Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Afrobeats superstar Davido has set the music world abuzz with a bold declaration that he and his contemporaries have only five to six years left at the top, hinting at a strategic exit from active music before he turns 40 and insisting he has no intention of competing with younger artists for the spotlight as he ages. The 33-year-old singer made the remarks during a recent episode of the Uncut Podcast, where he offered a candid reflection on career longevity, legacy, and the finite nature of an artist's active years.
"This is me and my contemporaries' last 5–6 years. I am not going to be 40, still dragging the spotlight with guys in their 20s," Davido said, according to multiple reports on August 18, 2026 . He urged artists from his generation to consider stepping back from the frontline and taking on more background and executive roles, drawing a parallel to American rapper and businessman Jay-Z, who took a break from music and continued building his career outside the recording studio. "Jay-Z took a break and he is doing his thing," Davido said .
Despite the talk of an eventual exit, the "Feel" singer expressed unwavering confidence in the strength of his existing catalogue, boasting that he could take a 10-year break and still return to sell out 50 arenas. "I can take a 10-year break, come back, and still do a 50-arena tour. I have the catalogue. I might decide not to make another song for the rest of my life, and nobody is touching my catalogue," he declared . This confidence reflects the value of cultural impact and audience loyalty built over 16 years in the industry, with his 2025 chart-topping single "With You" featuring Omah Lay extending his record of six consecutive years with a No. 1 song in Nigeria .
Davido clarified that he was not announcing an immediate retirement but rather emphasising that veteran artists should eventually step back from the centre of the music scene and explore other opportunities . "There are so many other things music should be able to help you branch into. I am not saying we should retire. But I am not going to be 40 and dragging the spotlight with some 20-year-old kid," he explained . The singer has previously disclosed plans to reclaim ownership of his music masters from Sony Music, allowing him to pass royalty-generating assets to his children, and has also expressed interest in pursuing acting and film production . He has also spoken about his fear of forcing relevance and the importance of recognising the right time to step back .
His comments come amid the growing international profile of younger Afrobeats artists, while several established stars have expanded into record-label ownership, business, and executive roles . For Davido, the message is clear: the next phase of his career will focus more on legacy and business expansion than maintaining his position on the music charts. Whether his "last 5-6 years" timeline will hold remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the Afrobeats superstar is already thinking about life beyond the stage.
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