Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced plans for a three-night residency at the National Theatre in Lagos, describing the project as an opportunity to showcase Africa’s capacity to host world-class entertainment events.
The residency is scheduled to hold from December 17 to 19 and is expected to form part of the annual festive season activities that attract thousands of visitors to Lagos during the popular “Detty December” period.
Speaking during an interview with CNN, Davido said the idea for the residency gained momentum following his recent tour across parts of Africa, where he witnessed growing demand for large-scale entertainment experiences on the continent.
According to the award-winning singer, the newly renovated National Theatre presents an opportunity to demonstrate that Africa possesses venues capable of hosting productions comparable to those staged in leading entertainment capitals around the world.
Davido compared the iconic Lagos venue to New York’s Madison Square Garden, noting that investments in cultural infrastructure could help transform the continent’s entertainment landscape.
The singer revealed that the residency will feature performances from his latest album, “Oriadé,” alongside a selection of fan-favourite songs and chart-topping hits from across his career.
He explained that beyond music, the project is intended to create a broader cultural experience that highlights Nigerian creativity and hospitality while encouraging international audiences to visit the country.
Davido cited Puerto Rican music star Bad Bunny’s successful residency as a source of inspiration, noting that such events can generate significant economic benefits for host communities through tourism, hospitality, transportation and related industries.
He expressed optimism that the Lagos residency would attract visitors from different parts of the world and contribute to economic activity during one of the busiest periods of the year for Nigeria’s entertainment sector.
The Afrobeats star also encouraged emerging African artists to maintain strong connections with audiences on the continent rather than focusing exclusively on overseas markets.
According to him, building sustainable cultural institutions and creating memorable experiences within Africa is essential for the long-term growth of the entertainment industry.
“Bringing everything back home is very important for the culture,” Davido said, stressing the need to invest in local audiences and infrastructure.
The National Theatre has undergone significant renovations in recent years as part of efforts to reposition it as a major hub for arts, culture and entertainment.
Industry observers say the planned residency could further strengthen Lagos’ reputation as one of Africa’s leading entertainment destinations while highlighting the growing global influence of Afrobeats and Nigerian popular culture.
