Donating Davido returns to thrill Rwanda

Named for a line from his hit song ‘If’, the 30 Billion Tour will see Davido visit several cities around the world.

“I am aware I am not the most talented but I can say I am the biggest artist in Africa,” he said at a press conference in Kigali.

“The last time I was in Rwanda four years ago I had a good time with my fans. I’ve gone around the world and toured in different cities. I am coming back home to celebrate and Kigali itself is going to be more of a celebration because this tour is like a finale.”

The 30 Billion Tour is supported by record label Sony Music and arranged by Temple Management Company.

Following the press conference, Davido performed at the capital, where, as seen in a video that appeared online, he stumbled as he climbed the stage. He recovered and proceeded to perform before a hollering audience. He later invited rapper Jay Polly onstage.

“Davido said Jay Polly was his favourite Rwandan artist as they performed…’Ku Musenyi’ [Jay Polly’s 2014 hit],” Rwandan publication New Times said.

As part of his stay in Rwanda, Davido visited a music school and made a promise. “I love Africa,” he said, “and that’s why I told my boy before I stood up here that I am going to donate $5 000 to you.” He also invited the audience of students to his Kigali concert with a pledge of free tickets.

Later, a clip posted on his Twitter account showed the artist talking to students and shaking bystanders' hands. “As I always say, ‘We rise by lifting others’. Visited a music school in Rwanda today, the beautiful bright spirit of the people I met there motivated me to donate to their future! One Love worldwide!” he wrote.

The Rwanda concert lasted over an hour, and had Davido identify with the East African country. “Anyone in the crowd, if you are proud to be from Rwanda,” he said, according to Kigali Today, urging fans to raise their hands. “Even me I wish I was from Rwanda.”

As part of the 30 Billion Tour, Davido will also visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo (March 9), Brazzaville, Congo (March 10), and Douala, Cameroon (March 17). His last two stops in French-speaking Africa are Niamey, Niger (March 21), and Dakar, Senegal (March 24).