specializing in Nigerian royal traditions, explains the importance of Davido’s gesture:
By visiting the Olu of Warri before any other engagement, Davido is not just following protocol. He’s making a powerful statement about the relevance of our traditional institutions in modern Nigeria. It’s a bridge between pop culture and our deep-rooted traditions.
The visit lasted approximately an hour, during which Davido and his entourage were given a tour of the palace. Sources close to the palace revealed that the Olu and Davido discussed the role of music in promoting Nigerian culture globally.
Following the royal audience, Davido emerged to the cheers of thousands who had gathered outside the palace gates. The streets of Warri, typically known for their bustling markets and oil industry activities, had transformed into a carnival-like atmosphere.
Local resident Ejiro Onojakpor, 28, described the scene: “I’ve never seen Warri like this. It’s like the whole city came out. People are dancing in the streets, singing Davido’s songs. It’s beautiful to see.”
The excitement was palpable as Davido’s convoy made its way through the city. At every stop, crowds surged forward, phones raised high to capture a moment with the star. Local businesses had prepared for the occasion, with many displaying welcome messages and offering “Davido specials” on their menus.
Davido’s visit to Warri is more than just a celebrity appearance; it represents a significant cultural moment. As an artist who has consistently championed Nigerian culture on the global stage, his acknowledgment of traditional institutions sends a powerful message.
Chief Johnson Amatserunleghe, a prominent Itsekiri leader, shared his thoughts: “Seeing Davido pay respect to our Olu fills me with pride. It shows that our young people, no matter how famous they become, still recognize the importance of our heritage.
This sentiment was echoed across social media platforms, where fans and cultural commentators alike praised Davido’s gesture. The hashtag #DavidoInWarri trended nationwide, with many sharing photos and videos of the historic visit.
Beyond the cultural significance, Davido’s visit has had an immediate economic impact on Warri. Hotels reported full occupancy as fans from neighboring cities flocked to catch a glimpse of the star. Local vendors, particularly those selling Davido merchandise, reported record sales.
Warri-based economist Dr. Funmi Akintola notes: “Celebrity visits like this can have a significant short-term economic boost. But more importantly, it puts Warri on the map for potential tourists who might not have considered visiting before.”
The city’s tourism board has already announced plans to capitalize on the visit, with talks of a “Davido in Warri” tour package in the works.
As Davido’s whirlwind tour of Warri continues, the long-term impact of his visit is already being discussed. Local music promoters are hopeful that this will open the door for more high-profile concerts in the city. Meanwhile, cultural organizations are seeing renewed interest from young people in traditional institutions.
Davido himself took to social media late in the evening, sharing his thoughts on the visit: “Warri, you have shown me so much love. Meeting the Olu was a truly humbling experience. This is what Nigeria is all about – our rich culture, our welcoming spirit. I’m honored to be here.”
As night fell on Warri, the excitement showed no signs of abating. Impromptu street parties continued in various parts of the city, with Davido’s hits providing the soundtrack to a day that will long be remembered in Warri’s history.
This visit marks not just a milestone in Davido’s career, but a moment of cultural significance for Warri and Nigeria as a whole. It serves as a reminder of the power of music to bridge gaps, honor traditions, and bring people together in celebration of shared heritage and contemporary culture.
