Royal appreciation for Nigerian superstar sends social media buzzing as monarch reveals surprising musical taste
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Davido has received unexpected royal approval from King Charles, who recently revealed his admiration for the artist’s music and Pidgin English. The British monarch’s surprising endorsement came during a discussion about his personal music preferences that has delighted fans across Nigeria and beyond.
In a video circulating widely on social media, King Charles spoke passionately about his connection to music and its profound impact on his life. “Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me,” the King stated. “It has that remarkable ability to bring happy memories, comfort us in times of sadness, and take us to distant places. Music brings us joy, and this is what I particularly want to share with you.
What caught many by surprise was the monarch’s specific mention of Davido’s track “Kante” from his acclaimed “Timeless” album as one of his favorite songs. The King went further, expressing newfound appreciation for Nigerian Pidgin English through his exposure to Davido’s music.
“Davido has made me like Pidgin English. I would like to speak it when next I visit Nigeria,” King Charles remarked, showing enthusiasm for the dialect widely spoken across West Africa. His comments reflect a growing global interest in Nigerian culture, particularly through its music industry’s international success.
The monarch also acknowledged the worldwide phenomenon of Afrobeats, the genre that has propelled Nigerian artists like Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy to international stardom. Thanks to Afrobeats, it’s becoming more popular around the world,” he noted, recognizing the genre’s significant cultural impact beyond Africa’s borders.
Davido, born David Adeleke, responded to the royal endorsement by reposting the video on his Instagram story, acknowledging the King’s family with a respectful shout-out. The interaction between the 31-year-old superstar and the 76-year-old monarch highlights the cross-generational and cross-cultural appeal of contemporary African music.
Music industry analysts view this royal endorsement as yet another milestone in the continuing global rise of Afrobeats. The genre has already conquered international charts, filled stadiums worldwide, and secured prestigious award nominations and wins. Now, with King Charles’ stamp of approval, Afrobeats’ cultural diplomacy reaches new heights.
“Kante,” the track singled out by the King, features on Davido’s fourth studio album “Timeless,” released in March 2023 after a challenging period in the artist’s personal life. The album represented a triumphant return for Davido following a brief hiatus and received critical acclaim for blending traditional Afrobeats elements with contemporary production.
The song, named after French football star N’Golo Kante, features Fave and exemplifies the infectious rhythms and catchy lyrics that have become hallmarks of Davido’s international appeal. Its lyrics, partially delivered in Pidgin English, create the perfect entry point for newcomers to the language, apparently including the British monarch himself.
Cultural commentators note the historical significance of this moment, considering Britain’s colonial past in Nigeria. The King’s embrace of Nigerian popular culture represents an evolving relationship between the two nations, now increasingly characterized by cultural exchange rather than historical power dynamics.
This is not the first time Davido has received recognition from prominent international figures. Throughout his career spanning over a decade, he has collaborated with global artists including Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, and Summer Walker, cementing his position as one of Africa’s most influential musical ambassadors.
Nigeria’s entertainment industry, often referred to as Nollywood alongside its booming music scene, continues to serve as one of the country’s most effective soft power tools. Artists like Davido have transformed Nigeria’s global image, showcasing its creative prowess and cultural richness to audiences worldwide.
King Charles’ comments also indicate the potential diplomatic significance of popular culture. During his future visits to Nigeria, his expressed desire to speak Pidgin English would likely generate considerable goodwill among the Nigerian public, demonstrating respect for local cultural practices.
For Davido, the royal acknowledgment adds another accolade to an already impressive career that includes multiple awards, record-breaking streaming numbers, and sold-out concerts across continents. The artist, who comes from a prominent Nigerian family, has consistently used his platform to promote African culture globally.
Social media reactions to the video have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing pride in seeing Nigerian culture receive such prestigious recognition. Many commentators have noted how music continues to build bridges between different societies, ages, and backgrounds.
As Afrobeats continues its global ascendancy, with Nigerian artists regularly featuring on international charts and at major music festivals, King Charles’ endorsement serves as another reminder of the genre’s universal appeal and cultural significance. Through the rhythm and language of songs like “Kante,” the music of Nigeria continues to find new admirers in the most unexpected places—even within the walls of Buckingham Palace.
