Popular Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, also known as Davido, has said Africa is suffering from poor leadership despite the global rise of its entertainment industry.
He made the statement during a recent interview on Apple Music’s Ebro Darden Show, where he spoke about how music and culture have helped improve the country’s image abroad.
According to Davido, while governance continues to fail Africans, the entertainment sector has become the face of hope and progress.
He said, “I am happy that entertainment switched the narrative. We [Africans], don’t have the best leaders. We have the worst governments. But the music and entertainment industry in general, has impacted our country’s image abroad positively.”
The “Unavailable” crooner explained that the Nigerian creative space is now attracting international attention, with Lagos becoming a hotspot for foreign tourists, especially during festive periods.
“Last December, there were more Americans than Nigerians in Lagos. I was like, what are you all doing here?”
Davido added that what used to be an “American dream” has now shifted, with foreigners embracing Nigerian music, fashion, and art.
“Back in the days, we used to be excited when coming to America, but now, they are the ones coming to Lagos. It is not just music, it is the culture as a whole. If you go to Paris Fashion Week, about 80 per cent of the models are Africans, the same with the creative directors. It’s impressive.”
Davido, a five-time Grammy nominee, is one of Nigeria’s most influential entertainers and is currently on his “5 Alive” world tour, following the release of his fifth studio album “5ive”.