During the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, on May 13, 2025, Nigerian music star Davido shared his experiences studying in the United States from ages 15 to 17. He recounted meeting people with misconceptions about Africa, noting, “I told them that every car they see in America, we also have them in Nigeria.”
Despite having the chance to remain in the U.S. to pursue a music career, Davido chose to return to Nigeria. It was there that he launched his musical journey, achieving international success with performances in Europe and America. However, he stressed that validation from abroad should not be the ultimate goal for African artists.
He stated, “I believe that seeking validation from America or the UK shouldn’t be the goal or challenge. Our triumphs should be achieved here in Africa.”
One of Davido’s key ambitions is to deliver performances in Africa on par with his concerts in Europe and America. Yet, he pointed to inadequate infrastructure as a significant hindrance in many African countries.
Citing Rwanda as an exemplary model, he praised the nation for its advancements in entertainment infrastructure, saying, “I have never held a concert in a stadium in Nigeria. Not because I can't afford it, but because there is no infrastructure for it. But I know Rwanda does. I think Diamond Platnumz held a concert there recently. Dakar also has a beautiful arena under construction. Progress is happening.”
The award-winning artist, who founded a record label supporting various talents for over eight years, revealed that he has built music studios across Lagos and is now expanding into movie production.
He urged African governments to prioritize investments in entertainment infrastructure, including building modern studios with state-of-the-art equipment. This, he explained, would enable artists to produce top-quality content locally instead of needing to travel to studios abroad, such as in Miami.
Speaking on the rise of Afrobeats globally, Davido expressed pride in the genre’s achievements, saying, “Afrobeats is at a groundbreaking level. I just completed a new album, and I know the investment I made to ensure our culture is well-represented. But governments can help significantly—not just me but also upcoming artists. There’s immense talent but limited resources.”
His remarks underline the critical need for self-sufficiency and strategic investments in Africa's entertainment sector, fostering an environment where talent can flourish without relying on opportunities outside the continent.
Davido emphasized the importance of African nations investing in infrastructure, referencing Rwanda as a standout example. 
In 2023, Davido performed in Kigali during the Giants of Africa event and Trace Awards held at BK Arena, which highlight destinations with world-class venues.