Afrobeats star Davido says his planned three-night residency at the National Theatre in Lagos will demonstrate that African artists can create major global entertainment experiences from home while supporting the local economy.
The singer is scheduled to perform at the Lagos venue from December 17 to 19, with the shows expected to feature songs from his latest album, Oriadé, alongside some of his biggest hits and appearances from collaborators.
Speaking to CNN, Davido said returning his international success to Nigeria was important for the growth and promotion of African culture.
The 34-year-old singer said the idea gained momentum after his wider African tour last year, which was his first continental tour in eight years. He explained that spending more time at home renewed his connection with Nigerian audiences and inspired him to bring major productions back to the country.
Davido also pointed to Bad Bunny’s 30-date residency in Puerto Rico in 2025 as an example of how a concert series can generate economic activity beyond the entertainment venue.
According to Davido, the residency helped attract visitors, promote Puerto Rican culture and create financial benefits for the country. He hopes his Lagos shows can have a similar effect by giving international visitors another reason to travel to Nigeria, particularly during the December festive period commonly associated with “Detty December”.
The singer described Lagos as a city with enormous creative talent and said the National Theatre was central to his vision because of its historical importance to Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Davido compared the venue with Madison Square Garden in New York, saying its renewed state provides an opportunity to showcase the facilities available for major entertainment productions in Africa.
He said the residency would also challenge the idea that African artists must leave the continent to create major international entertainment moments.
Davido acknowledged that artists can earn more from performances abroad but argued that bringing large-scale shows back to Nigeria could create opportunities for local workers and businesses while connecting international success with audiences at home.
He also urged younger musicians to remain connected to the fans who supported them before they achieved international recognition.
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The Lagos residency is expected to form part of the city’s busy December entertainment calendar. CNN noted that it is among the first major residencies of its kind by an Afrobeats artist in Nigeria, with Adekunle Gold having staged a smaller Lagos residency in 2018.