Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has entered the growing debate over the state of Nigeria’s music industry after music promoter Paulo Okoye questioned whether the genre is losing its relevance.
Paulo, a music executive and partner of actress Iyabo Ojo, had raised concerns over the increasingly high performance fees demanded by some of Nigeria’s leading Afrobeats artistes. His comments included a provocative question about whether the genre was “dead or in coma.”
The remarks sparked a response from Nigerian music executive Bankulli, who criticised Paulo’s position and described his argument as faulty. Bankulli also suggested that the promoter’s comments were linked to an inability to afford the fees charged by top artistes.
Davido subsequently joined the exchange in the comment section of Bankulli’s post. The singer tagged Paulo and wrote: “PAUL O AKA PAUL BROKE.”
Davido’s intervention quickly drew attention online, adding another layer to an already heated conversation about the commercial value of Afrobeats and the fees commanded by Nigeria’s biggest music stars.
The dispute comes as Nigerian Afrobeats continues to attract major international audiences, while artistes and industry executives remain divided over rising booking fees, production costs and the economics of staging major music events.
Interestingly, Paulo and Davido have previously been on the same side of a public debate. Nearly two years ago, Paulo defended the singer after Davido criticised Nigeria’s economic situation during an appearance on The Big Homies House podcast.
Paulo’s relationship with actress Iyabo Ojo became public in December 2022 when the actress confirmed their romance during celebrations marking her 45th birthday.
The latest exchange, however, has shifted attention back to the business side of Afrobeats, with industry figures debating whether the huge fees commanded by Nigeria’s biggest artistes reflect the genre’s global growth or have become a barrier for promoters.
