Nigerian music superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has advised up-and-coming musicians to embrace originality in their artistic pursuits. The Grammy-nominated artiste, who took a trip down memory lane, revealed how he relocated from the United States to Nigeria to create music that was different from what the West was used to.
Davido noted that the uniqueness of the sound he developed in Nigeria eventually took him back to the United States as a superstar. He urged up-and-coming artists to always make sure they stand out creatively.
In a video message shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, the OBO crooner said: “If I could give advice to aspiring musicians, just be original. I used to live in America. I could have stayed and just done what everybody else was doing. My calling was to go back home [Nigeria] and represent the culture [Afrobeats] and eventually, it still brought me back out here. But everybody else has their own path. The most important thing is to be original.”
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Davido’s advice comes at a time when the Nigerian music industry is experiencing a surge in the number of up-and-coming artists. With the rise of social media, it has become easier for these artists to showcase their talents to a global audience. However, the downside of this is that many of them are tempted to copy the styles of already established artists in a bid to gain quick fame.
In an industry where originality is key, Davido’s advice is timely. His success story is proof that being original is the way to go. He has been able to carve a niche for himself in the industry and has become a household name both in Nigeria and internationally.
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Davido’s music is a fusion of different genres, but he has been able to infuse his African roots into it, making it unique and appealing to a global audience. He has collaborated with several international artists, including Chris Brown, Meek Mill, and Nicki Minaj, and has won several awards both locally and internationally.
Davido’s advice to up-and-coming artists to be original is not new. Several established artists in the industry have also given similar advice. However, coming from someone who has been able to achieve so much in the industry, it carries more weight.
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The Nigerian music industry has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years, and this has been attributed to the rise of Afrobeats. The genre has gained global recognition, and several Nigerian artists have been able to break into the international scene. However, this success has not come without its challenges. The industry is highly competitive, and only those who are able to stand out are able to make it to the top.
In conclusion, Davido’s advice to up-and-coming artists to be original is a timely reminder of the importance of creativity in the music industry. With the rise of social media, it has become easier for artists to showcase their talents to a global audience. However, the downside of this is that many of them are tempted to copy the styles of already established artists in a bid to gain quick fame. Davido’s success story is proof that being original is the way to go. It is a message that every aspiring artist should take to heart.
