Nigerian Afrobeat superstars, Davido and Wizkid, snubbed each other when they met in the same nightclub in London.
The host of Afrobeat Podcast, Adesope Olajide, shared videos of the artists Saturday on X. “Davido and Wizkid currently partying in the same club in London …..” Olajide captioned it.
The ‘OBO’ crooner was already inside the nightclub relaxing when Wizkid walked in with his crew, but they didn’t exchange pleasantries.
This comes days after Wizkid was seen throwing subtle jabs at Davido just hours after he announced his first single of 2024.
Davido had revealed that the track was set to be a banger to mark Nigeria’s independence. Davido appeared to have ignored Wizkid, as he was yet to respond to the posts.
However, the Grammy-winning singer, Wizkid boasted about his stature in the industry after an encounter with rival Davido at the London club.
Wizkid later posted on his X handle, “Everybody Dey find Big Wizzy”.
They previously partied and hugged at a Lagos club last year. Wizkid further claimed Davido initiated the reunion and allegedly pursues him “like a fanboy” wherever he goes.
The Wizkid-Davido dispute dates back to the early 2010s, when both musicians were rising as prominent figures in the Afrobeat scene.
Wizkid rose to popularity with his debut album ‘Superstar’ in 2011, while Davido achieved success with his breakthrough track ‘Dami Duro’ the same year.
Davido Leads New Martell Campaign for Afrobeats
Three years after Maison Martell first announced Davido as brand ambassador, the cognac brand has revealed that the Nigerian popstar is leading the company’s latest “Be The Standout Swift” campaign celebrating Afrobeats.
According to Martell, founded over 300 years ago, the move recognises the experiences of those who chose to stand out. Martell adds that it honours a spirit rooted in legacy while continually breaking conventions. “From the pulsating rhythm of Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat to Davido’s global rise with Afrobeats, some of the most iconic movements in history were born from audacity, resilience, and a refusal to blend in.” a statement read.
The campaign also invites the public to stop waiting for permission to stand out.
“Whether you’re in music, business, or just navigating life, the world doesn’t need more people who fit in. It needs more people who challenge the status quo, make their own rules, and inspire others to do the same.”
A Statement
An attendant, Meji Alabi-directed campaign film salutes Davido’s 10-year impact on Afrobeats.
“The global success of Afrobeats is no accident. Through the years, we had to work hard for it. We pushed through closed doors and created our own path, staying resilient, believing in ourselves and lifting others along the way. Today, we soar high around the world because when we believe in ourselves, we fly.”
Davido
Speaking to Music In Africa, Davido, whom Martell describes as a “diligent flagbearer of this audacious spirit,” expressed his excitement.
“What excites me the most is how real the message is. Martell is all about audacity and doing things differently, which is exactly how I’ve lived my life and built my career. This campaign is a perfect reflection of that energy, being fearless and owning your journey. It’s a big vibe.”
Davido
In November last year, Davido partnered with Martell to release an exclusive edition of Martell XO cognac, inspired by “Davido’s vibrant personality and extraordinary life story, sources of inspiration for young people across Africa and beyond.”
Often cited among Afrobeats’ “top three” alongside Wizkid and Burna Boy, Davido, behind widely successful collections like Omo Baba Olowo, A Good Time, A Better Time and Timeless, also represents several other brands, including sportswear label Puma, smartphone brand Infinix, gaming platform 1XBET, and automobile manufacturing company GAC Motor.
Over the years, Martell has also backed rap cyphers featuring MI Abaga, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, A-Q, Loose Kaynon and Blaqbonez.
Martell is not the only cognac brand associated with Nigerian popstars. Since 2009, rival brand Hennessy has supported events such as the Hennessy Artistry Cyphers, VS Class, Artistry Club tours and Hennessy Artistry concerts. In 2020, Hennessy released a three-part docuseries on the evolution of Nigerian hip hop.
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