Afrobeats star Davido has credited his predecessor, D’banj, for being the trailblazer who ushered in the era of global recognition for Nigerian music. In a recent interview with Apple Music, Davido revealed that D’banj’s 2012 hit single “Oliver Twist” marked a turning point for the industry, inspiring a paradigm shift that led to increased international bookings for African artists.

Before D’banj’s breakthrough, Davido explained that Nigerian musicians were largely overlooked by international promoters. However, the viral success of “Oliver Twist” caught the attention of Western audiences, opening doors for D’banj and other African artists. Davido recalled seeing Kanye West appear in the music video and realizing the potential for global impact.

Inspired by D’banj’s achievements, Davido decided to pivot his career towards African music, believing that there was a growing demand for authentic sounds from the continent. He observed that artists like 2Face and P-Square were commanding significant fees for international performances, further solidifying his belief in the potential of Afrobeats.

While D’banj’s contributions to the global rise of Afrobeats are undeniable, some observers have challenged Davido’s assertion that he was the first Nigerian musician to achieve international stardom. Iconic figures like Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Majek Fashek had already garnered significant international recognition in the decades prior to D’banj’s breakthrough. Additionally, 2Baba’s hit song “African Queen”, had achieved global success and was featured in the American film “Phat Girlz” several years before “Oliver Twist.”