Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has praised Rwanda and Senegal for their impressive music infrastructure, calling it essential to the growth of the African music industry.
The artist made these remarks during the Africa CEO Forum held in Côte d’Ivoire from May 12, 2025, an event that brought together over 2,000 participants including business leaders, politicians, investors, and other stakeholders to discuss the private sector’s role in Africa’s development.
Davido highlighted the lack of performance venues as a major limitation for artists across the continent.
“Imagine someone like me, I can’t perform a concert in Nigeria, and it’s not because I don’t want to, but because we don’t have facilities. I think Rwanda has. Dakar (Senegal) also has an amazing Arena.”
He further stressed the need for greater investment in music infrastructure to help local talent thrive.
“We don’t have to travel to use the best studios, we don’t have to travel to shoot.”
His comments echo those made by Tanzanian musician Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, known as Diamond Platnumz or ‘Simba’, who in February 2025 publicly urged his country’s president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, to build a facility similar to BK Arena.
Davido, who has made several visits to Rwanda, last performed at the Giants of Africa Festival held at BK Arena from August 13 to 19, 2023.
The event featured a range of artists including Tiwa Savage, South African singer Tayla, and Rwanda’s Bruce Melodie.
By Janvier Twagirumukiza/The Kaminuza Star