Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, says his planned three-night residency at the National Theatre in Lagos will demonstrate that Africa can host major global entertainment events at home.
Davido is scheduled to headline “Oriadé: The Residency” at the renovated National Theatre from December 17 to 19, combining songs from his latest album, Oriadé, with some of his biggest hits and special guest appearances. The event will also mark 15 years of his music career.
Speaking to CNN, Davido said bringing his international success back to Nigeria was important for the country’s culture and entertainment industry.
“Bringing everything back home is very important for the culture,” he said.
The singer said his experience touring Africa last year reinforced his desire to reconnect with audiences at home.
He also pointed to Bad Bunny’s 30-date 2025 residency in Puerto Rico as an inspiration, noting how the concerts attracted international visitors and generated economic activity. CNN reported that the residency was linked to an estimated $200 million economic impact and about 600,000 visitors to Puerto Rico.
Davido hopes his Lagos residency can similarly attract visitors during December’s busy festive season and create opportunities for businesses and workers in the local entertainment industry.
He described the National Theatre as an important symbol of Nigeria’s entertainment history and said the event would help demonstrate that African artists can stage major productions on the continent.
“We’re really showing people that we can do this ourselves,” he said.
The residency is being promoted as the first by an Afrobeats artist at the National Theatre, with tickets scheduled to go on sale from September 25.
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