Davido

Davido – Biography, Songs, and Net Worth

Born in the US on November 21, 1992, David Adedeji Adeleke is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer best known by his stage name Davido. He began playing music when he joined the group KB International. He was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, but was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Davido attended Oakwood University to pursue a degree in business administration but left to create beats and record vocal samples. His first studio album, Omo Baba Olowo (2012), from which six other singles—”Back When,” “Ekuro,” “Overseas,” “All of You,” “Gbon Gbon,” and “Feel Alright”—were derived, became a success after the release of “Dami Duro,” the second single.

Following the announcement on Twitter in January 2016 that he had signed a record contract with Sony Music, Davido established his own record company, Davido Music Worldwide, to which the artists Dremo, Yonda, and Peruzzi are presently signed. Davido and Sony’s RCA Records inked a record contract in July 2016. In October 2016, he released his five-song EP Son of Mercy, which featured the tracks “Coolest Kid in Africa,” “How Long,” and “Gbagbe Oshi.” In April 2017, Davido and Sony renegotiated his contract because of issues with creative authority. Later that year, he released five songs, including “If” and “Fall.” While “Fall” became the longest-charting Nigerian pop single in Billboard history, “If” sparked global social media activity.

In November 2019, Davido issued his second studio album, A Good Time. Its foundation was made up of the previously released tracks “If,” “Fall,” “Assurance,” “Blow My Mind,” and “Risky.”

In 2019, New African journal listed Davido as one of the Top 100 most influential Africans. His third solo album, A Better Time, was released on November 13, 2020. He was listed on Time magazine’s Time 100 Next List in February 2021. Davido is a well-known advocate for human rights on the African continent and a cultural envoy for Nigeria. He has one of the largest followings among African artists on Twitter and Instagram.

Life and Occupation

1992 to 2012: Early years

On November 21, 1992, David Adedeji Adeleke was born in Atlanta, Georgia.. His mother Vero Adeleke was a university professor, and his father Adedeji Adeleke is a business tycoon. Davido is the second boy born to his father and the youngest of five children. He attended the British International School in Lagos before returning to the United States at the age of 16 to enroll at Oakwood University in Alabama to pursue business administration.

While attending Oakwood, Davido acquired instrumental instruments and began producing beats. He cofounded the musical group KB International with his siblings B-Red and Sina Rambo. After leaving Oakwood University to concentrate solely on music, Davido moved to London to hone his vocals. After returning to Nigeria in 2011, Davido made the decision to put a halt to his musical career and enroll at Babcock University out of reverence for his father. He received a music degree from Babcock in July 2015 after his father paid the school to establish a music section for a single-student inaugural class.

In 2011, Davido began composing his first studio record, Omo Baba Olowo. Hip hop and Afrobeats are mixed together on the album’s soundtrack. Davido worked with Jay Sleek, Maleek Berry, GospelOnDeBeatz, Spellz, Dokta Frabz, Mr. Chidoo, Theory Soundz, and Shizzi to create the song. On Omo Baba Olowo, surprise appearances are made by Naeto C, Sina Rambo, B-Red, Kayswitch, Ice Prince, and 2 Face Idibia. Music reviewers gave it generally negative reviews and criticized Davido’s songwriting and the lyrical content. The album was nominated for Album of the Year and earned Best R&B/Pop Album at the 2013 Headies. Additionally, it was a nominee for the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards’ Best Album of the Year category. The album’s lead song, “Back When,” featuring Naeto C, was made available on May 7, 2011. Davido created it, and it was played on the radio frequently. Davido revealed to the television network Factory 78 that “Back When” was taped in London. On May 9, 2011, Clarence Peters posted the “Back When” music video to YouTube. Shizzi and Davido collaborated on the album’s second track, “Dami Duro,” which was released on October 30, 2011. Davido claimed to have made the song in August of that year in an interview that was published on the NotJustOk website. Three months after he sent the song to some of his pals, it was leaked. On January 8, 2012, during the Occupy Nigeria demonstrations, the corresponding music video for “Dami Duro” was made available.

