18th November, 2023
By Taiwo Okanlawon
Nigerian superstar, David ‘Davido’ Adeleke has revealed how he came about the concept for ‘Are We African Yet? (AWAY) festival.
In a recent interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, the music star revealed that the festival is to provide a platform for upcoming artistes.
He recounted how he called a young artiste whose music was being played in a club. He said the singer was in disbelief when he received his call.
He added that experience encapsulates the essence of the festival – to provide a spotlight for the up-and-coming artistes in the industry.
“Why I want to do this is because when I go out in America and I hear a song, I am like, ‘This is an African song!’” Davido said.
“I am excited, I am telling my friends, ‘This is a young guy that is coming up!’ I hit the young guy up like, ‘Yo, I was in the club last night, they played your song!’ He was like, ‘No way!’
“So those types of people, I want to give them the opportunity to come every year, at different times, to come and perform.”
Last year, Davido postponed what was meant to be the maiden edition of AWAY festival following the passing of his son, Ifeanyi Adeleke.
The festival is however, set to be held on Saturday, November 18, in Atlanta, Georgia.