Davido has indicated he may step back from active performing within the next five to 10 years, saying he does not want to compete on stage with much younger artists as he approaches middle age.
Speaking on the Uncut Podcast, the Afrobeats star reflected on the trajectory of his generation of musicians, whom he described as the “graduating class.”
“This is everybody’s last five or six years,” Davido said. “Music is in me, but being me, I am not trying to be a 40-year-old dragging the stage with a 20-something.”
He pointed to American rapper Jay-Z as a model, noting that the star had taken a break before returning successfully. “Look at Jay Z; he took a break and came back. I can take a 10-year break and come back to do a 50-arena tour. I have the catalogue,” Davido said.
The singer emphasised that success should open doors beyond performing. “There are other things music should be able to help you branch out to do,” he added.
Davido also stressed the value of remaining rooted in Nigeria. “We artistes get booked overseas and all of that, but it is when we are in Nigeria that we actually enjoy. We enjoy our money, cars, food, culture. I love being a Nigerian,” he said.
He called on fellow artists to prioritise home during the remaining years of their peak. “I feel like, in these remaining 10 years we have, I want everyone to come back home. There’s already see finish in America and London. Like 3 years ago, 20 artists could come to London and do sold-out shows; now, I can only count like 4 or 5.”
