•Davido
Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has said he and other artistes from his generation may begin winding down their active music careers within the next five to six years to make room for younger artistes.
The 30BG boss made the remarks during a recent episode of the ‘Uncut Podcast’, arguing that veteran artistes competing with much younger musicians for the spotlight would eventually become unnecessary.
Davido who turns 34 in November said the next phase of his career would focus more on legacy and business expansion than maintaining his position on the music charts.
“This is everybody’s last 5–6 years. I am not going to be 40, still dragging the spotlight with guys in their 20s. Jay-Z took a break, and he is doing his thing,” he said.
He urged artistes from his generation to consider moving away from the frontline and taking on more background and executive roles.
The “Feel” singer said he was confident his catalogue would continue to sustain his career even if he stopped releasing music for an extended period.
“I can take a 10-year break, come back, and still do a 50-arena tour. I have the catalogue. I might decide not to make another song for the rest of my life, and nobody is touching my catalogue,” Davido said.
He added that music should provide artistes with opportunities to diversify into other ventures rather than remain their sole focus.
“There are so many other things music should be able to help you branch into. I am not saying we should retire. But I am not going to be 40 and dragging the spotlight with some 20-year-old kid,” he said.
His comments come amid the growing international profile of younger Afrobeats artistes, while several established stars have expanded into record-label ownership, business and executive roles.