“Ekuro,” the third song from the album, was made available on January 25, 2012. Antwan Smith recorded and helmed its music video in Miami. The tune was covered soulfully by Nigerian singer Aramide. On May 6, 2012, the fourth single from the album, “Overseas,” was made available; however, an unfinished version of the song had already been shared. On September 28, 2012, the album’s fifth song, “All of You,” which was written and performed by GospelOnDeBeatz, was made available. Davido revealed to Factory 78 TV that he met GospelOnDeBeatz at a mall and later taped the song with him.

2013–2016: Standalone releases

“Gobe,” a song by Davido that was created by Shizzi, was published on February 25, 2013. On Premium Times’ list of the top 10 tracks of 2013, it came in at number two. Charles Mgbolu wrote in a review for the Vanguard newspaper that the song “exudes fun from start to finish.” Godfather Productions filmed the “Gobe” music video in South Africa. On May 13, 2013, Davido tweeted that “One of a Kind” would be published. Shizzi also produced the tune. Tebza of Godfather Productions recorded and produced the “One of a Kind” music video in South Africa. It shows a continent that is unified and full of music and culture.

Release day for “Skelewu” was August 13, 2013. On Premium Times’ list of the best 10 songs of 2013, it came in at number five. On August 18, 2013, Davido promoted “Skelewu” by posting a Jassy Generation-directed dance tutorial video to YouTube. A “Skelewu” dance competition was announced in conjunction with the release of the film. Two music videos accompanied “Skelewu.” Sesan’s first music video, which he also produced, was made public on October 15, 2013. With the aid of a fake account, it was posted to YouTube. Davido declared that someone had betrayed him by releasing the video shortly after it was made public and that he would create another video with UK-based music video director Moe Musa.

Sesan stated in a statement issued by his team that Davido was happy with his efforts to the music video and that it would be immature for Davido and his management to make false claims to harm his reputation. Moe Musa recorded and produced the official music video for “Skelewu” in London, and it was made public in October 2013.

“Aye” was published by Davido on February 1st, 2014. T-Spize is the producer of the song. Clarence Peters directed the music video, which debuted on February 7, 2014. Davido portrays an impoverished farmer in the video who falls in love with the prince’s fiance. On April 30, 2014, Davido and the South African band Mafikizolo dropped their joint song, “Tchelete (Goodlife).” Oskido and Shizzi produced it, and MTN’s Play and Callertunez networks provided distribution. At MTN Nigeria’s Elite Night concert in December 2013, Davido made connections with Mafikizolo prior to the recording of “Tchelete (Goodlife).” Twenty Twenty Media produced and oversaw the making of the “Tchelete (Goodlife)” music video. In the video, Oskido and Uhuru made cameo cameos.

The single “Africa Rising,” which Davido co-wrote with Mi Casa, Lola Rae, Sarkodie, Diamond Platnumz, and Tiwa Savage in June 2014, served as the inspiration for DStv’s campaign of the same name, which encouraged Africans to participate in community-based social investment initiatives. South African production firm Callback Dreams recorded and directed the music video that goes with the song “Africa Rising.” At the Africa Rising launch event in Mauritius, the musicians gave the tune a performance. The trap single “Fans Mi,” featuring Meek Mill, was released by Davido in June 2015. Before releasing the film, he teased fans with its audio and behind-the-scenes images.

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The Baddest, a 20-track record by Davido, was originally slated for release in June 2015, but it wasn’t until October 10 of that year. The album was supposed to be released on this day, but it was pushed back due to a company’s interest in selling it. The album’s track listing and cover image were made public earlier that year by Davido. Shizzi, Del B, Spellz, J Fem, Don Jazzy, Puffy Tee, Uhuru, Kiddominant, and Young John were going to contribute to the creation of The Baddest. Additionally, guest acts like P-Square, Don Jazzy, Runtown, Uhuru, DJ Buckz, Akon, Meek Mill, Wale, and Trey Songz were going to be included. Davido announced on Twitter in January 2016 that he had signed a record contract with Sony Music. His announcement elicited a range of responses.

