Davido Pulls Out of 50 Cent’s London Concert, Says “Africa Must Be Respected”
Nigerian global music star Davido has withdrawn from 50 Cent’s Legacy Tour concert scheduled for July 3, 2025, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, citing “principle” and “respect for his craft” as the core reasons behind the move.
The concert, which also features R&B icon Mary J. Blige, will go on without the Afrobeats giant, who announced his decision via Instagram Stories on Saturday, June 14.
“Despite strong fan support and impressive ticket sales, there have been major misalignments regarding the event’s execution, particularly concerning key elements required to uphold the integrity and quality of my performance,” Davido stated.
He clarified that the cancellation was not due to poor turnout, as ticket sales were strong. Instead, the issue stemmed from unresolved logistical and professional disagreements with the promoters, The Neto Future Group and @iconicpresents.
In a pointed message that resonated deeply across his fanbase, Davido reaffirmed his commitment to artistic standards and cultural pride:
“This decision is not a reflection of turnout or support; it is a matter of principle and respect for my craft, my fans, and the culture I represent.”
He ended his message with a powerful declaration:
“Africa must be respected.”
Davido reassured fans that all other dates on his summer tour remain unchanged. He confirmed he will be performing in Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Canada, and the United States as planned:
“London, I’ll see you guys soon, I promise! Rest of the shows this summer are still happening. 5ive is still alive!”
Davido’s principled stance has sparked a wider conversation about how African artists are treated in global music events. His move underscores a growing insistence among top African performers to be given the same professional standards, production quality, and respect afforded to Western counterparts.
With Afrobeats now a dominant force in the global music scene, Davido’s decision adds momentum to calls for equitable treatment of African creatives not just in audience turnout, but in behind-the-scenes professionalism and cultural acknowledgement.
As anticipation builds for his upcoming performances, Davido’s message is clear: Africa is not a side act—it’s center stage.