By Ayo Onikoyi
Nigerian Afrobeats singer David Cross, popularly known as Kwate, has commenced his 2026 U.S. summer tour, with performances lined up across several American cities as he continues to expand his international presence.
The tour will see the Edo State-born artiste perform songs from his catalogue, including his latest collaboration with American rap icon Snoop Dogg, titled “Fame and Fortune.” The duet is expected to be one of the highlights of the tour.
Kwate is scheduled to perform in Indiana on Friday, July 10, before heading to New Jersey the following day. The tour will continue with performances in Dallas on July 25, Atlanta, Georgia, on July 26, before concluding in Houston, Texas, on August 2.
Speaking ahead of the tour, the singer expressed appreciation to his fans worldwide for their support, saying their loyalty has continued to inspire his music.
“The love from my fans has been overwhelming, and I don’t take it for granted. Fame and Fortune is a project I’m proud of, and I’m excited to share it with my fans across the United States. I appreciate everyone who has continued to stream my songs and support my journey. This new single is dedicated to my fans in the U.S. and around the world,” he said.
Industry observers say Kwate’s digital streaming numbers have continued to grow, driven by increasing support from listeners in Nigeria, the United States and other parts of the world. His earlier releases, including “Flower Boy” and his EP “From Me To You,” continue to attract streams across major digital platforms.
Originally from Edo State, Kwate began his musical journey in his hometown before relocating to Lagos in 1998 to pursue a professional career. He gained national recognition in 2010 with the release of “Party Dey Here” from his debut album Tami Lorobo, a song that enjoyed widespread airplay across Nigeria.
In 2012, he collaborated with singer Jaywon on “Baby Give Me More,” a record that earned him several award nominations. The following year, he won the Best New Artist prize at the Global Excellence Awards.
His international profile continued to rise with nominations at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) and the African Entertainment Awards Malaysia, while he also received recognition as Best Male Performer in Diaspora in 2015.
Following a brief hiatus, Kwate returned in 2024 with “On Ground” featuring Black IQ. The song later received a remix featuring rapper Magnito and singer Portable, helping to introduce his music to a wider audience.
One of the defining moments of his career came in November 2024 when he performed as an opening act for Nigerian superstar Davido at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
Beyond his music releases, Kwate has continued to build his profile in the United States through appearances at major entertainment events, including the 67th Grammy Awards, interviews with iHeartRadio, performances at NBA-related events, and regular airplay on several American radio stations.
The Afrobeats star is expected to use the U.S. tour to further promote Fame and Fortune while preparing for more international engagements later in the year.
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