Afrobeats superstar Davido has officially pulled out of the upcoming London concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he was expected to headline alongside international music heavyweights 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige.
In a detailed and heartfelt message shared via his official Instagram page on Saturday, June 14, 2025, Davido (born David Adeleke) explained the reason behind his decision to step away from the highly anticipated July 3 event. The multi-award-winning Nigerian artist cited unresolved logistical and executional issues with the show organizers as the key reason for his withdrawal.
According to Davido, although he and his team had invested significant effort and time preparing for the show, there was a consistent “misalignment” between him and the promoters, The Necto Future Group. He emphasized that the problems revolved around vital elements that would impact the overall quality and integrity of his performance — standards he is not willing to compromise.
He stated that despite strong ticket sales and massive fan anticipation, the necessary conditions to deliver the kind of show his fans have come to expect from him were not being met. This ultimately led him to make the difficult decision to cancel his performance, citing it as an issue of principle and respect for his artistic craft.
In his own words, Davido wrote: “Over the past few weeks, I have extended my full support and professionalism to The Necto Future Group, promoters of @iconicpresents, with the sincere intention of delivering a performance that meets the high standards my fans deserve. 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. Unfortunately, these issues remain unresolved. As a result, I regret to inform you that I will no longer be performing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 3rd. Please note, the show still holds, but without Davido. My team and I have worked tirelessly in preparation and I am incredibly grateful to the thousands of fans who purchased tickets in anticipation. 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.”
The announcement has triggered a flurry of reactions online, with fans expressing both disappointment and support for the artist's decision to stand by his principles. Many have praised Davido’s commitment to delivering only the best and not compromising on quality, even when it involves stepping back from a high-profile international event.
Despite pulling out of the London show, Davido reassured fans that his summer tour will continue as planned, with scheduled performances in Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Canada, and the United States. He also emphasized that his latest project, ‘5ive’, remains very much alive and that he looks forward to thrilling audiences around the world as he continues to represent Afrobeats and African culture on the global stage.
“Africa must be respected,” Davido concluded, making a powerful statement about upholding excellence and demanding fairness in the global music space.