Davido Walks Away from 50 Cent Concert, Declares: “Africa Must Be Respected”
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Afrobeats superstar Davido has pulled out of a highly anticipated concert in London, headlined by American rap icon 50 Cent and R&B legend Mary J. Blige. The show, scheduled to take place on July 3, 2025, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, was part of a major summer music event, but Davido announced his withdrawal on June 14 via Instagram, citing a matter of principle.
According to the Nigerian singer, his decision stemmed from serious disagreements with the event organizers.
“I had to make a tough decision, but ultimately, I realized that the integrity of my brand and the quality of my performance could not be compromised,” he wrote.
Davido was clear in his message that ticket sales were not the issue, noting that his tickets had been “strong” and the fan support “overwhelming.”
What drew the most attention, however, was the singer’s strong statement:
“Africa must be respected.”
The message resonated with many fans and industry players, sparking conversations about how African artists are treated in international spaces. Davido’s move is seen by many as a bold stand against disrespect or mismanagement of African creatives in global event collaborations.
Though details on the “major misalignments” were not specified, Davido emphasized that key elements necessary for him to deliver a quality performance were not being met. Many speculate that it could relate to logistics, scheduling, or possibly a lack of transparency by the event promoters.
In the wake of his decision, the concert is expected to go ahead with 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige still on the lineup, but without one of Africa’s biggest stars. Meanwhile, Davido reassured fans that his 5Alive summer world tour remains unaffected. He promised to make it up to his UK fans, adding,
“I’ll be announcing a special London date very soon.”
The news has drawn mixed reactions online. While many fans applauded Davido for prioritizing artistic integrity and standing up for the African music industry, others drew comparisons with fellow Nigerian stars like Wizkid and Burna Boy, who previously sold out the same stadium as solo acts. Some critics hinted at internal competition among the Afrobeats elite, while others saw it as a much-needed conversation starter about African representation in the global entertainment scene.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has recently become a landmark for African musicians breaking international boundaries, and Davido was expected to join the prestigious lineup of Nigerian artists who have sold out the venue. While his withdrawal is a disappointment to many, it may also serve as a powerful reminder that African performers are not just global players they are global leaders who deserve the same respect and professional treatment as any other international act.
As Davido continues his 5Alive tour across Europe and North America with stops in Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Canada, and the United States fans can expect more music and, perhaps, more statements from an artist who’s using his global platform to push for respect, equality, and excellence for African creatives.
