Afrobeats superstar Davido has declared that his upcoming three-night residency at Lagos’ National Theatre could become more than another December concert, as he seeks to prove that Africa can host world-class music events without everybody packing their bags for London, America or the Middle East.
Dubbed “Oriadé: The Residency,” the event is scheduled for December 17 to 19, 2026, and will mark the first live Nigerian performance of his latest album, Oriadé. The residency also coincides with Davido’s 15th year in music.
Davido Wants Africa to Stop Exporting the Whole Party
Davido says bringing major entertainment experiences back home is important for African culture. In a CNN interview, he explained that the residency should show the outside world that Africa has facilities capable of hosting major music events, comparing the National Theatre’s cultural significance with the role Madison Square Garden plays in New York.
In true Davido fashion, the message has arrived with plenty of ambition: Africa has talent, fans and music, so why should the entire entertainment business always relocate before the international spotlight can shine? The singer also pointed to the potential economic impact, arguing that a major residency can attract visitors, create jobs and put money into the wider entertainment ecosystem.
National Theatre Gets Another Chance to Make Noise
The National Theatre has recently returned to the centre of Nigeria’s live-entertainment conversation following its extensive renovation. The venue has already hosted major performances, including Adekunle Gold’s sold-out December 2025 concert, which was described as a landmark return of large-scale live performances to the cultural complex.
Now Davido is preparing to test the venue on an even bigger scale, with three consecutive nights featuring songs from Oriadé, career favourites and expected appearances from collaborators. The National Theatre itself describes the Lagos venue as a major cultural centre, while its current programme includes several arts and entertainment events scheduled for 2026.
For Davido, however, the residency is not simply about filling seats. It is about proving that international-quality entertainment can happen on African soil and still attract attention from audiences beyond the continent. If the December experiment succeeds in drawing music lovers and visitors into Lagos, the conversation could quickly move from “Can Africa host it?” to “Why are we still asking?”
OGM News NG will continue watching as Davido prepares to bring Oriadé home, with the National Theatre set to become one of Lagos’ biggest entertainment talking points this December.
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