To confirm the agreement, the record label released a press statement. Davido’s record contract with Sony entitles him to keep the rights to his music and performances while also requiring him to put out two albums.

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After contracting with Sony, Davido launched the record company Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). Presently signed to the company are Peruzzi, Mayorkun, Yonda, and Dremo. Davido and RCA Records agreed to a record contract in July 2016. Plans for the release of The Baddest were altered by his record contract with Sony Music. Pulse Nigeria claims that in order for the album to be distributed worldwide under the terms of Davido’s deal with Sony, it had to be appealing internationally. His five-track EP Son of Mercy, which included the songs “Gbagbe Oshi,” “How Long,” and “Coolest Kid in Africa,” was released in October 2016. Simi, Tinashe, and Nasty C make cameos on the EP as guests.

2017-2018: “If,” “Fall,” “Fia,” and “Assurance”

The 2017 MOBO Awards’ Best African Act went to Davido. He made “If” available on February 17, 2017. Tekno, who penned the song as a ghostwriter for Davido, produced it. The Recording Industry of South Africa certified the song as a diamond, signifying shipments of 200,000 copies. At The Headies 2018, “If” received Best Pop Single and Song of the Year. Sabo Kpade characterized the song as a “slow burner” with a “unfussy beat that sounds hollowed out and isn’t cluttered with instruments” in a review for OkayAfrica. London served as the location for filming the “If” music video, which Director Q and Tunde Babalola both created. A capsule collection by Orange Culture, a menswear designer, and Davido was influenced by the song “If.” “Fall” by Davido was published on June 2nd, 2017. It borrows a phrase from the song “Dun Talking” by Kojo Funds. “Fall” was one of the top 100 most Shazam-searched songs in America in January 2019, received a platinum certification from the Recording Industry of South Africa, and ranked among the top 10 records in New York. It surpassed all previous Nigerian music songs on the Billboard charts in February 2019. On Pitchfork’s selection of the 200 Best Songs of the 2010s, “Fall” came in at number 163. British video maker Daps, who was born in Nigeria, created the music video for the song “Fall.” The video exceeded 100 million views in December 2018, becoming the most-watched video by a Nigerian artist on YouTube.

“Fia” by Davido was published on November 10, 2017. Fresh VDM, who described the music as a neo-highlife track, produced it. Davido addresses his arrest and Caroline Danjuma’s part in spreading the rumor that he was responsible for Tagbo Umenike’s death in the song’s second stanza. The song “manages to reflect some of his recent personal struggles, without directly dishing into sensitive details,” according to a Native magazine writer who complimented Davido’s songwriting. According to Kayode Faniyi’s review for Music in Africa, “Fia” presents a “existential conflict” and is unquestionably the career-defining single for Davido, at least until he surpasses himself. Using Davido’s “croaky voice,” “Fia” is a “coherent” composition, according to Daniel Orubo of Konbini Channels.

At The Headies 2018, “Fia” received nominations for Best Pop Single and Song of the Year. Clarence Peters helmed the music video for the song “Fia” that goes with it. On March 30, 2018, the version of “Fia” featuring Stefflon Don was made available. The song incorporates a patois-tinged flow while keeping many of the original recording’s components. At the 2017 MTV Europe Music Awards, Davido took home the Best African Act and Best Worldwide Act awards. On April 30, 2018, Davido made “Assurance” available. In honor of his girlfriend’s 23rd birthday, he published the song with a dedication to her. The song “speaks volumes for the importance of clarity in the age of emojis, validation from our loved ones, and putting love first, against all odds,” according to Toye Sokunbi, who reviewed it for Native magazine. At the 2018 BET Awards, Davido won Best International Act, making history as the first African performer to accept an award on the main stage. He encouraged patrons and American artists to travel to Africa and sample the cuisine in his acceptance speech.

At the Made in America Festival in September 2018, Meek Mill, Post Malone, and Fat Joe played with Davido. He gave a performance at the House of Blues in Boston prior to the festival as a part of his “The Locked Up Tour,” which began in August and concluded in September.

