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Davido said Afrobeats has never been more financially successful, but relationships among artistes have suffered.
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He recalled how artists freely visited each other’s studios and supported one another during the genre’s early years.
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He also said growing wealth and competition have changed the way artists relate with one another.
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Davido added that the “see finish” mentality has also contributed to the loss of respect and closeness within the industry.
August 18, (THEWILL) — Afrobeats star Davido has criticised the state of relationships among artistes in the Nigerian music industry, describing them as a “failure.”
The singer made the remarks in a recent episode of The Uncut Podcast while reflecting on how much the Afrobeats scene has changed since he began his career more than a decade ago.
He said the genre is now making more money, but artistes are no longer as close as they used to be.
He stated, “Financially, it is a great time doing Afrobeats, but the relationship amongst artists is a failure. Between 2012–2013, we artists used to hang out with each other, but now everyone is on their own.
“When I recorded ‘Dami Duro,’ Wande Coal and a lot of artists were in the studio with me, but now there is no such thing anymore.”
Davido recalled a time when artists could visit each other’s studios, hang out and support each other’s music.
He said this changed as Afrobeats grew into a global industry and artists became wealthier and more focused on international success.
The singer also said increased competition has created more distance among artistes.
He pointed to the “see finish” mentality, where being too familiar with someone can sometimes lead to a loss of respect, as another reason relationships have changed.
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Davido’s comments reflect how much Nigeria’s music industry has changed since the early 2010s.
His 2011 hit “Dami Duro” was one of the records that helped establish him as a major name among the new generation of Nigerian artistes.
During that period, Davido also built relationships with artists such as Wande Coal and members of the former Mo’ Hits crew.
He has previously spoken about the support he received from people in the industry while building his career, especially as he faced opposition from his father over his decision to pursue music.
His comments also come against the backdrop of long-running rivalries within the Nigerian music industry, with fans comparing the genre’s biggest artistes and engaging in debates that have continued over the years.
For Davido, the growth of Afrobeats has come with both benefits and drawbacks.
While artists now have more money, bigger audiences and greater access to international opportunities, he believes the close relationships that once existed within the industry have weakened.
Evi-Ben Ezaga is an entertainment and society writer with a passion for stories that explore culture, people, and the stories shaping society today.
