Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has claimed that the Nigerian music industry would have been dull without his influence.

Taking to his X handle, Davido wrote: “Imagine no Davido… Sht [the music industry] would have been boring AF.”*

The post sparked mixed reactions online, with some users praising his confidence while others argued that he was overestimating his impact on the industry.

This is not the first time Davido has positioned himself as a central figure in Nigerian music. In an April 2025 interview with Apple Music, he revealed that the industry “shut down” during his three-month break from social media in November 2022, following the tragic death of his son, Ifeanyi Adeleke. He added that both fans and critics were urging him to return.

Davido first gained national recognition in 2011 with the release of his hit single Dami Duro, at a time when the Nigerian music scene was experiencing a surge of young Afrobeats talents led by Wizkid.

However, not everyone agrees with Davido’s self-assessment. Veteran producer Samkleff recently argued that Davido’s rise introduced rivalry and tension into the Nigerian music scene, noting that prior to his stardom, there was a stronger sense of mutual respect among artists.

Despite the controversies, Davido’s influence on Afrobeats and Nigerian pop culture remains significant, continuing to spark conversations about the evolution of the music industry.