Why Davido’s Music Doesn’t Hit Like It Used To

Let’s talk about Davido.

The guy’s a legend, no question—OBO, the Afrobeats kingpin, the voice behind bangers that shaped a generation. When Dami Duro dropped in 2012, it wasn’t just a song; it was a movement. Nigeria’s music scene felt like it was rewriting its own rules, and Davido was front and center, churning out hits like Skelewu, Aye, and Fall that didn’t just dominate Lagos clubs but echoed across the globe. He was young, hungry, and unstoppable, blending Afrobeats with pop swagger in a way that felt fresh every time. But here we are in 2025, and I’ve got to ask: is Davido still bringing that same heat? Or is he just coasting on the empire he built?

Don’t misunderstand me—Davido’s still a titan. His concerts sell out, his streams are in the millions, and his name alone can spark a frenzy on X. But when I listen to his recent work, something feels… off. It’s like he’s stuck in a loop, recycling the same formula that worked a decade ago: booming beats, lyrics about money and haters, and hooks designed for TikTok dances. Take his last album—sure, it had some radio-friendly tracks, but it felt like a playlist of vibes, not a body of work. Where’s the evolution? The depth? Compare that to his early days when every release seemed to push Afrobeats forward, like he was daring the world to catch up.

Let’s put it in perspective. Look at someone like Burna Boy.

Now, I’m not saying Burna’s perfect—his ego can fill a stadium—but you can’t deny he’s got a vision. His albums weave Afrobeats with reggae, jazz, even political commentary, telling stories about identity and struggle. He’s not just making club bangers; he’s building a legacy that’s landed him Grammys and headline slots at Coachella. Davido, though? It feels like he’s still singing for the Lagos party crowd—songs about private jets, popping bottles, and shutting down haters like in “Fem.” Fun? Absolutely. Groundbreaking? Not really. It’s like he’s more comfortable being the face of the good life than an artist who’s still got something to prove.

And that’s what bugs me, because Davido could be so much more. The guy’s got everything: a voice that carries emotion, charisma that lights up any room, and connections that get him in the studio with global stars like Nicki Minaj or Lil Baby. But those big collabs? They often feel like flexes, not game-changers. It’s less about creating something timeless and more about adding another shiny badge to his brand. Remember “If” or “Fia”? Those tracks hit because they had heart—stories of love and hustle wrapped in melodies you couldn’t shake. His newer stuff, though? It’s like he’s phoning it in, churning out safe bets to keep the charts happy but not to make us feel anything new.

I know the stans are probably ready to drag me already. “Davido’s the GOAT!” “He’s carrying Afrobeats!” And yeah, his impact is undeniable—he’s opened doors for countless artists, and his hustle is textbook for how to build a music empire. Nobody’s saying he’s washed or broke; the man’s still got more money than most of us will ever see. But impact isn’t the same as innovation. Being a superstar doesn’t mean every song’s a masterpiece. If we’re keeping it 100, tracks like “Fem” were more about clout than substance—just Davido flexing over a beat, telling folks to zip it. It’s a vibe for a night, not a song you’re quoting years later.

Maybe it’s not all on him. The pressure to stay on top in Afrobeats is brutal—fans expect hits, labels want streams, and the younger cats like Rema and Fireboy are snapping at his heels. Plus, Davido’s built a whole ecosystem: his label, his philanthropy, his influencer status. Maybe music’s just one piece of the puzzle now, and he’s not sweating the details like he used to. But as a fan, that’s what stings. I want to hear the Davido who poured his soul into “Ekuro,” not the one who’s cool with dropping another club track about “shutting down the city.”

I’m not writing him off—Davido’s too talented to count out. He’s got the tools to flip the script and drop something that silences doubters like me. But right now, it feels like he’s resting on his crown, letting others carry the torch for Afrobeats’ next chapter. So, convince me I’m wrong. What’s the last Davido song that gave you chills, not just a dance move? Hit me up, because I’d love to believe he’s still got that spark. Until then, I’m just not feeling the hype like I used to.