On April 12, 2025, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival witnessed a powerful moment in African music history. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 took the stage, opening their set with “Everything Scatter,” a 1975 classic by Afrobeat legend “Fela Kuti“. Seun, the youngest son of Fela, continued his father’s legacy with a performance that resonated deeply. The show earned praise from fans and fellow artists alike.
Among those celebrating the moment was Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido. His reaction on X highlighted the significance of the event for African music on the global stage. Davido, known for his international success, took to X at 19:16 UTC on April 12, 2025, to share his admiration, posting;
Check it out below!
This is LEGENDARY @RealSeunKuti https://t.co/3yLfdMCKcc
— Davido (@davido) April 12, 2025
“This is LEGENDARY @RealSeunKuti”
while quoting a post from HYPETRIBE that featured an image of Seun Kuti performing at Coachella. The image captured Seun in a vibrant blue outfit, commanding the stage with Egypt 80, the band his father once led.
Read also: Seun Kuti apologises to Femi Falana
Davido’s shoutout underscores the camaraderie among Nigerian artists. This is a trend he’s exemplified before through collaborations and public support for peers like Candy Bleakz. His post reflects a broader movement of African artists amplifying each other’s voices. This trend further solidifies the continent’s growing influence in global music.
Seun Kuti’s performance was historic, marking his second appearance at Coachella. He was the first Nigerian act to perform there in 2012. “Everything Scatter,” a song that critiques societal chaos and establishment views, set the tone for a set that blended Afrobeat’s traditional grooves with contemporary flair.
The track’s selection paid homage to Fela Kuti’s legacy. Fela’s music often stirred controversy in Nigeria for its bold political commentary
Fans on X had mixed reactions to the performance. Davido’s post quickly garnered responses, with many echoing his enthusiasm. Some called it the “Biggest” moment, while some hailed Davido as “OBO” (a popular nickname meaning “Omo Baba Olowo,” or “son of a wealthy man”) for his support. Others praised the authenticity of the moment with comments like “Real” and “Apt.”
Read also: Rema, Seun Kuti, Tyla and Amaarae to feature in Coachella 2025
However, not all reactions were positive as some replied with a dismissive “Mugu,” questioning Davido with, “Abeg which music you steal.” They hinted at past controversies around originality in Afrobeats. Meanwhile, some responding to the original HYPETRIBE post expressed disappointment, stating, “See as dem disgrace Africa as whole wtf is this.” These reactions reflect a divide in how the performance was perceived.
Seun Kuti’s Coachella 2025 set, alongside other African acts like Tyla, Rema, and “Amaarae“, marked a significant moment for the continent’s music at the festival. Davido’s endorsement and the varied fan reactions highlighted both the pride and the scrutiny African artists face. They carry their culture to global stages.
As Afrobeat continues to evolve, moments like these show its enduring power to connect, provoke, and inspire across borders.
