Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has expressed concern over the declining unity among artistes in the Nigerian music industry.
Davido noted that although Afrobeats has become more financially lucrative, the camaraderie and togetherness that once characterised the industry have diminished.
The singer made the remarks during a recent episode of the Uncut Podcast, which began trending on X on Tuesday, while reflecting on the growth and evolution of the Nigerian music industry.
According to Davido, the period between 2012 and 2013 was one of the most united eras in the industry, as artistes frequently spent time together, collaborated on songs and supported one another.
“Financially, it is a great time doing Afrobeats, but the relationship amongst artists is a failure,” Davido said.
“2012 to 2013, the industry was kind of together. Like, we all go out, we see ourselves, we all used to hang out,” he added.
According to the singer, the growing success and wealth of Afrobeats artistes eventually changed the dynamics within the industry.
“Everybody just got too big,” he said.
Davido recalled the atmosphere surrounding the recording of his 2011 hit song, Dami Duro, saying several artistes were present in the studio and regularly interacted with one another.
“When I recorded ‘Dami Duro’, in the studio was Wande Coal, Shank, Bigiano. They were artists there. We was always in together,” he said.
He noted that the camaraderie of that era had largely disappeared, with artistes now more likely to operate independently.
“And then now everybody dey find their own,” Davido said.
