Davido Urges Nigerian A-List Artistes to Return Home as He Warns of ‘See Finish’ Abroad

Afrobeats superstar Davido has sparked a conversation about the future of Nigerian music abroad after urging established Nigerian artistes to prioritise performing at home, warning that international audiences may be experiencing “see finish” with some of the country’s biggest stars.

Speaking during a podcast appearance on The Uncut Podcast, Davido reflected on what he believes is a noticeable decline in the number of Nigerian artistes able to command sold-out shows in major international markets, particularly the UK and US. According to the singer, Nigerian music has enjoyed unprecedented global attention in recent years, but the excitement surrounding some artistes abroad may not be what it used to be.

“In the next 10 years I want the music OGs to come back to Nigeria. There is already ‘see finish’ in London, America, honestly.”

Davido explained that just a few years ago, many more Nigerian artistes could travel to London and successfully headline shows. He claimed that about three years ago, at least 20 Nigerian artistes could potentially sell out shows in London, but believes that number has now dropped significantly.

“Three years ago, at least 20 artists could come to London and do a show and get sold out, but now I can count maybe 4 or 5, and we all know them. We can all see the shift.”

The comment has sparked debate among music fans, with many questioning whether Nigerian artistes are genuinely losing their appeal in international markets or whether the global Afrobeats scene has become more competitive.

For Davido, however, the solution could be partly found at home.

The singer appears to be encouraging the industry’s established stars to reconnect with Nigerian audiences and give more attention to performances and concerts within the country.

His remarks also highlight just how dramatically the Nigerian music industry has changed. Afrobeats has moved from being largely associated with Nigeria and other African markets to becoming a major global sound, with Nigerian artistes regularly performing across Europe, America and other parts of the world.

But with that growth has come increased competition, and international audiences now have access to a much wider pool of African and global artistes. Davido’s message therefore raises an interesting question: Are Nigerian artistes becoming too familiar to international audiences, or is the global Afrobeats market simply evolving?

Either way, one thing is clear: Davido believes it may be time for the Nigerian music industry’s biggest names to come home and reconnect with the fans who started the journey with them.