DAVIDO EYES FILM DEBUT WITH A SURPRISING ROLE
Nigerian Afro beats superstar, Davido, has expressed his desire to make his debut in the movie industry, revealing a surprising choice for his first role. Speaking during a panel session at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), the award-winning singer said he intends to play a character that would shock his fans and show a different side of his creativity. “I need a role, I want to do something that would shock people, like playing a taxi driver, something out of the blue,” Davido said while discussing his plans for the big screen. The singer, who has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most successful entertainers, hinted that acting has always been something he wanted to try, but now he feels ready to take that step. Beyond just appearing on camera, Davido also revealed that he is looking to take a more active role in film production, stating that he wants to help tell African stories and support other creatives in the industry. “In the coming years, I definitely want to get involved in producing movies. My brother was saying he’s going to give me a role,” he noted, smiling as he spoke about his transition from music to film. According to him, his passion for film extends beyond acting. He believes there is an opportunity to bridge the gap between music and film, especially in the way African stories are told. “I definitely want to get involved in movies… I want to do things like that too, and also help get funding for creatives,” he added. His remarks drew applause from the audience, many of whom see his involvement as a boost to Nollywood’s growing global influence. Davido’s statement also reflects the current trend among Nigerian musicians who are expanding into film and media production. He referenced examples of American artistes who have successfully ventured into film projects that reflect their real-life experiences, saying he would like to explore that type of storytelling as well. The singer, whose real name is David Adeleke, stressed that his goal is not just fame but legacy; to create something lasting within Africa’s creative ecosystem. His appearance at AFRIFF came at a time when the Nigerian film industry continues to draw international attention for its originality and storytelling depth. Davido’s interest adds to that momentum, especially as he hinted at plans to collaborate with established filmmakers and possibly take up roles that are deviations from traditional expectations of celebrity acting. For a star who has dominated music charts globally, this move could be a defining shift in his career, opening another avenue for expression beyond the stage and studio. Although Davido did not reveal when his first film project would begin, his passion for cinema was clear. The prospect of seeing him take on a gritty, everyday role, such as a taxi driver, has already stirred excitement among fans and industry watchers. For many, it would be refreshing to see one of Africa’s most flamboyant entertainers portray an ordinary man navigating life’s struggles. As the conversation around African storytelling continues to evolve, Davido’s potential entry into film appears to be more than just an experiment. It is going birth a larger vision to blend music, film, and culture in ways that empower creatives and redefine global perceptions of African talent. Whether or not his first role turns out to be that of a taxi driver, Davido’s next act promises to be one that fans and Nollywood will be watching closely.
JOEL OWAH | 2025-11-07 17:14:03