A global Afrobeats sensation, Davido has reshaped the music industry with his infectious rhythms and groundbreaking achievements. From being the first African artist to perform live at the MOBO Awards to featuring on the FIFA World Cup 2022 theme song, he has continuously elevated Afrobeats on the global stage. Known for hits like Fall and If, Davido has earned numerous accolades, including BET and MTV awards, while selling out iconic venues such as London’s O2 Arena. His four Grammy nominations further solidify his status as a trailblazer in African music. His influence extends beyond fans worldwide—to the British monarch himself.

Recently, King Charles III made headlines with his curated Apple Music playlist, The King’s Music Room, featuring a blend of global sounds from legends such as Beyoncé, Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue, and Miriam Makeba. Among these carefully selected tracks is Davido’s Kante, featuring Fave—a song rich in contemporary Afrobeats elements and Pidgin lyrics.

“This song features lyrics in Pidgin, which I love in all its forms, and in which I attempted to make a speech when I last visited Nigeria,” the King remarked. He further acknowledged the genre’s global dominance, stating, “I understand that, thanks to Afrobeats, it is becoming ever more popular around the world.”

Afrobeats has transcended borders, firmly establishing itself as a dominant force in the global music industry. Nigerian artists have redefined Africa’s musical footprint, with sold-out concerts at London’s O2 Arena and chart-topping records commanding international acclaim. Leading this movement is Davido, celebrated for his dynamic beats, cross-cultural collaborations, and electrifying performances.

London, often regarded as a second home for Nigerian artists, thrives as a hub for Afro-Caribbean music and culture. British radio stations frequently feature Afrobeats tracks, while clubs and festivals pulsate with the infectious rhythms of Naija music. Renowned British musicians, such as Ed Sheeran and Stormzy, have collaborated with Nigerian artists, reinforcing Afrobeats’ influence on the global stage.

For King Charles III, this appreciation is more than a passing interest—it reflects the genre’s undeniable cultural significance. His playlist, designed to showcase the diverse sounds of the Commonwealth, acknowledges Afrobeats’ global impact. Yet, his fascination with Nigerian culture extends beyond music—it encompasses language, people, and the vibrant spirit of the nation.

This is not the first time King Charles has attempted to bridge the gap between the British monarchy and Nigerian culture. During a 2018 visit to Nigeria, he famously greeted an audience with the phrase “How you dey?”—a widely used Pidgin expression for “How are you?” His effort to connect through Nigeria’s informal lingua franca earned admiration, and later in the speech, he playfully added, “We de try,” further endearing himself to Nigerians.

Pidgin English, a creole blend of English and indigenous Nigerian languages, is spoken by millions across West Africa. It has become a key component of Nigerian pop culture, frequently infused into music, film, and everyday conversations. King Charles’ growing appreciation for Pidgin English signifies the increasing global recognition of the language as a powerful and dynamic cultural force.

Could King Charles III Speak Pidgin?

While it remains to be seen whether King Charles III will ever master Pidgin English, his enthusiasm alone has sparked conversations about cultural inclusivity and appreciation. Many Nigerians have taken to social media, playfully imagining the King engaging in casual Pidgin banter. One Twitter user joked, “Imagine King Charles saying ‘E choke!’ or ‘No wahala!’” referencing popular Nigerian slang.

Regardless of his fluency, one thing is clear: King Charles III’s love for Nigerian music and Pidgin English underscores the unstoppable rise of Afrobeats as a global cultural phenomenon. In the words of Davido himself: “We rise by lifting others.” And in this case, Afrobeats has lifted a King.

Who knows? On his next visit to Nigeria, King Charles might just surprise everyone by saying, “Naija no dey carry last!

King Richard Igimoh is the Group Editor of African Leadership Magazine, UK

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Charles, 74, rolled out the traditional pomp and ceremony as Britain sought to bolster its relations with its biggest trading partner in Africa.

“South Africa, like the Commonwealth, has always been a part of my life. My mother often recalled her visit in 1947, the year before I was born, when, from Cape Town on Her 21st birthday, she pledged her life to the service of the people of the Commonwealth,” Charles said in a speech at the banquet held in the president’s honour.

“It is therefore particularly moving and special that you are our guest on this, the first State Visit we have hosted,” he added.

In his remarks, while addressing lawmakers in parliament, Ramaphosa lauded the two nations’ close ties, forged in the wake of a difficult legacy of colonialism and apartheid.
He later said he had discussed over lunch at Buckingham Palace “initiatives that can be embarked upon by the Commonwealth under the leadership of his majesty the king”.

Ramaphosa said he would raise the idea of allowing more South African students to study in Britain when he meets Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, and added that the restructuring of South Africa’s energy market to battle power shortages could provide opportunities for British companies.

“By pursuing these and other avenues for cooperation, I believe that we will define the relationship between South Africa and the United Kingdom in new and exciting ways,” Ramaphosa said.

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The Gabonese flag was ceremoniously hoisted on the roof of Marlborough House to the tune of Gabon’s national anthem.

This development, however, will further strengthen the relationship between Francophone and Anglophone families across the world.

Recall that Gabon became the Commonwealth’s 55 members on June 25 after approval from Commonwealth leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, and the President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba, led the flag-raising ceremony formally welcoming the Commonwealth’s newest member.

During the ceremony, Scotland said, “Together, we breathe new life into our commitment to democracy, the rule of law, freedom, and peace. Strengthened by the spirit of the Gabonese and their thirst for a better world, commitment to partnership and determination to join the Commonwealth’s drive to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals and Paris agenda.

