There is a particular kind of excitement that happens when an artist you’ve been listening to for most parts of your life finally arrives in your city. That’s the feeling when Dave announced the close of his highly acclaimed The Boy Who Played the Harp tour scheduled for October 16 & 17 right here in Lagos.
Announced in June, it sent social media into a frenzy because it was the first time in history the award-winning British-Nigerian rapper would be in Lagos, Nigeria, to headline his own concert.
We definitely didn’t see this coming, as it wasn’t just about the final stop on the tour in Lagos, but about the historic Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (formerly the National Theatre). Without a doubt, this already is one of the biggest cultural moments in Nigerian music this year.
This is a rapper whose music has become deeply familiar to Nigerian listeners, partly through some of Afrobeats’ biggest stars. So it’s no surprise that everyone eagerly anticipates this historical debut and can’t wait to be a part of it. For many of us Dave devotees in Nigeria, this is finally the moment we witness live the global rap superstar perform a landmark performance right at home.
“I remember watching his O2 performance via WhatsApp call with my guy who stays in the UK. One of the best moments of my life before he actually announced Lagos. I have never bought a ticket that fast. Dave makes timeless music. Music that connects reality, dreams and the joys of the present. There’s a reason he has grown this much.” – TBB, an ardent fan.
Two headline shows right at the very heart of Africa’s entertainment scene, Lagos. This won’t be just the city buzzing with the arrival of Santan Dave; this is Lagos pulsating through culture and unmatched energy across music, fashion, and nightlife.
For anyone wondering, here’s why fans are excited about Dave in Lagos: The Boy Who Played the Harp shows.
The Different Eras of Dave Fans Can’t Wait To See
Everyone has their own Dave story; the moment they fell in love with his hard-punching lines, chest-thumping bars, introspective yet witty lyrics. The thrill of hearing that “Look!” before he starts to spit bars.
The lyrical juggernaut has accumulated different eras of Nigerian listeners over the years. The OGs before IGs who came during his debut EP Game Over. For many Nigerians, it was during the release of his 2019 critically acclaimed debut album Psychodrama. A project that featured stars including Afro-Fusion star Burna Boy, where they delivered the hit “Location”.
“I have been a Dave fan since 2020. Discovering the Psychodrama album during the lockdown was exactly what I needed to navigate those silent days.”
There are also fans who found him through his sophomore album, We’re All Alone in This Together. Another project that introduced Dave to more Nigerian listeners through the collaborations of Wizkid and BOJ. And more recently, listeners who first encountered him through his latest album The Boy Who Played the Harp, which features Grammy winner Tems. Not forgetting the likes of those who tapped into
UK rap and were there during the release of his collaborative EP Split Decision with Central Cee, amongst noteworthy collaborations.
It’s undeniable that the quality of his works is amassed in his discography. With all these in place, rest assured there isn’t one version of Dave coming to Lagos. Your favourite rapper will be there to serve you according to your taste.
Our Favourite Dave To Nigerian Collaborations
One of the biggest reasons this Lagos show feels different is Dave’s relationship with Nigerian music. His collaborations with Nigerian artists including Burna Boy, Wizkid, BOJ, and Tems have already placed him inside Nigerian music conversations. So fans have started to speculate which of their favourite Dave-Nigerian collaboration will be performed.
“Favourite songs? I love a lot, so I can’t tell you one for sure. But I’m looking out for the ones with BOJ and Wizkid. If Wizkid shows up, bro?!”
All of these collaborations have travelled through the Nigerian music scene, creating a familiarity that makes his first-ever Lagos headline shows feel like a homecoming.
The Lineup and Setlist Lagos Wants To Hear
Although nobody has confirmed a guest for either night, this hasn’t stopped fans from building their own dream lineup: Tems? Burna Boy? Wizkid? BNXN? Oxlade? Someone completely unexpected? There’s also the setlist everyone is looking to hear at the shows. If Dave only performs 10 songs in Lagos, which ones make the cut?
Here’s what another fan said upon getting their tickets:
“Dave is my favourite artiste ever, and I’ve always said that I’d go to a Dave’s concert before I die, and that’s why when it was announced, it felt like my dream was coming sooner than I expected. I’m hoping to have a great time. THE BEST TIME. I already know it will be. One song I’m looking out for his “Best of
my smile.” Also, can we have Tems? That’ll be the biggest plus.”
Once again, Dave in Lagos isn’t just about watching an international artist perform in Nigeria. It is about seeing what happens when an artist whose music has already found a place in the culture finally stands in front of the people who have been listening. And judging by the conversations already happening, nobody wants to miss this night.
However, there is only one question left: are you going to experience it, or are you going to watch someone else’s view of it the next morning?
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