Nigerian music sensation, Davido has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Afrobeats and R&B, shedding light on the nuanced differences between the two genres.
This comes after fellow artist, Wizkid’s reluctance to be labeled solely as an Afrobeats artist.
A throwback video of Davido resurfaced online today, Sunday, March 17, 2024, capturing the artist articulating his perspective on the matter.
When asked to differentiate between R&B and Afrobeats, Davido pointed out notable R&B singers like Johnny Drille, Chike and Banky W, asserting that some of his own tracks fall within the R&B spectrum. Contrary to common misconceptions, Davido clarified that Afrobeats is not a style of music, rather it is used to describe African musicians.
He explained the cultural essence embedded within Afrobeats, emphasizing its roots in African musical traditions. Highlighting the evolving nature of Afrobeats, Davido mentioned Odumodublvck, an African-born hip-hop artist who, despite primarily producing drill music, is categorized under the Afrobeats umbrella.
He further attributed the original sound of Afrobeats to the legendary Fela Kuti, tracing its origins back to his pioneering contributions.
As the global acclaim for Afrobeats continues to soar, Davido’s words serve as a testament to the genre’s dynamic evolution and enduring cultural significance.
