Afrobeats star Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke has drawn widespread attention after sharing photographs inspired by the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, as global focus intensifies African music during Grammy Awards activities in the United States.
The Nigerian singer posted the images on X on Saturday, recreating Fela’s signature style and stance.
He captioned the post with the phrase “Africa man original,” a line closely associated with the outspoken musician and activist. The images quickly sparked reactions online, with fans and fellow artists describing them as a tribute to Fela’s enduring legacy.
The photographs, widely shared across social media, have been interpreted as a celebration of African identity, artistic freedom and musical heritage. Analysts say the moment reflects a broader effort by African artists to assert cultural originality as Afrobeats continues to gain global recognition.
The post coincides with heightened discussions around African and diaspora sounds at this year’s Grammys. International music platforms and the Recording Academy have highlighted the growing influence of African music, with fans closely watching how global recognition is shaping the genre’s future.
Davido is also marking his fifth Grammy nomination. His song With You, featuring Omah Lay, has been nominated in the Best African Music Performance category at the 68th Grammy Awards.
Speaking during a recent virtual interview, the singer described the recognition as encouraging, noting the importance of African representation within global award platforms. He also reiterated his call for stronger homegrown music infrastructure, including the idea of an “African Grammys”, to support the continent’s fast-growing industry.
With You is the final track on Davido’s fifth studio album, 5ive, and has been described by fans as a cross-generational hit.
LAGOS EYE NEWS reports that Davido was also among prominent Nigerian musicians who gathered in Los Angeles for the Grammy Honors Party celebrating the life and legacy of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
The event marked Fela’s posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, making him the first African artist to receive the honour. Footage shared online showed Davido alongside Fela’s children, Femi and Yeni Kuti, and other members of the Kuti family.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented to international music figures including Cher, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon and Chaka Khan.
Meanwhile, competition remains strong in the Best African Music Performance category. Other nominees include Love by Burna Boy, Gimme Dat by Wizkid and Ayra Starr, Hope and Love by Eddy Kenzo featuring Mehran Matin, and Push 2 Start by South African singer Tyla.
