Davido Joins Livestreaming Platform Kick

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Afrobeats superstar Davido has joined the livestreaming platform Kick, adding one of Africa's biggest music names to a service best known for gaming and live talk shows. Kick welcomed the singer on its official X account on October 10, 2026, with a short post reading "Welcome to kick @davido". Davido replied: "Check cleared! Let's play!" The public exchange came a day after Davido said on October 9 that he would be joining the service. It is the clearest sign yet that Nigerian music stars are looking at livestreaming as a new way to reach fans directly. What we know so far So far, the only confirmation of the move is the public back-and-forth between the singer and the platform. According to JB Republic, neither Davido nor Kick has disclosed the financial terms of the arrangement, and there is no confirmed date for his first livestream. No details have been released about whether the deal is exclusive or whether it carries a guaranteed payment. The "check cleared" line in Davido's reply drew plenty of jokes online, but neither side has said anything about money. What is Kick? Kick is an online livestreaming platform launched in 2022. It lets creators broadcast live video, interact with viewers in real time and earn money through subscriptions and other features. Its content ranges from gaming and live conversations to music, entertainment and real-life broadcasts. The platform was founded by Australian entrepreneurs Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani, who are also linked to the online betting business Stake. It entered the market as an alternative to established platforms such as Twitch, with a strong focus on how much creators earn. The 95/5 revenue split Kick's main selling point is its revenue-sharing model. Under its published policy, eligible creators keep 95 per cent of subscription revenue, while five per cent covers processing fees. Viewers can also tip creators during streams by sending "KICKs". That model has helped the platform sign high-profile streamers since its launch. Why it matters for Afrobeats Davido has built a huge global audience through hits such as "Fall", "If" and "Unavailable", international collaborations and sold-out live shows. His move to a livestreaming service shows how artists are now treating platforms beyond Spotify, YouTube and Instagram as places to build community and earn revenue. Livestreaming gives artists a direct, unfiltered channel. A singer can host listening sessions, chat with fans, play games or simply hang out on camera, while viewers pay through subscriptions and tips. For a star with Davido's following, even a handful of streams could draw large audiences. It also fits with the way Davido has been reshaping his career this year. He has announced a three-night Oriade residency at the National Theatre in Lagos, which Entzopedia covered in our residency report , and he is among the headliners named for Afro Nation Portugal 2027, as reported in our festival story . Streaming numbers to build on Davido's existing audience on music platforms gives him a strong base. A tooXclusive tally of Nigerian artists on Spotify published on October 12 placed him seventh with 4.22 billion all-credit streams. His album 5ive is also among the projects nominated at the 18th Headies. Whether those music fans will follow him to a livestreaming platform is the open question. Some music artists have used livestreams to deepen their bond with fans, while others have struggled to keep up a regular schedule alongside touring and recording. A test case for other stars Industry watchers will treat Davido's arrival as a test case. If his streams draw big audiences, other Afrobeats artists may follow him onto livestreaming services, turning them into a regular part of album rollouts alongside radio, TikTok and YouTube. What's next Fans are now waiting for Davido's first broadcast on Kick and for any details on what his streams will look like, whether music sessions, gaming, conversations or behind-the-scenes content. Any statement on the terms of the deal would also be closely watched, given the attention Kick's previous creator signings have drawn. For now, the move marks one of the most high-profile crossovers yet between Afrobeats and the livestreaming economy. Sources: JB Republic | tooXclusive | ThrillNG