Afrobeats star Davido says his upcoming three-night residency at the National Theatre in Lagos will demonstrate Africa’s capacity to host large-scale entertainment events at international standards.
The singer is scheduled to perform at the venue from December 17 to 19, combining songs from his latest album, Oriadé, with some of his biggest hits and performances featuring selected collaborators.
Speaking to CNN, Davido said taking the production to Nigeria was important because of the cultural significance of bringing his international success back home.
“Bringing everything home is very important for the culture,” he said.
The singer said his experience touring Africa extensively last year, his first major continental tour in eight years, reinforced his desire to perform for audiences on the continent.
“Me just being home gave me so much inspiration. This feels better doing it from where you’re actually from,” he said.
Davido also said he did not want to spend another prolonged period away from his Nigerian fans.
“I don’t ever want to take that kind of break again away from my fans back home,” he added.
The singer pointed to Bad Bunny’s 2025 residency in Puerto Rico as an example of how major music events can extend beyond entertainment and attract visitors while generating economic activity.
Davido said he hopes his Lagos residency can similarly draw visitors to the city during the December festive season, when Nigerians in the diaspora and international tourists typically travel to Lagos for entertainment and other activities.
He also highlighted the depth of creative talent in Lagos, describing the city’s talent pool as exceptional.
“The talent in Lagos is mind-blowing. Talent is like water in Lagos,” Davido said.
The National Theatre also holds particular significance for the singer because of its history and place in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
“It’s like our own MSG (Madison Square Garden),” he said.
Davido said the residency would provide an opportunity to showcase the recently renovated venue and demonstrate to international audiences that Africa has facilities capable of hosting major productions.
“It’s very important that we show the outside world that we have these kinds of facilities in Africa as well,” he said. “We’re really showing people that we can do this ourselves.”
The singer further encouraged African artistes to maintain strong connections with audiences at home even as Afrobeats continues to expand internationally.
According to Davido, major productions staged in Nigeria can also create opportunities for professionals across the local entertainment industry, even though international shows may offer artistes higher fees.
He urged emerging musicians not to lose sight of the supporters who backed them before they achieved global recognition.
“Don’t forget where you started,” Davido said. “These are the fans. If not for these fans, we wouldn’t be here.”
The December residency is expected to add to Lagos’ growing calendar of major entertainment events during the festive season.
