On Christmas Eve, in five days’ time, the exclusive Flytime Music Festival will draw the curtain on its 4-day festival with one of Nigeria’s biggest music exports, David Adeleke aka Davido, closing this year’s event with his “A DECADE OF DAVIDO,” concert.

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It has been a decade since the release of Davido’s debut single; ‘Back When’ released in 2011, ten years on and with over a billion music streams, one billion YouTube views, and garnered multiple global awards, the 29-year-old pop star will be performing his huge catalog of hits, joined by a host of friends and world-class performers at his A DECADE OF DAVIDO concert.

The 2021 Flytime Music Festival which kicks off on Tuesday, will bring together a groundbreaking lineup of rising, contemporary, and legendary African and international artists; including Grammy award winner, Wizkid; Ne-Yo, Bovi, Tion Wayne, Lancey Foux, Central Cee, and Adekunle Gold. They will be joined by Ayra Start, BlaqBonez, Buju, CKAY, Fireboy, and a host of other stars for show-stopping performances.

Throughout his impressive career, Davido who recently donated N250m to various orphanages as part of his birthday celebration has evidently lived out the motto ‘We rise by lifting others, as he continues touching the lives of those around him.

As the award-winning singer celebrates 10 years of his continuous success in the music industry and in the hearts of the people, he speaks more on the forthcoming event, life in music, the inspiration behind giving, and more.

You just gave out so much in celebration of your birthday. What are your plans for Christmas?

I am looking forward to my show at the Flytime Music Festival in Lagos and generally connecting with my fans in Nigeria as concerts resume, after the COVID lockdown. I am excited to get on stage. 

What inspired this kind gesture from you to the orphans?

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I believe that we rise by lifting others. I am a beneficiary of my father’s belief in me, parents play an important role, and as a father myself, I understand that very well. It’s not easy to lose both parents, that is why I choose to focus on orphans.

Is this something you would like to sustain?

Definitely. The plan is to hold yearly fundraising that will be targeted at raising funds that can really improve the livelihoods of people and create a lasting impact. 

How would you like to spend Christmas, with fans or family?                   

With both, I consider my fans’ families. I am looking forward to spending time with my kids, as well as my fans. It will be a great Christmas. 

How does it feel to be able to perform to a live audience at your own headlined show in Lagos again?

It feels great. It’s been too long. I’m excited to get on stage; the energy in Lagos is amazing. 

Your first-ever headlined show was at the same venue, so this is very much a full-circle moment. What’s the difference between how you felt leading up to that show versus how you’re feeling leading up to “A DECADE OF DAVIDO”? 

 A decade feels like a long time and a short time at the same time when I think of all that I want to achieve. I’m definitely not the ‘boy’ I was then, confident but then again…it was my first headline show. There have been so many great milestones since then and so much growth. I am grateful to be able to still do what I love and at the capacity that I get to do it, and to still feel 10 years down the road that there is still so much to be done.  

You are celebrating 10 years in music this year, what would you say was your highest moment or greatest achievement so far?

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There are many high moments, it will be difficult to single out a moment, but I will say being able to raise and donate 250M to orphanages was definitely a high moment, in so many ways. The response from my colleagues in the industry and fans was totally humbling, I didn’t expect it. I am fortunate to be able to uplift people with my music but, also in a more tangible way through the funds, is a privilege I do not take for granted. 

10 years is a really long time to be in any business, and it’s only normal that you pause to reflect. Has the thought of retiring and diversifying into other businesses crossed your mind? If so, what can you tell us about that?

I don‘t know about retirement just yet, but I am actively diversifying my business portfolio and growing my record label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW).  

What feeling do you want your fans to go away with after experiencing “A Decade of Davido” (the concert)? 

I just want them to have a good time, it’s been tough almost two years now with covid, we all need it.