Nigerian artist David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has shared his thoughts on the positive impact of Africa’s cultural renaissance on the continent’s global image. In a recent interview with Kiss Fresh UK, Davido highlighted the rise of Afrobeats and the growing appreciation for African cuisine and culture in the Western world.
Reflecting on his experiences during a recent trip to Europe, Davido noted a significant shift in how African culture is perceived. “This summer, I was in Europe a lot. I had like two gigs, but I was on vacation. And I saw that the landscape has changed,” he stated. His observations suggest a burgeoning interest in African music and culture that was less prevalent in previous years.
Davido recalled his earlier visits to Europe, contrasting them with his recent experiences. “Two years ago, when I was in Europe, they were playing Afrobeats for straight one hour,” he remarked, underscoring the genre’s growing popularity. The artist emphasized that Afrobeats is resonating with audiences, not just in Europe but also in America.
“People love Afrobeats. Everybody likes that sound now, even in America,” he continued. This enthusiasm for the genre has transformed the landscape for collaboration between African and American artists. “Even when we want to collaborate with American artists and we want to do their own sound, they are like, no, no, let’s do Afrobeats,” Davido explained.
The artist’s comments reflect a broader shift in the narrative surrounding Africa. He believes that the respect for African culture has expanded beyond music, touching various aspects of life. “Now, the narrative [about Africans] has changed. The respect is there. Not only in music but in fashion, food,” he asserted.
