Davido to Headline Ethiopian New Year's Eve Celebration After Rema Concert Cancellation

Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is preparing to host an unforgettable Ethiopian New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring a special performance by one of Africa’s most successful and influential artists-Davido.

This year’s New Year’s celebration at Sheraton Addis carries an extra layer of anticipation after the cancellation of last year’s highly anticipated performance by another Afrobeats star, Rema.

A highly anticipated concert by Nigerian singer Rema, scheduled for September 9 in Addis Ababa, has been cancelled amidst controversy surrounding his jewelry.

The cancellation came after Rema's customized necklace, featuring imagery of a burning church and inverted crosses, sparked outrage in the deeply religious country.

Many Ethiopians viewed the symbols as disrespectful and promoting devil worship.

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The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which has a strong cultural footprint in the country, condemned Rema's jewelry and reportedly pressured the Sheraton Hotel Addis to call off the New Year's Eve show.

In a statement, the hotel expressed "deep regret for any offence caused" and emphasized its "respect for Ethiopian culture, history, and religious values."

The Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa had to cancel Rema’s concert due to concerns related to religious sentiments and suggestive imagery.

The decision to cancel Rema’s concert left many fans disappointed, making Davido’s upcoming performance all the more significant.

As the countdown to the Ethiopian New Year begins, excitement is building around Davido’s performance.

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Known for his electrifying stage presence and ability to connect with audiences, Davido has become a global icon in the music industry.

Davido’s presence in Ethiopia this year also underscores a broader shift in the country’s musical landscape.

In the past, Ethiopia’s New Year celebrations were graced by some of the biggest names in American music. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in focus towards Afrobeats artists as the genre continues to gain momentum and global acceptance.

The rise of Afrobeats, characterized by its infectious rhythms and a blend of African and Western musical influences, has resonated deeply with Ethiopian audiences.

Artists like Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage are leading this wave, bringing African music to the forefront of global pop culture.

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Their success has helped Afrobeats transcend borders, and today, it is not uncommon to hear Afrobeats tracks playing in clubs, at parties, and on the airwaves across Ethiopia.

Born David Adedeji Adeleke, Davido burst onto the scene in 2011 with his debut single “Back When,” and soon after, he solidified his place in the industry with the smash hit “Dami Duro.”

His debut album, Omo Baba Olowo, was a commercial success and set the stage for his future endeavors.

Davido’s influence extends beyond just music.

He is a trendsetter and a philanthropist, known for using his platform to support various charitable causes.

His collaborations with international stars such as Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Baby have propelled Afrobeats to a global audience, making Davido a key player in the genre’s international rise.

Davido - 10 Kilo (Official Video)

For the Ethiopian New Year celebration at Sheraton Addis, fans can expect Davido to bring his A-game, delivering a performance packed with energy, passion, and all the hits that have made him a household name.

Tickets for the event are priced at 20,000 ETB, which includes an extravagant all-you-can-eat buffet and an open bar throughout the night.

For those looking to extend the festivities, an exclusive after-party at Gaslight is also available, with tickets priced at 25,000 ETB.

With his global appeal and a reputation for unforgettable live performances, Davido’s presence at Sheraton Addis is set to make this Ethiopian New Year’s Eve celebration one for the history books.

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tags: #Ethiopia