Davido’s 5IVE Tour in Nigeria marks a shift for Afrobeats, as one of the genre’s biggest stars prioritizes local performances after years of global focus. As the first of the “big three” artists—Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy—to organize a multi-city domestic tour in the Afrobeats export era, it addresses a gap in accessible live music for Nigerian fans.
The tour covers regions from south to north, using venues that symbolize national unity, at a time when economic pressures limit spending. However, sponsors cover production costs, keeping tickets affordable enough to draw large crowds.
Davido announced the tour on October 14, 2025, via social media, following his sold-out North American leg.
“I’m blessed to perform all around the world, and everywhere I go—Nigeria goes with me. But this time… I’m bringing it HOME,” he wrote. “After an unforgettable North American tour, it’s only right we bring that energy back where it all began. 5IVE TOUR NIGERIA, y’all ready??!! This one’s for the culture. This one’s personal. This one’s for us.”
The five-stop itinerary starts October 26 in Akwa Ibom at Godswill Akpabio Stadium (30,000 capacity), followed by Adamawa on October 29 at Mahmud Ribadu Square (25,000), Enugu on November 1 at Michael Okpara Square (20,000), Ibadan on November 9 at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (25,000), and ends December 25 in Lagos for a festival.
Music journalist Joey Akan called it a “great move” on X, noting its symbolic route: Uyo for the south, Enugu for the east, Ibadan as a western extension beyond Lagos, and Adamawa as a northern surprise.
“This is both a marketing endeavor, and a labour of love,” Akan wrote, adding that macroeconomic factors have reduced disposable income, making the tour a risk.
Sponsors including Guinness, Afreximbank’s CANEX, Martell, Wema Bank, and GAC Motors handle core production, ensuring low ticket prices and high attendance. This would be a huge ticketing exercise for promoters and online ticket vendors.
Other Afrobeats artists have taken the same route earlier this year bringing more fans to the live show system to explore their favorite artists. Llona’s Homeless Nationwide Tour, which hit 21 cities starting in Zaria and sold out venues like Muhammadu Buhari Civic Center in Lokoja, promoting indie accessibility. Odumodublvck’s Greatest School Tour targeted universities nationwide, starting in April and partnering with events like The Mainland Block Party to build local touring infrastructure.
The decision by Davido drew praise from industry voices. ChartsAfrica wrote: “@davido announces 5ive tour in Nigeria..!!!”, signaling broad excitement. Olamide, YBNL label head shared the dates, amplifying reach.
This tour revives live music engagement in Nigeria, where fans have relied on Lagos-Abuja circuits. By blending commercial strategy with cultural return, Davido sets a model for Afrobeats sustainability at home.
