Davido’s Tribute To An Icon: Inside Naeto C’s Triumphant ‘RETROSPECTIVE’ Comeback

Nostalgia is a powerful drug, and on Tuesday night, December 16, Lagos was high on it. 

The Hard Rock Cafe in Oniru was filled with the harmatten breeze, which signals that Detty December is in full gear. But this wasn't just another party; it was a coronation…or rather, a re-coronation. Naeto C, the man who arguably invented the blueprint for the modern Nigerian "cool kid" rapper, returned to the stage for "RETROSPECTIVE," his first major headline show in years.

The ‘Super C’ energy was intense from the moment the lights dimmed. But amidst the deafening roar of day-one fans, the night’s most defining moment came from a heartfelt confession from one of the biggest Afrobeats stars on the planet.

The atmosphere shifted from celebratory to historic when Davido emerged from the wings. The chemistry was instantaneous as they launched into "Back When," the 2011 smash hit that served as Davido’s debut single. 

In 2011, Naeto C was the untouchable "Ten Over Ten" hitmaker, and Davido was a fresh-faced kid with an ambition. Super C’s guest verse on ‘Back When’ launched Davido into mainstream success, and the rest, as they say, is history. 15 years later, that moment where the bubbling teenage Davido was next to the calm and classy Naeto C has remained with the Afrobeats hitmaker, who delivered a moving statement on stage.

“First of all, I want to say Naeto, I love you so much,” the 2026 Grammy nominee said in a moment of sobriety. 

“I’ve been loving you for almost 20 years. You were the first successful artist to give me a chance, and I love you for that.”

The two shared a lengthy, warm embrace that had the room cheering. Davido’s acknowledgment underscored a truth often forgotten: before the world tours and the Grammys, there were veterans like Naeto C who provided the platform for the "OBO" to fly.

Beyond the sentiment, the "RETROSPECTIVE" show was a reminder of just how deep Naeto C’s catalogue runs. The veteran rapper ran through a setlist that felt like a greatest hits compilation of the golden era of Nigerian hip-hop.

The setlist was a masterclass in nostalgia. From ‘Kini Big Deal’ to the gritty energy of  ‘Tony Montana’ to the club-thumping rhythm of ‘Ten Over Ten.’

He also performed ‘Share My Blessings’, his 2011 collaboration with Așa, and deep cuts from his critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums ‘You Know My P’ and ‘Super C Season’. 

There were also guest appearances from hip hop icon M.I. Abaga, hitmaker Phyno, and veterans  Ajebutter 22, Boj, and Ikechukwu Skillz as the concert became a trip to the past, when Hip Hop ruled Nigerian music 

As fans spilled out of Hard Rock Cafe into the Oniru traffic, the consensus was clear: Naeto C hasn't lost a step. In a genre that often discards its pioneers, "RETROSPECTIVE" was a defiant statement of relevance.

While he may have retired from actively making music, his catalog still moves listeners, and his music holds a rich history that tracks the glory days of Nigerian hip-hop. With Naeto C, class is permanent thanks to music made to last.