Two Times Davido Stole the Show on the Runway: Redefining Celebrity Fashion or a Marketing Gimmick?
Few Nigerian artists can claim a spotlight as bright as Davido’s, whose music and magnetic personality have made him a global icon. But in recent years, Davido’s name has surfaced in an unexpected arena: high fashion. Twice, Davido has strutted down the runway, in each instance making waves. While some fans cheer his versatility, others argue that his runway appearances were nothing more than staged publicity stunts aimed at drumming up attention. So, did Davido truly “steal the show” in a transformative way, or were these runway forays just clever marketing tricks?
The First “Takeover” – Davido at Lagos Fashion Week 2019
Davido’s first big entrance into fashion’s limelight came at Lagos Fashion Week in 2019, where he took the runway as part of a collection by Tokyo James. Dressed in an unconventional yet striking ensemble featuring sleek, futuristic outerwear, Davido commanded attention with his swagger and confidence. The show was a massive hit, and the media went wild, proclaiming Davido as a “natural” on the runway.
For fans, seeing Davido walk the runway at one of Africa’s biggest fashion events was a moment of pride. It symbolized African music and fashion merging on a high-profile stage. Critics, however, had a different take. They argued that his presence overshadowed the work of actual models and talented designers. “Davido is a performer, not a model,” they claimed, suggesting that his participation felt more like a publicity stunt than a genuine celebration of African fashion.
The Second Show-Stopping Moment – Paris Fashion Week 2022
After making headlines in Nigeria, Davido took things to the next level by appearing at Paris Fashion Week in 2022. This time, he walked for the renowned American designer, Virgil Abloh, as part of the Louis Vuitton men’s show. Dressed in a luxurious streetwear-inspired look, Davido’s Paris runway debut caused a social media frenzy, instantly making him the talk of the fashion world.
However, this second appearance stirred up even more debate. Many fans applauded Davido’s courage to step onto the global stage, interpreting his presence as a symbol of African culture breaking boundaries. For them, Davido’s participation at Paris Fashion Week was bigger than fashion; it was a statement of African empowerment and cultural pride.
Yet again, the critics argued that Davido’s presence was little more than a gimmick. Some felt that the focus shifted from the art of the collection to the celebrity hype around Davido. Detractors pointed out that his lack of formal training as a model was evident and that the attention he received undermined the years of hard work invested by full-time models. They claimed his appearance was more about generating headlines than honoring the craft of fashion.
Celebrity and the Runway: A Distraction or a New Frontier?
These two runway takeovers by Davido reveal an ongoing debate within the fashion industry about the role of celebrities. For his supporters, Davido embodies a new era where music, fashion, and African pride converge, challenging traditional boundaries. To them, Davido is not just “stealing the show” but redefining it.
On the other hand, skeptics view his runway stints as marketing stunts that distract from the true art of fashion and the dedication of models. With fashion weeks increasingly adopting celebrity faces, there’s a lingering question of authenticity. Are events like Davido’s runway appearances breaking the mold, or are they diluting the craft by favoring fame over skill?
Conclusion: A Bold Statement or Just Noise?
Davido’s runway appearances have undeniably sparked attention, but they also ignite questions about the influence of celebrity culture in fashion. While some will argue that his walk is emblematic of a powerful cultural shift, others will see it as a carefully orchestrated spectacle. Whether you love it or hate it, Davido’s presence on the runway raises a thought-provoking issue—one that highlights the ongoing tension between art,commerce, and celebrity.
