Davido pulls out of London concert with 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige, citing unresolved “misalignments” with organisers regarding performance quality, while emphasizing that “Africa must be respected.”
Nigerian Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has withdrawn from the upcoming concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, where he was billed to perform alongside American icons 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige.
The show, scheduled for 3rd July 2025, will go ahead without the Nigerian singer, who made the announcement via his Instagram story on Saturday.
Davido explained that his decision was due to the organisers’ failure to address key concerns surrounding “critical elements required to uphold the integrity and quality” of his performance.
The event is curated by Iconic Presents.
I’m gutted to pull out, but I cannot compromise on standards. To my UK fans — I’ll see you soon, and we’ll make it unforgettable.
The singer also hinted at experiencing discriminatory treatment and demanded “due respect for African creatives,” without going into specifics.
Despite the setback, Davido reassured his fans in the United Kingdom that he would still perform in London this summer as part of the European leg of his 5Alive tour.
“I’m gutted to pull out, but I cannot compromise on standards,” he said in the statement. “To my UK fans — I’ll see you soon, and we’ll make it unforgettable.”
The concert will still feature other major acts, including 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige, but without Davido on the lineup.
For context, fellow Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Wizkid have previously headlined and sold out Tottenham Hotspur Stadium independently, underscoring the growing global footprint of Afrobeats.