2019: “Blow My Mind,” “Risky,” and A Good Time at the O2 Arena performance

After Wizkid headlined a concert there in 2018, Davido became the first solo African act to sell out London’s O2 Arena in January 2019. Idris Elba welcomed him to the stage, and he played a number of his hit singles with The Compozers as his backing band. Using the terms “alpha” and “many of his mannerisms are influenced by the American rappers with whom he has worked, including Young Thug and Swae Lee,” Caroline Sullivan of The Guardian awarded the concert four out of five stars.

On July 26, 2019, the song “Blow My Mind,” featuring Chris Brown, was made available. It was produced by Shizzi and was originally going to be the lead single off the album. The song “Blow My Mind” features lyrics about a lady who, quite simply, blows Davido’s mind. In the “Blow My Mind” video’s visuals by Edgar Esteves, Davido and Chris Brown enjoy time with their partners in a motel. The song’s music video garnered one million views in just 11 hours, outpacing Wizkid’s “Fever” and “Come Closer” to become the fastest-growing Nigerian music video ever. Within the first 24 hours of its publication, it also became the Nigerian music video with the highest number of views. Released on October 23, 2019, is “Risky.” Popcaan, a Jamaican artist, contributed vocals as a guest, and he requested Davido to take part in his 2018 song “Dun Rich.” Meji Alabi helmed the music video for “Risky,” which gives homage to the crime drama television program Top Boy. A female crew member of Davido and Popcaan in the footage reports them to the police.

A Good Time, Davido’s second solo album, was made available on November 22, 2019. The songs “If,” “Fall,” “Assurance,” “Blow My Mind,” and “Risky” are included on the album. A Good Time was made by Davido in Atlanta. He stated in Vibe magazine that he desired to record in a novel setting. Described by Davido as a body of work for everyone, the record will primarily feature Afrobeats while also incorporating elements from other genres. At a gathering in Lagos in September 2019, Davido revealed the album’s title and announced its release for October. During the occasion, he also debuted four album music excerpts. Davido told Power 105.1’s DJ Self that the record will include collaborations with musicians like Summer Walker, Gunna, A Boogie, and Chris Brown after his performance at Powerhouse 2019. A Good Time’s tracks were all created by Nigerian producers, with the exception of one. Davido, his father, and a portrait of his mother are all depicted on the album’s cover. A Good Time exceeded 1 billion streams on different digital platforms in July 2020.

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A Better Time and social media funding in 2020–2022.

Together with Mr. Eazi and Tiwa Savage, Davido was featured on the “Africa Now” cover story of Billboard magazine in May 2020. Lakin Ogunbanwo and Seye Isikalu took the photos for the cover story, and Daniel Obasi and Quinton Faulkner did the design. Interviews with the three artists are included in the narrative, which was written by Gail Mitchell. The artists discussed a range of subjects during a video conference session, including living in quarantine and the definition of afrobeats.

On Twitter, Davido first announced that he would be releasing his third studio record, A Better Time. Announcing that Tiwa Savage would be on the album, he claimed to have taped 11 songs for it. He added that it took him and everyone else involved with the album 14 days to put all the songs together. In July 2020, Davido performed a medley of his tracks “D&G” and “Fall” from the album A Good Time on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The Grammy Museum named Davido as a special guest in its Mentorship Monday series on August 28, 2020. Three days later, he took part in the museum’s Instagram Live gathering.

He made the Dammy Twitch-produced song “FEM” and its music video available on September 10, 2020. The music video for “FEM” broke his own mark for the fastest Nigerian music video to reach 1 million views on YouTube, which was previously held by his own song “Blow My Mind,” featuring Chris Brown, with 1.8 million views on YouTube in less than 24 hours. In its second week of eligibility, “FEM” dethroned Wizkid’s “Ginger” by peaking at number one on the Nigeria TurnTable Top 50 list.

