Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has said his three-night Lagos residency will show that African artistes can stage major concerts at home while supporting local businesses and promoting Nigerian culture.

The singer will headline Oriadè: The Residency at the National Theatre, Lagos, from December 17 to 19, 2026.

Speaking with CNN, Davido said returning home with a major production was important to him and the growth of the local entertainment industry.

“Bringing everything back home is very important for the culture,” he said.

The idea took shape after Davido toured several African countries in 2025, marking his first major tour of the continent in eight years.

“Me just being home just gave me so much inspiration. This kind of feels better doing it from where you’re actually from,” he said.

He added, “I don’t ever want to take that kind of break again away from my fans back home.”

Davido said Bad Bunny’s 2025 concert residency in Puerto Rico also influenced his plans. The shows attracted visitors and created economic opportunities beyond the concert venue.

“It was like a whole tourist attraction,” Davido said. “The country (Puerto Rico) made money, he made money, he promoted his culture.”
He hopes the Lagos residency will attract international visitors and give Nigerians in the diaspora another reason to return home during the festive season.

December has become one of Lagos’ busiest entertainment periods, with concerts, festivals and parties drawing visitors to the city.

“The talent in Lagos is mind-blowing. Talent is like water in Lagos, ” he said.

Davido also described the renovated National Theatre as central to his plans because of the venue’s place in Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment history.

“It’s like our own MSG (Madison Square Garden) kind of thing, comparing it to the famous New York arena.
“It’s very important that we show the outside world that we have these kinds of facilities in Africa as well. We’re really showing people that we can do this ourselves, ” Davido said.

Afrobeats has given African musicians access to bigger stages across the world. However, Davido believes international success should not make artists neglect the audiences who supported them at home.

“Everybody’s going to get a hit and run to America, run to the UK, run to the Middle East and do shows. But I feel like bringing everything back home is very important for the culture,” he said.

The singer acknowledged that performing in Nigeria may not bring the same earnings as international concerts. He argued that bringing large productions home could still create jobs and strengthen the local entertainment economy.
“We might not get paid as much as we get paid overseas,” he said.

Davido also encouraged emerging artistes to remember the local fans who supported their careers before they gained international recognition.

“Don’t forget where you started. These are the fans. If not for these fans, we wouldn’t be here, ” he said.