Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Davido Adeleke, expressed his immense excitement and joy as he took the stage to perform at the highly anticipated 2023 BET Awards event for the very first time in his illustrious career.
The renowned singer delivered a truly captivating and energetically charged performance on Sunday night at the prestigious Microsoft Theater in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, as part of the 23rd edition of the BET Awards.
During his exhilarating performance, affectionately known as the OBO crooner, Davido treated the ecstatic audience to a delightful medley of his chart-topping hits, including the infectious tunes "Feel" and "Unavailable," both of which are featured on his latest critically acclaimed album, "Timeless."
In a candid side interview conducted by Billboard's Neena Rouhani before his mesmerizing performance, Davido delved into the explosive rise of Afrobeats music in the United States, shedding light on its remarkable surge in popularity and influential impact on the global music scene.
When asked about his sentiments regarding his inaugural performance at the prestigious BET Awards, the talented artist enthused,
"I feel an overwhelming sense of joy and satisfaction tonight as I take the stage. This is a monumental moment for me, as it marks my very first performance at the esteemed [BET] Awards. I can't contain my excitement."
"I vividly remember my time living in America as an African, residing in Atlanta and Alabama for a significant period. During that time, I would eagerly share our beautiful African music with my American friends, and to my delight, they embraced it wholeheartedly. Deep down, I always knew that if given the opportunity to be heard on a larger scale, the explosion of Afrobeats would be inevitable," Davido expressed with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
"I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation and recognition to all the phenomenal Afrobeats artists who are making waves and leaving an indelible mark in the music industry. Each one of them has been tirelessly working, embarking on tours, and diligently spreading the gospel of Afrobeats across the globe," he added, showering praise upon his fellow musicians in the genre.