Afrobeats heavyweight Davido has credited the legendary Nigerian music duo P-Square with fueling his musical ambitions and fostering a deep sense of pride in his African heritage during his formative years.
Speaking in a recent interview with the BBC, the ‘Unavailable’ hitmaker reminisced about his school days, recalling how he would eagerly boast to his peers about the monumental achievements of twin brothers Peter and Paul Okoye. For a young Davido, the duo served as tangible proof that African musicians could command international respect and transcend continental boundaries.
Breaking Boundaries and Paving the Way
According to Davido, P-Square’s ability to forge high-profile relationships and collaborate with global American superstars, such as Snoop Dogg and Kanye West, was a game-changer for the emerging generation of Nigerian talent.
“P-Square inspired me. I used to tell my friends in school about how they were two African artistes who had a song with Snoop Dogg and were friends with Kanye West,” the superstar shared during the interview.
Seeing local artists collaborate with global hip-hop legends demystified international success for Davido. It instilled in him the confidence that African musicians had the talent and appeal to compete on the world stage.
The Legacy of P-Square
Widely acknowledged as pioneers of the modern Afrobeats wave, P-Square’s innovative sound, high-energy choreography, and business acumen laid the groundwork for the genre’s current global dominance. Their trailblazing efforts paved the path for a newer generation of global superstars, including:
- Davido, who has gone on to sell out arenas worldwide.
- Wizkid, a fellow pioneer of the contemporary Afrobeats movement.
- Rema, who continues to break streaming records globally.
Ultimately, P-Square’s legacy is defined not just by their own chart-topping hits, but by the doors they unlocked for the entire African music industry. For Davido, their blueprint remains a crucial milestone in his journey to becoming one of the world’s most recognized African artists.