By Seyi Babalola
British monarch King Charles III has spoken about his admiration for Nigerian Pidgin English, citing Afrobeats musician Davido with igniting his interest in the language.
“Davido has made me love Pidgin language. I would like to speak it when next I visit Nigeria. Thanks to Afrobeats, it’s becoming more popular around the world,” he reportedly said.
His comments follow the introduction of his specially selected playlist, The King’s Music Room, on Apple Music, which includes Davido’s song ”Kante” featuring Fave, as well as tunes by world luminaries including Beyoncé, Bob Marley, and Miriam Makeba.
The pick demonstrates his admiration for the different sounds of the Commonwealth.
This isn’t the first time King Charles has engaged with Pidgin English. During a 2018 visit to Nigeria, he famously greeted an audience with “How you dey?” and remarked, “We de try,” showcasing his effort to connect with the local culture.
His embrace of Afrobeats and Pidgin English reflects the growing global influence of Nigerian music and language, further cementing Afrobeats as a dominant force in international entertainment.
