In a stunning move, the Afrobeats superstar has withdrawn from the highly anticipated Tottenham Hotspur Stadium concert, citing “major misalignments” and a matter of principle, not poor ticket sales.
LONDON— What was poised to be a legendary, genre-spanning night of music has been thrown into chaos.
The original plan was epic: hip-hop titan 50 Cent, R&B queen Mary J. Blige, and Afrobeats king Davido sharing one stage at the 60,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 3rd. It was a dream lineup celebrating global music culture.
But the dream has been fractured.
In a bombshell announcement on his Instagram Stories this past Saturday, Davido officially confirmed he will no longer be performing. He was quick to shut down any rumors, making it crystal clear that this decision had nothing to do with fan support or ticket sales.
This was about respect.
A “Matter of Principle”
In his statement, Davido explained that despite his team’s tireless efforts to collaborate with the promoters, The Neto Future Group, there were fundamental issues that couldn’t be resolved.
“Despite strong fan support and impressive ticket sales, there have been major misalignments regarding the event’s execution,” he wrote. “Particularly concerning key elements required to uphold the integrity and quality of my performance.”
The “Unavailable” hitmaker emphasized that he couldn’t, in good conscience, deliver a show that didn’t meet the high standards his fans expect and deserve.
“This decision is not a reflection of turnout or support,” he stated firmly. “It is a matter of principle and respect for my craft, my fans, and the culture I represent.”
What Happens Now?
For fans who bought tickets, the show will go on. Davido confirmed this, noting, “Please note, the show still holds, but without Davido.” 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige are still slated to perform, though the dynamic of the night has undeniably changed.
Davido was quick to reassure his fanbase that his other tour dates are locked in. “Rest of the shows this summer are still happening. 5ive is still alive! See you guys in Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Canada and the US!”
He ended his statement with a promise to his UK fans and a powerful declaration that seems to sit at the very heart of his withdrawal:
“London, I’ll see you guys soon, I promise! … Africa must be respected.“
It’s a bold move that sends a clear message across the industry: for one of the world’s biggest stars, the performance is everything, and respect is non-negotiable.
