Davido Thanks D’banj for Opening Doors for Nigerian Music Globally
Written by MAX FM on September 16, 2024
Afrobeats star Davido recently reflected on how D’banj‘s 2012 hit “Oliver Twist” transformed the music industry for Nigerian artists. In an interview with Apple Music, Davido shared how D’banj’s success inspired him and many others.
Before “Oliver Twist,” Nigerian artists struggled to make a mark internationally. At that time, Davido recalls, Nigerian music was largely absent from major American music venues.
That all began to change with D’banj’s groundbreaking track. “D’banj was the first Nigerian artist I saw truly breaking into the global scene,” Davido said.
He vividly remembers watching Kanye West feature in the “Oliver Twist” video on YouTube, a moment that highlighted the potential for Nigerian music on a global scale.
The ripple effects of D’banj’s success were profound. His achievements didn’t just make him a star; moreover, they opened doors for other Nigerian artists.
After “Oliver Twist” took off, American promoters started booking other Nigerian stars like 2Face and P-Square. These artists reportedly earned up to $1,000,000 per show, reflecting the rising global demand for African music.
For Davido, witnessing D’banj’s rise was a revelation. It inspired him to fully commit to his African roots and shift his focus towards making music that celebrated his heritage.
“Seeing D’banj’s success made me realize that African music has a place on the world stage,” he explained. This epiphany led him to embrace Afrobeats with renewed passion and purpose, contributing to the genre’s burgeoning global presence.
Davido’s tribute highlights D’banj’s pioneering role and the impact of “Oliver Twist.” The track opened doors for a new generation of African artists to gain global recognition.
In acknowledging D’banj’s contributions, Davido emphasizes the enduring legacy of “Oliver Twist” and its role in elevating Nigerian music worldwide.
This recognition reinforces D’banj’s position as a trailblazer in the Afrobeats movement, highlighting his instrumental role in shaping the global music landscape.
