You can help raise money for The Africa Centre by donating online #JustGiving justgiving.com/campaign/runf…

Wizkid x Smade x Don bazzy ❤

🌍🎶 Afrobeats didn’t start in stadiums. King Smade talks about the years before the world was watching, backing artists like Wizkid and Davido. In conversation with Adesope Olajide, he breaks down Afro Nation, power, ownership, and what happens when culture goes global 🤩👇🏾

Everyone can’t have access to who you are becoming … cheers to @martell & my bro / host @adesope_olajide youtu.be/AU8iPoFp3YQ?si=FVax…

"They (Wizkid and Davido) deserve every luxury life they are living today, because of the amount of work they've put into the game." - Smade

Adesope shares how he interviewed Wizkid and Ice Prince on the same day at Smade’s house, many years ago.

I never thought I’d say this: I am now the first Doctor of Afrobeats. For 21 years, I’ve been called many things: promoter, organiser... even dreamer. But rarely “architect.” Rarely “leader.” Rarely “Doctor.” The truth is, African culture has often been treated as lifestyle, not as strategy. Entertainment, not economy. Inspiration, but not infrastructure. That has always been the conflict. We export the sound, but others capture the value. This month, Myles Leadership University conferred on me an Honorary Doctorate of Arts, recognising two decades of building platforms that turned Afrobeats from grassroots nights in London into a global economy. Afro Nation started as my Master’s case study. Today, our culture injects millions into GDPs, fills stadiums across continents, and positions Africa as a shareholder in its own creativity. The shift is clear: Culture is no longer asking for permission. It is being written into policy, trade, and diplomacy. That’s why in the past year alone, I’ve led cultural missions in Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Nigeria. This week I travel to Algeria for CANEX @ IATF 2025, where I’ll speak on Decolonising Algorithms and Fair Value for African Artists. Credibility comes not from titles but from outcomes: 📍 1,000 events across 15 countries 📍 900 artists including Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy 📍 1M attendees worldwide 📍 Festivals generating tens of millions in GDP impact But this doctorate is not about me. It’s about what it signals: that cultural leadership is as material to Africa’s growth as central bankers, ministers, or CEOs. It affirms that our creativity is not just export... it is equity. My takeaway? Legacy is not built in the applause of the crowd. It is built in the infrastructure you leave behind for the next generation. 👉🏾 To those building right now: keep going. You may not have a title yet, but your work is already rewriting the future. — Dr. King SMADE 👑

“David didn’t charge me anything… He built his own stage. He flew in a 20-man band and full team...” Smade tells Adesope how Davido’s historic 2018 O2 Academy Brixton show capped by a surprise appearance from Wizkid became a reality.

WE NAMED AFRICAN MUSIC AFROBEATS BECAUSE IT WAS THE BEST NAME TO IDENTIFY WITH . EVERY SUPERSTAR YOU SEE TODAY SHOULD BE RESPECTED- DR KING SMADE ( FOUNDER AFRO NATION )

TONIGHT 💨

London See You Tommorow 🇬🇧

No Love For This Continent But Me Na Gwan Relent God Go Vex for me if i no showcase this telent To feed my children #Olaoluwakitan24

WAVE 2 IS HERE! @iamodeal @unclewaffffles @amaarae @Qingmadi and more! This isn’t even our final form 😈 #ANP2025 we move!! 🔥🔥

OXLADE in LONDON 🇬🇧 Tonight! 12.12.24 @electricbrixtonofficial Birmingham on Saturday! 14.12.24 @o2institutebham 🎫 @livenationuk @smadeevents livenation.co.uk/artist-oxla…

🚨TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR #ANN2023 🇳🇬 The world's biggest Afrobeats festival is making its way back home🇳🇬 December 19th & 20th, Tafawa Balewa Square. No dulling,get your tickets today 🥰 Secure vour tickets now via 📲@afronation.Africa @iamSMADE @Smadeevents @smade_parties

Let’s go!! ❤️🙏🏽

London 4 Days!!! ❤️🦅