Davido says Afrobeats artistes are making more money than ever, but their relationships have suffered as the genre has grown, with musicians becoming less connected than they were during the early years of his career.
The Nigerian Afrobeats star made the observation during an appearance on the Uncut Podcast, where he reflected on how the Davido Afrobeats artistes relationship has changed alongside the genre’s rapid commercial and international growth.
Davido recalled the early 2010s, when Nigerian musicians regularly spent time together, collaborated and supported one another in the studio.
“When I recorded ‘Dami Duro,’ Wande Coal and a lot of artistes were in the studio with me, but now there is no such thing anymore.”
Davido recalls Afrobeats’ close-knit era
According to Davido, the Nigerian music scene between 2012 and 2013 was characterised by strong relationships among artistes.
He said musicians frequently socialised, visited each other’s studios and spent time together outside their professional commitments.
“Between 2012 and 2013, we artistes used to hang out with each other, but now everyone is on their own.”
The singer believes the change has become more noticeable as Afrobeats has developed into a major global music export.
Afrobeats is more profitable today
Despite his concerns about the relationships between musicians, Davido acknowledged that the financial opportunities available to Afrobeats artistes have improved significantly.
“Financially, it is a great time doing Afrobeats, but the relationship amongst artistes has deepened.”
The genre has expanded beyond Africa, creating new opportunities through international tours, streaming, endorsements, collaborations and major global festivals.
For many Nigerian artistes, the commercial success of Afrobeats has transformed music from a largely local industry into a major international business.
Davido reflects on changing artiste relationships
Davido’s comments highlight the tension that can sometimes accompany the rapid growth of a music industry.
As Afrobeats has become increasingly competitive and commercially valuable, artistes are now managing bigger teams, international schedules and business interests.
That environment, according to Davido, has made the informal relationships that once brought musicians together less common.
His reflection also serves as a reminder of the community that helped shape Nigerian music during the genre’s early period of global expansion.
While Afrobeats continues to break international records and create new opportunities for African artistes, Davido believes the industry has lost some of the personal connection that once existed among its leading musicians.
For him, the genre may be enjoying its strongest financial period yet, but the sense of togetherness among artistes is no longer what it used to be.
