Davido, a renowned Nigerian singer, has cautioned black Americans against relocating to Africa, citing the huge change they stand to face.
Davido, in an interview on the Big Homies House podcast, expressed his reservations about the growing trend of African Americans relocating to Africa, cautioning them that the reality on the continent is far from ideal. He highlighted the economic struggles faced by many Africans, citing the example of citizens paying more for locally produced oil than those who import it, and emphasized that life in Africa is not as glamorous as it may seem.
He clarified that his previous comments were not intended to disparage Africa, but rather to provide a realistic view of the continent, highlighting the disparity between the showcased prosperity and the actual struggles faced by many Africans. He emphasized that the entertainment industry, which he is a part of, plays a significant role in presenting a more favorable image of Africa to the world.
“It’s not cool back home. The economy now is in shambles”.
Davido’s comments sparked a heated debate online, with opinions sharply divided; while some people agree with his assessment and appreciate his honesty, others have criticized him for portraying Africa in a negative light and potentially deterring foreign investment and tourism.
“One Mighty Royal1 wrote, “Sad reality, tell them we dey suffer. Our eyes don see shege
One Iamemzzi wrote, “And your family join they lost the country
One _adunni wrote, “He didn’t lie though”
In April, Davido reflected on his decade-long journey as an African artist and its profound impact on Nigeria’s global recognition. He noted that just ten years ago, it was often embarrassing for Nigerians to openly identify as such when abroad, with many Africans even denying their heritage and claiming to be from Jamaica instead. However, Davido proudly acknowledged that times have changed, and African culture is now being celebrated and appreciated worldwide, with him playing a significant role in this shift.
In 2022, Davido shared his fondness for returning to Nigeria after performing at gigs abroad, confessing that there’s no place like home. The Grammy nominee expressed his love for his homeland, but also didn’t hesitate to urge the government to do better, emphasizing that Nigeria is a blessed country with immense potential.