Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is making waves beyond the music industry with his bold announcement to venture into Nollywood, Nigeria’s thriving film sector. On April 19, 2025, the award-winning artist revealed plans to invest in several film projects this year, sparking excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. Known for his chart-topping hits and global influence, Davido’s pivot to filmmaking signals a new chapter in his multifaceted career. This blog post dives into Davido’s Nollywood ambitions, his collaboration with director Dammy Twitch, his acting aspirations, and the potential impact of his investments on Africa’s film industry.
From Music to Movies: Davido’s New Frontier
Davido’s announcement came during a candid interview with content creator Darryl, which quickly went viral across platforms like X and Instagram. The singer, whose fifth studio album 5ive dropped on April 19, 2025, shared that filmmaking has always been a passion. “I studied business marketing, so I would have still been in the entertainment space if I wasn’t singing, probably more behind the scenes,” he said, hinting at his long-standing interest in the creative industry beyond music.
This isn’t Davido’s first brush with Nollywood. In 2014, he made his acting debut in the action-packed movie John Zerebe, directed by Teco Benson, alongside his cousin Ikechukwu Ojeogwu Francis. The film, shot in Lagos and Osun State, showcased Davido’s early interest in cinema, though his music career took precedence at the time. Now, with a more established platform and global influence, Davido is ready to make a significant mark as a producer and potentially as an actor.
Investing in Nollywood: A Strategic Move
Davido’s decision to invest in Nollywood comes at a pivotal moment for the industry, which he described as “going bankruptcy” due to financial challenges. Producing over 2,500 films annually, Nollywood is the world’s second-largest film industry by output, trailing only India’s Bollywood. However, it faces hurdles like limited funding, piracy, and inadequate distribution networks, as noted by industry experts like Nora Awolowo and Sarudzayi Marufu. Davido’s investment could provide a much-needed boost, leveraging his business acumen and global network to elevate production quality and reach.
The singer is collaborating with his longtime music video director, Dammy Twitch, to bring his vision to life. “I am investing in a couple of films this year. Shoutout to my director, Dammy Twitch. We have some ideas, series coming,” Davido announced, hinting at both films and series in development. Dammy Twitch, known for directing visually stunning music videos like Davido’s “Jowo” and “Nwa Baby,” brings a creative edge to the partnership, promising projects that could blend Afrobeats flair with cinematic storytelling. Posts on X from outlets like
@MobilePunch and
@NG_DailyNews amplified the excitement, with fans speculating about the scope of these projects.
Davido’s focus on series suggests an eye on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon, which have increasingly embraced Nollywood content. Films like The Black Book (2023) and A Tribe Called Judah, which grossed ₦1.6 billion at the box office, have shown Nollywood’s potential for global appeal. Davido’s involvement could attract international attention, especially given his connections with artists like Chris Brown and Becky G, featured on 5ive.
Acting Ambitions: Davido’s On-Screen Potential
Beyond producing, Davido expressed confidence in his acting abilities, pointing to his performances in music videos as proof. “I can also act. I can act for real. I act in my music videos. I acted in ‘Jowo’, ‘Nwa Baby’,” he said, showcasing his charisma and screen presence. His role in John Zerebe and his natural showmanship in videos suggest he could hold his own in Nollywood, an industry known for its vibrant performances and relatable storytelling.
Davido’s acting aspirations align with Nollywood’s evolution toward higher production values and diverse genres, from comedies to thrillers like Red Circle. His celebrity status could draw audiences, much like Nollywood stars Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Timini Egbuson have done at events like the Essence Film Festival. Fans on X, including
@ParallelFacts, expressed enthusiasm for Davido’s potential on-screen, with some envisioning him in action-packed or romantic roles.
The Bigger Picture: Nollywood’s Challenges and Opportunities
Davido’s entry into Nollywood comes at a time when the industry is both thriving and facing significant challenges. Producing over 2,500 films yearly and contributing 5% to Nigeria’s GDP, Nollywood employs over a million people directly and indirectly. Yet, as Nora Awolowo noted in a Nairametrics interview, the industry’s reliance on external funding from platforms like Netflix, which recently scaled back investments, underscores the need for local infrastructure. Davido’s investment could help address this gap, supporting projects that prioritize authentic Nigerian stories.
The singer’s comments about Nollywood’s financial struggles echo concerns raised by industry leaders. A 2021 UNESCO report highlighted that only 19 African countries offer financial support to filmmakers, leaving Nollywood largely driven by private players. Davido’s resources and global network could attract co-productions, similar to EbonyLife’s deals with Netflix and Sony Pictures. His involvement might also inspire other celebrities to invest, strengthening Nollywood’s economic and cultural impact.
Why Davido’s Move Matters
Davido’s foray into Nollywood is more than a celebrity side project; it’s a strategic move that could reshape the industry. His background in business marketing, global fanbase, and experience in entertainment give him a unique edge. As Forbes reported in 2023, Davido has long expressed interest in filmmaking and launching a media company to back Nigerian stories, a vision now coming to fruition. His collaboration with Dammy Twitch and potential acting roles signal a hands-on approach, blending his Afrobeats influence with Nollywood’s storytelling prowess.
The timing is also significant. Nollywood is aiming for global recognition akin to Afrobeats, with figures like Toyosi Etim-Effiong drawing parallels between the two industries. Davido, a global Afrobeats ambassador, could bridge these worlds, bringing Nigerian cinema to new audiences. His 5ive album, featuring international stars like Victoria Monét and YG Marley, demonstrates his ability to connect cultures, a skill that could translate to film.
What to Expect from Davido’s Film Projects
While details about Davido’s upcoming films and series remain under wraps, the buzz suggests ambitious projects. His partnership with Dammy Twitch hints at visually dynamic content, possibly incorporating music and cultural themes that resonate with Nigerian and diaspora audiences. Given Nollywood’s growing presence on streaming platforms, Davido’s projects could target global viewers, building on successes like The Wedding Party and Breath of Life.
Fans are also eager to see if Davido will take on starring roles or focus on producing. His charisma and experience in music videos suggest he could excel in genres like drama or romance, while his business savvy positions him to tackle Nollywood’s funding and distribution challenges. Social media reactions, such as
@GistReel’s post, reflect high expectations, with fans calling for “blockbusters” from the OBO (Omo Baba Olowo).
Conclusion
Davido’s decision to invest in Nollywood marks a pivotal moment for both the artist and the industry. As a global music icon, his entry into filmmaking brings fresh energy to a sector poised for international growth. By partnering with Dammy Twitch and exploring acting, Davido is not just diversifying his portfolio but also contributing to Nollywood’s evolution as a cultural and economic powerhouse. With challenges like funding and piracy still looming, his investments could pave the way for more sustainable growth, echoing the success of Afrobeats on the global stage.
As Nollywood continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Davido’s involvement promises exciting projects that blend music, culture, and cinema. Whether behind the scenes or on the screen, the Afrobeats star is set to leave an indelible mark on Nigeria’s film industry. Stay tuned for updates on Davido’s Nollywood journey and the transformative impact of his 2025 film projects.
