In a move that has stirred debate, Nigerian superstar Davido has been featured on King Charles III’s exclusive music playlist, “The King’s Music Room,” alongside global icons like Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue, and Beyoncé.
The playlist, unveiled in celebration of Commonwealth Day 2025, aims to showcase musical diversity across the Commonwealth, but Davido’s inclusion has sparked mixed reactions—with some questioning whether Afrobeats now holds royal approval, while others see it as a mere symbolic nod to modern trends.
Davido’s song “Kante” featuring Fave, from his Grammy-nominated album “Timeless”, was personally selected by King Charles III, who admitted a fascination with Nigerian pidgin English and even recalled attempting to speak it during his last visit to Nigeria.
“It also features lyrics in pidgin which I love in all its forms, and in which I attempted to make a speech when I last visited Nigeria. Thanks to Afrobeats, it is becoming ever more popular around the world.”
While some see the move as a milestone for Afrobeats, critics argue that it is a strategic attempt by the British monarchy to stay relevant among younger, diverse audiences, especially given the monarchy’s historical ties to colonialism in Africa.
The King’s playlist, available exclusively on Apple Music, also features a blend of genres, including reggae, disco, and classical opera, with tracks from Diana Ross, Miriam Makeba, and Daddy Lumba.
As debates rage over whether this is genuine cultural appreciation or just royal tokenism, one thing is clear: Afrobeats has reached Buckingham Palace—but at what cost?
