Nigerian-American Afrobeats superstar Davido is set to bring his latest album, “Oriadé,” to the stage in Lagos, Nigeria for the first time with a three-night residency at the newly remodeled National Theatre from Dec. 17-19. The trio of shows are expected to highlight new material, with career-spanning hits and special guests each evening balancing out experiences. The shows are some of the first-round entertainment moments for the mighty “Dirty December” festive period, which is a high economic traffic and creative season for the region.
The announcement comes alongside a trailer for the shows and the new music video for single, “On the Road” which includes behind-the-scenes look at Davido’s life, including his buzzy Coachella debut earlier this year. For the 5-time Grammy nominee, the timing is especially meaningful as December brings an opportunity to reconnect with family, celebrate his roots and perform for the fans who have been part of his journey from the beginning. The National Theatre, formally known as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, reopened in Oct. 2025 following a years-long closure and a 68 billion naira ($50 million USD) renovation.
Davido remembers its status as a benchmark for performers: “It’s like our own MSG,” he says. The residency is proof of the rapidly advancing infrastructure and ecosystem for artists who are looking to invest time and finances into touring the region. Many artists whose careers have taken them around the world have expressed the need for venues that can support the shows that Davido plans to deliver.
Whether he is playing Croatia, Germany or Lagos, he wants fans to leave with the same feeling. With the National Theatre back in operation, “I’m just happy that we’re going to be able to do more back home.” Variety caught up with Davido to discuss the new residency, the reception for “Oriadé,” upcoming collaborations, his unofficial title as the ambassador to Afrobeats, and the growing scene of Nigerian artists bursting outside the confines of genre. How are you feeling about the residency and your career?
Man it’s been a crazy past [few] months. [‘Oriadé’] has been doing crazy numbers. People are loving the records. It’s been exciting – definitely super pumped for the three-night residency that we have coming in December.
And this one is very, very dear to me because we’re doing it at home during the festive period of Christmas with all the families together. The new album is obviously going to be highlighted in the set list. But how are you going to balance the new music and classics, especially for some of your Lagos fans that haven’t seen you in years?
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