What happened
Nigerian superstar Davido (real name David Adeleke) met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on 23 October 2025. The meeting was announced by Davido via his social media, where he posted photographs of the two leaders together, captioned: “It was an honour meeting @EmmanuelMacron and sharing our visions for a better world”. (Vanguard News)
In the photographs, Davido was accompanied by key associates including his manager Asa Asika and celebrity restaurateur/entrepreneur Pascal Okechukwu (a.k.a. Cubana Chief Priest). The meeting reportedly took place at the Élysée Palace, France’s presidential residence, underscoring its high-profile nature. (TheCable Lifestyle)
While no formal agenda was publicly disclosed, various sources indicate that the discussion touched on creative industries, Nigeria-France cultural engagement and the broader possibility of strengthening ties in the arts, entertainment and youth sectors. (Vanguard News)
Why it matters
Cultural diplomacy in action: The meeting exemplifies how entertainers like Davido are increasingly operating beyond music — engaging in diplomacy, influencing soft power and representing African creative talent on global stages.
Nigeria-France relations: France has been boosting engagement with anglophone Africa in recent years, and its interest in Nigeria's creative economy aligns with broader economic and diplomatic outreach. Davido’s visit adds a cultural facet to bilateral ties.
Signalling international influence: For Davido, the meeting marks another milestone in his career as an international artist; for Nigeria, it spotlights the country’s creative industry and its potential role in global conversations about culture and youth empowerment.
Private sector and creative economy focus: Given the presence of Cubana Chief Priest and references to expansion (e.g., hospitality/restaurants) in France, the meeting hints at potential entrepreneurial or investment angles tied to Nigerian creative and business sectors. (Dockaysworld)
Reactions & commentary
Media headlines emphasised the photos and the symbolic nature of the encounter. For example:
“PHOTOS: Davido meets French president, says ‘we shared our visions for a better world’” — TheCable (TheCable Lifestyle)
“Davido meets French President Macron, fans react” — Guardian Life (The Guardian Nigeria)
Social-media commentary was mixed. Some fans celebrated the image of a home-grown African artist meeting a world leader; others questioned the substance of the meeting, suggesting it might be more symbolic than substantive. (The Guardian Nigeria)
Broader context & implications
Creative industry as economic lever: Nigeria’s “Afrobeats” wave, global streaming, fashion, and wider entertainment exports are increasingly seen as areas for economic growth; engagements like this help underline credibility and connections.
France’s Africa strategy: Macron has previously emphasised cultural, economic and educational outreach to Africa. France’s engagement with Anglophone African countries (such as Nigeria) is part of a broader shift.
Youth, culture & diplomacy: The meeting aligns with rising recognition that youth-centred, culture-driven diplomacy (music, fashion, tech) complement traditional state-to-state diplomacy.
Business and investment signals: The inclusion of an entrepreneur (Cubana Chief Priest) hints at private-sector ambitions: expansion of Nigerian hospitality, fashion, or lifestyle brands into European markets may be on the radar.
What to watch next
Whether any formal announcements, MOUs or collaborative initiatives emerge from the meeting (e.g., in culture, tourism, investment or education).
Whether Davido or his associates announce business ventures or partnerships in France or Europe linked to creative industries.
How this meeting dovetails with wider Nigerian government policy on culture, the creative economy and international branding.
The response (if any) from French institutions: whether the Élysée issues a statement, and how French media frame the encounter in the broader France-Africa narrative.
