Legendariska afrobeats-artisten Davido touchade igår Stockholm efter en världsturné med slutsålda destinationer i USA, Afrika & Europa. Vi hann med några frågor gårdagens konsert.
You’ve been active as an artist for over 15 years, yet you experiences hype and momentum early on in your career. How has your approach developed throughout the years?
”From the beginning, I’ve always just made music that felt right to me at that moment and had fun with it. I think early on, my audience could feel that through the lyrics, the sounds, the vibe we were creating. And I’ve continued that approach but with growth comes more consideration. I think a lot more about the body of work and about what I’m leaving behind. The hype comes and goes for everyone, but what keeps you going is the legacy and your contribution to the movement. I’ve also had to grow as a businessman as much as an artist. You have to work harder and smarter.”
You have mentioned American artists such as 50 cent, Usher and Ludacris as some of your biggest inspirations. Do you remember what artists and styles made you fall in love with African music?
”Growing up with African parents, you can’t escape it. From birth you hear it and it’s embodied into you or in my case, you’re born with that love and desire to want to be a part of it. P Square, D’Banj, the Mo Hits crew – those artists were huge for me. From early, I was showing my friends Nigerian music, telling them ’just wait, once people actually hear these sounds, it’s going to go crazy’. And that’s exactly what happened. The music did the rest.”
Are you tapped in with the Swedish music scene at all? Are you looking to work with someone?
”Sweden is serious when it comes to music – I know that for sure. I’d definitely be open to working with Swedish artists or producers. I’m always looking for that next thing, that sound I haven’t tried yet. If the right person comes along, absolutely.”
You’ve lived in the US, Nigeria and London and you’ve previously worked in hiphop and R&B. Has this given you wider perspectives on music?
”Every place gave me something different. Each culture has something special and unique and you hear it in the music. Because of those experiences I’m a product of everywhere I’ve been, I take the best parts of each place and bring it into not just my music but my style, my approach, everything. But no matter what, I carry Nigeria with me everywhere I go.”
What has been the best part about the tour so far? Any favorite places?
”Rotterdam was something else. The energy in that room – I wasn’t expecting it to hit like that. And Vienna, going back after so long, that was emotional for me. When you see fans who have been with you for over ten years, that means everything. Every city has given me something. Brussels was also incredible. The crowds have been insane across the board so shout out all cities on this tour, I’m grateful.”
How is the future looking? Any plans?
”The future is looking real bright. We’ve got London in August, at Crystal Palace Bowl for Davido & Friends – which is going to be one of the biggest and most important shows of my career. I’ve got music coming, always. I don’t ever really stop. I’m always working with great artists from home and across the world so I’m looking forward to dropping some things I’ve been working on since the 5IVE album.”
What’s your opinion of Sweden? Have you tried Swedish meatballs yet?
”Sweden is beautiful – I love the energy here, it’s calm but there’s still a great energy here. And Swedish meatballs? Listen, I can’t come all the way to Stockholm and not try them. That would be disrespectful. I’ll make sure that happens before I leave for the next stop.”
