“I spent $2m on my last album” Davido speaks about the rising cost of music production

Nigerian superstar Davido is enjoying media coverage, interviews, and recognition since the release of his multi-record-setting fourth studio album ‘Timeless.’ Since the release of the album on March 31, 2023, it has steadily grossed multi-reviews and accolades, shattered many music records, and achieved an unequaled historic feat ever achieved by an African music album.

The international superstar, who recently held his recent album’s maiden concert in Lagos, spoke on a radio station in the United States on different issues concerning his music career and music in Africa.

Speaking at the morning show interview on HOT 97 FM, New York, the DMW Records gaffer disclosed that he spent $2 million (nearly one billion Naira) on his third studio album, ‘A Better Time.’ He also revealed that the cost covered video shoots, clearing songs, featuring international acts, and more.

The third studio album, released in 2020, featured many American superstars, including Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Young Thug, Lil Baby, Summer Walker, and more.

“…with the last album (A Better Time) I spent so much on just nonsense. You know what I’m saying, not only the features, trying to shoot videos, trying to get some cleared. You know what I’m saying. My last album, I will tell you, I probably spent $2 million; that is for everything…”

However, he noted that he had learned better with his recent album, and achieved more with less expenditure. The “Over Dem” singer said that he spent less than $300K on his recent fourth studio album ‘Timeless’ and even made more returns in a few days.

“….I haven’t even spent $300K on the album [Timeless] and I made more already in three days. It just shows me the level of where African music is going…”

Speaking on why he didn’t feature any international artists outside Africa in his recent album, the record producer explained that other artists like himself feel more comfortable with the Afrobeat sound and collaborating more with African stars. He further explained that the need to collaborate with international musicians has dropped.

“…funny enough it’s reducing; like African artists wanting to feature international artists – it’s reducing. This is the first album that I didn’t feature any US artiste, and this (Timeless) is the highest charting

African album…”