The publication date of A Better Time is November 13, 2020. Lil Baby, Nicki Minaj, Nas, Chris Brown, and Young Thug are among the guests who perform on it. The music video for “FEM” broke his own mark for the fastest Nigerian music video to reach 1 million views on YouTube, which was previously held by his own song “Blow My Mind,” featuring Chris Brown, with 1.8 million views on YouTube in less than 24 hours. In its second week of eligibility, “FEM” dethroned Wizkid’s “Ginger” by peaking at number one on the Nigeria TurnTable Top 50 list.

The publication date of A Better Time is November 13, 2020. Lil Baby, Nicki Minaj, Nas, Chris Brown, and Young Thug are among the guests who perform on it. After postponing his 2019 North American tour due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Davido made the album.

Davido issued a one million naira dare to his coworkers and followers on November 17, 2021. Anyone who doesn’t take up the dare, he said, should stop interacting with him. All of the money—200 million naira total raised plus an extra 50 million naira in his own funds—was given to Nigerian orphanages.

Along with American vocalist Trinidad Cardona and Qatari singer Aisha, Davido appeared on the song “Hayya Hayya (Better Together)” in March 2022. The compilation record FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Official Soundtrack, where it first debuted. (2022). Davido’s first solo release of the year, “Stand Strong,” was made available in May 2022 and was produced by Pheelz. It includes vocals from the Sunday Service Choir group. Davido declared that the inaugural Are We African Yet (A.W.A.Y.) music festival would take place in September 2022. On November 18, 2022, it took place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, and featured extra performances by Kizz Daniel, Pheelz, Lojay, and BNXN.

2023: Timeless

Davido revealed on Instagram on March 21 that his fourth studio album, Timeless, would be published on March 31. The announcement was followed by a theatrical trailer that featured footage from the tour. He can be seen writing a message under his own narration in the trailer. In addition to images of him sitting at a desk, the trailer also includes performance and making-of footage. Davido cited Ecclesiastes as his source of motivation when he said, “There is a time for everything, a time for laughter and a time for dancing. There is a place and a time for everything. In June 2022, he informed Rolling Stone that the album was almost finished.

Other businesses

Nigerian Entertainment Today claimed on April 6, 2012, that Davido had agreed to a $30 million endorsement deal with MTN. The agreement made him the face of MTN Pulse, a marketing initiative geared toward young Nigerians. On October 24, 2013, Pulse Nigeria reported that Davido had inked an endorsement contract with Guinness Nigeria. He also shared the stage with P-Square, D’banj, Wizkid, Ice Prince, Burna Boy, Olamide, Phyno, Chidinma, Waje, and Tiwa Savage at the Guinness World of More Concert as part of the agreement.

Davido and Hong Kong-based smartphone maker Infinix Mobile inked an endorsement agreement in May 2018. He was appointed an official brand ambassador for the sports wagering company 1xBet in May 2021. He was named the new spokesman for Martell Cognac in October 2021. Davido joined Puma as a worldwide brand ambassador in December 2021 after signing a long-term contract with the footwear manufacturer.

Private life

Davido is the father of two sons and two girls.

Loss of son

David Ifeanyi Adeleke Jr., the first boy and third child of Davido, drowned in the swimming pool at his father’s Banana Island home on October 31, 2022, according to the Peoples Gazette newspaper. He was three years old at the time of his death. Police questioned members of Davido’s household employees. After one domestic worker originally went to the police station to report the drowning accident, a total of eight domestic workers were invited to the station for questioning. Six employees were released and two were kept in custody after the police probe.

Davido’s Net Worth

The most well-known Nigerian-American singer-songwriter Davido’s estimated net worth is around $50 Million, according to a number of online sites (Wikipedia, Forbes, IMDB).

Just from his work as a musician, Davido has made over $50 million. In addition, he is a well-known figure on the African region and was given a significant contract by MTN Communication to serve as their brand ambassador. Local African newspapers estimate its value at $5 million.

He has also earned over $3 million as a record producer in addition to that. He is regarded as one of his generation’s most productive record artists. In Nigeria alone, he has created over 110 albums through his production company.