Davido Reflects on 15-Year Journey in Music, Says He’s Not Given Enough Credit

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has voiced his frustration over what he perceives as a lack of recognition for his long-standing influence in the music industry. Despite a consistent presence and string of hits spanning 15 years, the singer believes his efforts and contributions are often overlooked.

In a candid conversation with popular content creator Egungun of Lagos, Davido opened up about the challenges of being at the top of the game for over a decade and the struggle to receive the acknowledgment he believes he rightfully deserves.

“I have been conquering the music industry for 15 years, but the crazy thing is that people don’t give me my flowers [credits] that I deserve,” the Feel crooner said.

Davido’s comments echo a sentiment shared by many artists globally, where sustained success is often taken for granted, and legacy is not always fully appreciated in real-time. Known for hits like Fall, If, Blow My Mind, and Unavailable, Davido has remained a dominant force in the evolution of Afrobeats, not just within Nigeria, but across international borders.

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Davido: A Global Star Still Fighting for His “Flowers”

Responding to Egungun’s question on whether he believes he has haters, Davido acknowledged the presence of critics but expressed confusion about their whereabouts, considering the overwhelming love he receives during public appearances.

“There are haters, but when I go everywhere, they love me, so I’m like, where are the haters?” he replied with a touch of humor.

The artist’s statement highlights a paradox common in celebrity culture: public affection often coexists with unseen or online criticism. In Davido’s case, while he continues to attract massive crowds and enthusiastic fans worldwide, he still feels a disconnect between his impact and the recognition he receives.

Davido’s rise in the music scene has been marked by remarkable achievements. He has sold out venues globally, collaborated with top-tier international artists, and helped usher Afrobeats into mainstream consciousness, especially in the Western music market. Yet, the singer feels the industry and the public sometimes fail to acknowledge the full scope of his influence and contributions.

During the interview, Davido also reflected on a pivotal moment in his career—the first time he connected with American R&B icon Chris Brown. He shared the story during a recent appearance on the Bagfuel Brigade podcast, revealing how that moment changed his life and further propelled his career into global relevance.

“Meeting Chris Brown changed my life. I met him in 2018. He had a Nigerian friend, one of his best friends,” Davido recalled.

He narrated how a casual FaceTime call from Brown’s friend led to an unexpected encounter. On the call, Davido heard his song playing in the background and asked where they were. The response surprised him.

“The friend called me one day on Facetime and my song was playing at the background. I asked where he was and he said he was at Chris Brown’s house. I was like, ‘What? Y’all playing my music?’ And he showed me Chris dancing to my song,” Davido recounted with enthusiasm.

That encounter eventually led to a collaboration between the two stars on the hit track Blow My Mind, which received massive airplay and international acclaim. It also marked the beginning of a friendship and artistic partnership that would see them work together on multiple songs.

Davido credits this meeting with unlocking new dimensions in his career and further solidifying his presence in the international music industry. It also highlighted the global appeal of Afrobeats and its ability to transcend cultural and geographic boundaries.

Despite all the accolades, chart-topping singles, and sold-out concerts, Davido’s remarks suggest that he continues to feel undervalued in certain circles. His call for recognition is not just about ego, but about legacy—cementing his role as one of the architects of modern Afrobeats.

As the genre continues to flourish globally, artists like Davido, who have laid the foundation and helped shape the sound, seek not just applause, but appreciation for the vision, resilience, and creativity they brought to the world stage.