Atlanta-born, Nigerian-bred Afrobeats artist Davido dazzled crowds at Coachella with an exhilarating 45 minute set last weekend. Taking over the Gobi Stage, Davido stood out as the only Afrobeats artist officially on the lineup.
Fresh off a 40-show world tour, he debuted at Coachella to a packed crowd. The full set spanned 16 tracks showcasing the cultural impact of Afrobeats and celebrating an artist at the Apex of its global reach. A carefully curated setlist held an enamoured crowd in awe, opening with vibrant, career defining hits Dami Duro, Skelewu and Gobe. Towards the end of the set Adekunle Gold came onstage to perform the duo’s hit HIGH from Davido’s Grammy nominated album 5IVE, finishing with a special rendition of With You that began with an improvised Thriller intro and closed with an emotional display of the Nigerian flag – Davido is an official brand ambassador of Nigeria.
Reflecting on a historical show and Davido’s growing influence across the globe, CLASH reflects on a meeting with the artist at Paris Fashion Week earlier this year.
How long have you been working with your stylist Yasmeen Ntwari? What’s your relationship like?
I’ve worked with Yasmeen on a few occasions, including around my wedding period. For this
project, she was part of a wider creative process. I’m generally very hands-on with my looks, so it’s always a collaborative effort to make sure everything aligns with my personal style and the moment.
Can you tell us about your looks at PFW?
A lot of what I wore came directly from the shows I was attending. I wanted to represent the designers properly while still keeping my own vibe. Everything felt relaxed and intentional. Nothing forced. Just clean looks that made sense for where I was and what I was there to experience.
What was the vibe like at PFW this season?
The vibe was calm but very focused. Men’s Fashion Week is quite specific, so it gave me the space to really pay attention to the details and the artistry. I could properly take everything in, from the construction to the storytelling.
What do you love most about Paris?
Paris always shows me a lot of love. Every time I’m here, the energy is amazing. There’s a deep respect for art, fashion, and culture, and I feel that whenever I’m in the city.
Can you break down your favourite shows this season?
Kenzo was dope, very strong presentation. But Willy Chavarria really stood out. The production, the message, the execution. As an artist, I understand what goes into the backend of a production, so seeing that level of intention really impressed me.
What were some of your favourite looks on the runway?
I noticed a lot of fur and very structured tailoring. The fur was impossible to miss. Some of it was extra in the best way. It takes confidence to pull off, but when it works, it works.
Who do you think is the most exciting designer showing this season and why?
Willy Chavarria. His work has depth. It goes beyond clothes and speaks to identity, culture, and emotion. You can feel the intention behind everything, and that’s what makes it exciting.
Credit: clashmusic
