Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has stirred reactions on social media after claiming that the Nigerian music industry would be boring without his presence.
The singer made the assertion in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, writing, “Imagine no Davido…. sht would have been boring AF.”* The comment quickly drew mixed reactions from fans and critics, with some accusing the singer of overstating his impact on the industry.
This is not the first time Davido has positioned himself as a central figure in Nigerian music. In an interview with Apple Music in April 2025, the award-winning artist claimed the industry “shut down” when he took a break from social media in November 2022 following the tragic death of his son, Ifeanyi Adeleke. According to him, both fans and critics repeatedly urged him to return during his three-month absence.
Davido rose to prominence in 2011 with the release of his breakout hit Dami Duro, emerging at a time when a new generation of Afrobeats stars, led by Wizkid, was gaining traction and reshaping the sound of Nigerian music.
However, his influence has not been without controversy. Veteran music producer Samkleff recently argued that Davido’s rise introduced rivalry and toxicity into the industry, claiming that before his stardom, there was a stronger sense of mutual respect among Nigerian artists.
The debate once again highlights Davido’s polarizing presence—celebrated by many for his contributions, while others question the extent of his influence on the evolving Afrobeats scene.