But Ondimba who thanked the commonwealth secretariat commended their enthusiastic engagement and hard work throughout Gabon’s candidacy.

He added, “It would not be an exaggeration to say that from the very first day we felt that we were already members.

“In a world full of uncertainties, mostly created by humanity’s excesses and greed, we believe strongly that the Commonwealth family of nations is a unique and varied community of countries that share common values and whose diversity represents a formidable melting pot of ideas and solutions”.

Gabon and Togo, both former French colonies, were admitted at the same time as the 55 and 56 members respectively. Rwanda had been the last country to join the Commonwealth since 2009.

By joining the Commonwealth, Gabon’s Embassy in London now officially becomes a High Commission, with Aicha Sanni serving as High Commissioner.

Gabon will also now be part of big discussions and a mutually supportive community of 56 independent and sovereign states, aided by more than 80 accredited organizations and more than 50 strategic partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the World Health Organization.

The President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba delivers remarks during the event that officially welcomed his country to join the Commonwealth.

By joining the Commonwealth, Gabon’s Embassy in London now officially becomes a High Commission.

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Recall Queen Elizabeth died on September 8, 2022, in Balmoral Castle, United Kingdom.
Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said the queen had overseen the “dramatic transformation” of the Commonwealth into a global “force for good” during her 70-year reign

Also, Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde said Elizabeth had been a “towering woman leader” who would be remembered for her public service.

Dignitaries from across the world have also traveled to the UK capital for the queen’s state funeral.

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Kagame is taking over from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson.

Johnson announced this in his remarks at the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda.

The UK Prime Minister, who said he was handing over the baton to President Kagame, one of the newest members of the commonwealth, wished him success as he chairs, encompassing 54 countries and a third of humanity.

“One of the newest members is now at the helm, and more nations are seeking to join, which tells you everything about the health and vitality of our Commonwealth, because for all the differences between us, we are united by an invisible thread of shared values, history and friendship”, he said.

The UK Prime Minister, who became Chair-in-Office in 2018, noted that he was able to make some remarkable achievements in the face of COVID 19.

“When the UK became your Chair-in-Office in 2018, the word “Covid” had not been invented. Many of us had no idea what a “coronavirus” was, and nobody could have known that the worst pandemic for a century would soon claim millions of lives.

The British government put together the partnership between Oxford University and AstraZeneca, which produced the world’s most popular vaccine and during our time as Chair-in-Office, the UK supported the delivery of more than 1.4 billion doses of Covid vaccines to Commonwealth countries”, he said.

On his achievement in education, Prime Minister Johnson said that at the last CHOGM in London in 2018, the UK announced £212 million for the Girls’ Education Challenge.

He said that the initiative is now at work in 11 Commonwealth countries, ensuring that girls can gain at least 12 years of quality education.

Boris Johnson, who extolled the leadership of President Kagame expressed optimism that the Commonwealth will make immeasurable progress as he chairs the body.

“For now, it only remains for me to thank every Commonwealth member for having given the United Kingdom the chance to serve as Chair-in-Office. And as I pass on this responsibility to President Kagame, a close friend, and partner.

“I know that he shares my boundless optimism about the future of the Commonwealth at the forefront of the international agenda, and benefiting all our peoples”, he said.

President Kagame in his speech called for a united Commonwealth and pledged to work towards improving the lives of the people of the Commonwealth.

The Chair-in-Office represents the Commonwealth at high-level international meetings and reinforces the Good Offices role of the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

The term ‘Good Offices’ refers to the Commonwealth’s conflict prevention and resolution work.

The Chair-in-Office is the leader of the Commonwealth country that hosts a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). It is a two-year role.

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British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on Tuesday that Gambia, which is seeking to emerge from more than two decades of authoritarian rule, would be readmitted “as fast as possible” to the Commonwealth, a body whose African members he once maligned.

Longtime leader Yahya Jammeh, who had ruled since seizing power in 1994, fled Gambia last month after regional militaries launched an operation to remove him.

In 2013, the mercurial former coup leader pulled his tiny West African nation out of the Commonwealth, the grouping including Britain and most of its former colonies, branding it a “neo-colonial institution.”

Johnson met with Gambia’s new president, Adama Barrow, who won a Dec. 1 election that Jammeh rejected, on the first leg of his maiden trip to Africa, a continent where he has been accused of racial insensitivity in his previous career as a journalist.

“We are going to admit them as fast as possible. Last night I talked to the Commonwealth secretary general, and she is determined to speed it up and get it done as soon as possible,” Johnson told reporters after the meeting.

Barrow is attempting to reverse many of Jammeh’s most controversial decisions and is also planning to stop Gambia’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.

“We welcome any effort being made by the newly democratically elected government of The Gambia to try to re-join the Commonwealth,” the body said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Should it decide to apply, we have formal processes which have to be undertaken and membership agreed by the 52 heads of government,” the Commonwealth said.

Before becoming Britain’s foreign minister, Johnson was known for his often abrasive writing as a newspaper columnist. In a 2002 article in The Telegraph criticising a trip by then Prime Minister Tony Blair to Congo, he employed a racially charged term to describe the Commonwealth’s African members.

“It is said that the Queen has come to love the Commonwealth, partly because it supplies her with regular cheering crowds of flag-waving piccaninnies,” Johnson wrote.

He apologised for the language while running for mayor of London six years later.

Johnson continues his Africa tour in Ghana on Wednesday.

By Lamin Jahateh (Reuters)

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