When Davido announced “Stand Strong” as the first single from his next studio album, it was met with mixed reactions.
On the one hand, there were the fans who thought that the new song would become a resurgence to OBO’s career. And since it was coming on the same day as Burna Boy’s first single too, it would mean they could actually battle it out for supremacy.
On the other hand, there were critics and rival fans who mocked Davido for trying to do the conscious style even though he’s always acted like he wasn’t interested in that kind of music. These people said it’ll most likely flop.
After the release, it went straight to number one on Apple Music Nigeria Charts, but not long after bowed out for Burna Boy’s “Last Last.” Since then, it’s been a free fall, from #2 to #5 to #9. So, does it mean the song flopped?
Is Davido’s “Stand Strong” A Flop?
It depends on how you look at it. Davido is a big artist and there’s a certain standard for artists with his status, and “Stand Strong” hasn’t exactly reached that standard. So it’s not an overreach to say it flopped.
On the other hand, this is not Davido’s usual kind of music. Also, the collaborations he’s done lately (“High,” “Dada”) tell us people don’t mind listening to Davido. He still has a major pull in the industry. Just not with a conscious song like “Stand Strong.”
The problem with a song like “Stand Strong” is, that you never know how to promote it. Do you start a TikTok challenge? Do you do giveaways? Or do you just sit down and expect it to blow up organically?
I must say, not releasing the music video instantly also didn’t quite help the song. But even at that, the video that was released four days ago now has almost two million views on YouTube, so it means there are people out there listening. Just not on Apple Music.
For what it’s worth, Davido has actually exceeded my expectations with this one. Not with the numbers of course. But his rollout has been unproblematic and noiseless so far, and that’s good for him.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of people who still think the song is a flop, though.
Well, what do you think?
Do You Think Davido’s “Stand Strong” Turned Out To Be A Big Flop?
Let’s hear from you.
Drop a comment.
