Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming joint concert at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, where he was billed to perform alongside American music legends 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige.
The much-anticipated show, scheduled for July 3, 2025, has generated buzz as a star-studded event set to thrill fans across continents. However, Davido stunned fans on Saturday when he took to his Instagram story to share that he would no longer be participating in the concert.
In his statement, the Unavailable crooner cited a failure by the organizers, Iconic Presents to meet “key elements required to uphold the integrity and quality” of his performance. Though he did not delve into specifics, Davido strongly hinted at possible issues of unequal treatment and demanded respect for African creatives.
“There is still so much work to be done in the music industry and as a global community for us to ensure that all creatives are respected and supported equally,” he wrote.
While disappointing for many UK fans, Davido reassured his London audience that they won’t be left out for long. He announced plans to bring his 5Alive Tour to Europe later this summer, promising a headline show dedicated to his London supporters.
“The event will still proceed as scheduled, just without my participation,” he added.
Davido’s decision to withdraw adds another chapter to the growing conversation around equity, professionalism, and respect for African artists on international stages. The move also comes on the heels of major milestones achieved by fellow Nigerian megastars Burna Boy and Wizkid, who both sold out the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the past as solo acts solidifying Afrobeats’ global dominance.
As fans await Davido’s return to the UK for his own tour stop, the incident underscores the importance of valuing African talent not just in sound but in structure and respect.
