The roar of the crowd at Ibadan's Liberty Stadium was deafening, a sea of fans awaiting the arrival of Afrobeats icon Davido. As the lights dimmed, the electrifying sound that heralded his entrance was meticulously crafted not just by the star, but by the musical architect behind the scenes: King Lekan, the music director and leader of The Kingsmen Band.
Mastering the Chaos: Leading The Kingsmen on a Global Journey
Davido's ongoing 5ive tour has been a monumental journey across North America, Europe, and Nigeria, with a notable stop in Dubai on November 8. The band barely had 12 hours to reset before delivering another legendary performance in Ibadan. For King Lekan, shaping these live experiences is a responsibility he holds sacred.
"With all humility, it is one of the best feelings in the world," Lekan shared in a calm voice belying the stadium-sized chaos he manages. "These guys are professionals and the best in the world. I do not take the level of trust they have in me for granted. The Kingsmen is a force in the live music industry, and we are just getting started."
Touring with a global superstar like Davido demands relentless adaptation. King Lekan praised the seamless handling by Davido's team, especially during the Nigerian leg where local infrastructure can be unpredictable. The band's proactive approach includes traveling with their own key backline and technical equipment to ensure unwavering excellence.
From Backstage to Spotlight: A Mission for Recognition and Inspiration
Recently, King Lekan's social media presence has skyrocketed. Viral clips of his piano solos and behind-the-scenes moments have garnered millions of views, offering an unprecedented look into the tour's engine room. This visibility is intentional.
"I told myself I wanted to be more active and consistent on social media to give people more content," he explained. "These videos are my way of connecting with those who love what I do and inspiring the next generation." He is on a personal mission to ensure bands and key personnel like Music Directors receive their due credit for making artists shine as great performers.
Afrobeats as a Universal Language and The Solo Path Forward
For King Lekan, performing with an Afrobeats artist like Davido carries a deep cultural significance. He sees the genre, propelled by stars like Davido and Ayra Starr and the new Grammy category, as carving its definitive space on the global stage.
"Being on stage with an Afrobeats artist is personal for me as a Nigerian," he noted. "I want to make sure the live sound translates through all cultures." He believes in the power of musicality over lyrics, viewing sound as a universal, healing language that allows someone in Asia to connect with a vibe without understanding the words.
Amidst the demanding tour schedule, King Lekan is also cultivating a thriving solo career. He has released projects like 'No Time' and 'Throne', featuring collaborations with Moelogo, Ayo Jay, and Grammy-winning poet J. Ivy. His experiences on the road have enriched his solo work, providing global perspectives and lessons in work ethic.
Touring Nigeria has reinforced his admiration for the relentless Naija spirit. The drive he witnesses in cities like Uyo, Enugu, and Ibadan fuels his own ambition. "Despite leading a highly sought-after band... I still feel I have to continue to prove myself," he admitted, a mindset that keeps him hungry and relentless.
As the final notes of the 5ive tour fade, King Lekan is already looking ahead. With plans for a new major project in 2026, the journey for the man who powers the rhythm of Africa's biggest stars is far from over.
