The afrobeat artist shows us a fresh aspect of his style in a recent photo styled by the brilliant Mike Ruiz for L’Officiel Fashion Book Australia, talking about the EndSARS protest, being named in TIME100 NextGen 2021, his mission with UNICEF, and pioneering Afrobeats into the forefront.
Davido was photographed by Mike Ruiz and styled in numerous different costumes. He was dressed in a leather jacket, black top and trousers, a fluffy crimson overall robe, and other items.
Other international celebrities that have graced the cover of the magazine include Travis Scott, Chris Brown, Harry Styles, Jorja Smith, among others.
Take a look at some of the excerpts from the interview here:
Speaking on the #ENDSARS movement
First of all, shout out to the brave citizens of Nigeria. That was probably the first time in my generation to have seen people come out and really protest like that. People know that I’m for the people. When that issue came up, when the whole EndSARS project came up, everybody was just obviously knowing that I was going to be involved whichever way. I attended a couple of rallies. Me and my team, we met up with the inspector general police.
We filled the airport because I knew that I had the connections to see these people that in power and speak to them for my fans, for the citizens. I wasn’t there as a leader of any movement, I was there as a citizen that was also worried about what was going on. I personally don’t really have no police trouble because of who I am, but I see that from the people on a daily. It was something I really had to get involved in.
On his nomination as one of TIME100 NextGen 2021 and how that platform has helped him get his message accross.
Of course, internationally it gives us, apart from being acknowledged, which is a great thing as well, it’s also spreading the story of what’s happening back home to the people over there. That, of course, we can’t knock that. There are so many people involved in this that did so much more than me that weren’t mentioned there that were way more instrumental than me. That’s why I’m really careful. I ain’t trying to take all the credit and stuff like that. You feel me?
Speaking on his mission with UNICEF
First of all, shout out to UNICEF. First of all, I love what they’ve been doing for the continent for years and years and years. I think even before that, I’ve always been doing my work, I’ve always been trying to help the community, help kids. Even before this collaboration with UNICEF, I feel like it’s something I’ve been doing even without people knowing. That’s why I don’t really care people knowing how I help people. The most important fact is that they’re being helped and results are coming from whatever we’re doing for them.
When UNICEF came into the picture, we were like, “Yo, we can do this on a bigger scale.” It’s never been about money for me, it’s just about the platform that UNICEF has built. I’m thinking with me and what I know and the ideas I have to switch a lot of stuff around, I think we’ll do great stuff. That came along too.
Talking about inspiration when it comes to making music
I think just the beauty of the culture and the influence I have on the culture, making me want to make better music. When I drop a song, if somebody else drops a song that’s internationally known, I feel like I got to represent well. Just the fans, bro. Just the fans, man. Just knowing that your music makes people happy, man, that’s an amazing feeling.
