Nigerian afrobeat sensation Davido is set to headline a major end-of-year concert organised by Orange Cameroon on November 24 at the Bepanda Omnisport Stadium. The event coincides with the launch of Orange Cameroon’s Max it Africa service, offering Cameroonians a chance to win free gifts.
Davido, a multi-award-winning artist, will share the stage with Cameroonian legend Petit Pays. Despite the magnitude of the event and Davido’s return to Cameroon, no local artists have voiced opposition or concerns, a departure from the recent uproar surrounding the announcement of Congolese artist Fally Ipupa’s visit.
Notably, when Camtel unveiled its plans to bring Fally Ipupa to Cameroon for an end-of-year concert and Blue product launch, Cameroonian artists, particularly Lady Ponce, vehemently protested the decision, citing the neglect of local talent in favour of well-paid foreign artists.
Davido’s paycheck for the upcoming event remains undisclosed, but it is anticipated to be substantial. The prevailing silence from Cameroonian artists raises questions about the 80/20 concept, which sparked controversy in the past when Nigerian artists received higher pay than their local counterparts.
The absence of opposition to Davido’s presence suggests a potential shift in the attitude of Cameroonian artists, signalling a growing acceptance of international headliners brought in by major companies for concerts and product launches.
Curiously, Lady Ponce, who previously raised concerns about Petit Pays not being invited to events, has not publicly contested Davido’s participation. Speculation surrounds whether her silence is linked to Petit Pays’ inclusion or if questions about Davido’s paycheck linger in the background.
As the countdown to the Orange Cameroon concert begins, the silence of Cameroonian artists raises intriguing questions about the evolving dynamics of the music industry in the region.
