President Julius Bio Receives Davido Ahead of Sierra Leone Beach Concert
The longstanding cultural relationship between Nigeria and Sierra Leone was further strengthened this week as the President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, formally received internationally acclaimed Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido. The courtesy visit, held at the Presidential Lodge in Freetown, preceded the much anticipated Sierra Leone Beach Concert at the scenic Sugarland Beach and underscored the growing influence of music as a tool for diplomacy and economic development.
During the engagement, President Bio praised Davido for his contributions to African music and his role as a global cultural ambassador. He emphasized that interactions of this nature are instrumental in boosting the creative industry, promoting cultural exchange, and reinforcing unity across the continent through music.
In his remarks, Davido expressed deep appreciation for the warmth and hospitality of Sierra Leoneans, describing the country as a second home. He reflected on his memorable 2017 visit, during which he performed before an estimated crowd of over 50,000 fans, and revealed plans for a future stadium concert to meet increasing local demand. The artist noted that his visit aligns with a broader mission to showcase African excellence, particularly as the continent prepares for AFCON 2025 celebrations. President Bio, in turn, commended Davido’s consistency and international reach, highlighting the positive visibility the 5ive Alive World Tour brings to West African culture and tourism.
The visit culminated in a spectacular performance at Sugarland Beach, where Davido headlined the sold out Gbamgbaode Festival. His dramatic entrance through cascading white smoke and alongside stilt performers clad in colorful traditional Sierra Leonean attire set the tone for an electrifying night. The performance featured a lineup of chart topping hits, including fan favorites such as Fall and Sensational, igniting excitement among thousands in attendance. The presence of First Lady Fatima Maada Bio in the VIP section further reflected the national importance of the event.
Davido’s Sierra Leone appearance followed closely on the heels of his landmark performance at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, Morocco. By seamlessly transitioning from a continental sporting showcase in North Africa to a major cultural festival in West Africa, the artist has reaffirmed his status as one of the most influential and active performers of the 2025 holiday season. As the 5ive Alive World Tour continues across global destinations, the Freetown stop stands out as a defining moment where music, culture, and diplomacy converged to leave a lasting impression on Sierra Leone.