Early Life and Background

David Adedeji Adeleke OON, professionally known as Davido, was born on November 21, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. He is the youngest of five children to Adedeji Adeleke, a Nigerian billionaire businessman, and Vero Adeleke, a university lecturer who passed away in 2003. Davido was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, in a privileged family with strong business and academic foundations.

Davido attended the British International School in Lagos for his secondary education. Later, he moved to the United States to study business administration at Oakwood University, Alabama, where he developed a passion for music. During this time, he purchased musical equipment and began making beats, which marked the beginning of his journey into music. However, he eventually dropped out to fully pursue his passion, later enrolling at Babcock University in Nigeria, where he graduated with a degree in music in 2015.

Musical Career

Early Beginnings (2011-2012)

Davido entered the Nigerian music scene in 2011 with the release of his debut single, “Back When”, featuring Naeto C. However, his breakthrough came in 2012 with the smash hit “Dami Duro”, which dominated airwaves and solidified his presence in the industry. The single was part of his debut studio album, Omo Baba Olowo (OBO), released the same year. The album showcased his unique blend of Afrobeats, Afro-pop, and hip-hop, with hit songs like “Ekuro,” “Feel Alright,” and “Overseas.”

Rise to Stardom (2013-2016)

Between 2013 and 2016, Davido became one of the most influential figures in African music. He released chart-topping singles such as:

• “Gobe” (2013)
• “Skelewu” (2013)
• “Aye” (2014)
• “The Money” featuring Olamide (2015)

In January 2016, Davido signed a groundbreaking record deal with Sony Music, becoming the first African artist to achieve this milestone. Following the deal, he launched his own label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), which has signed several successful artists, including Mayorkun, Dremo, Peruzzi, Morravey, and Logos Olori.

International Breakthrough (2017-2019)

Davido achieved global recognition with the release of “If” in 2017. The track, produced by Tekno, was an instant hit, topping charts across Africa and beyond. Shortly after, he released “Fall”, which became the longest-charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history. Other hits from this period include “FIA”, “Assurance”, and “Blow My Mind” featuring Chris Brown.

In 2019, Davido released his second studio album, A Good Time, which featured international collaborations and hits like “Risky” featuring Popcaan. The album was streamed over 1 billion times across platforms, solidifying his status as a global superstar.

Continued Success (2020-Present)

In 2020, Davido released his third studio album, A Better Time, which included collaborations with artists like Nicki Minaj, Lil Baby, and Tiwa Savage. The album further demonstrated his global appeal, featuring hits like “Fem” and “Holy Ground.”

In 2023, he released his much-anticipated fourth studio album, Timeless, featuring chart-topping tracks like “Unavailable” and “Feel”. The album received widespread critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as one of Africa’s top music icons.

Awards and Recognition

Davido has received numerous awards and nominations, including:

• BET Awards for Best International Act (2018, 2019)
• MTV Europe Music Awards for Best African Act (2017)
• Headies Awards Next Rated (2012)
• MOBO Awards for Best African Act (2017)
• Time Magazine’s Time 100 Next List in 2021
• Nigerian national honor: Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) (2022)

In 2023, Davido received three nominations at the 66th Grammy Awards for his album Timeless and singles like “Unavailable.”

Philanthropy and Influence

Davido is well-known for his philanthropic efforts, including donating to orphanages, providing scholarships, and supporting various charitable causes across Nigeria. In 2021, he made headlines by raising over ₦200 million through his friends and fans, which he matched with an additional ₦50 million and donated to orphanages across Nigeria.

Davido is also one of the most-followed African artists on social media, boasting millions of followers on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, where he continues to connect with fans globally.

Discography

Studio Albums:

1. Omo Baba Olowo (2012)
2. A Good Time (2019)
3. A Better Time (2020)
4. Timeless (2023)

Selected Hit Singles:

• “Dami Duro”
• “If”
• “Fall”
• “FIA”
• “Blow My Mind” (ft. Chris Brown)
• “Fem”
• “Unavailable”

Personal Life

Davido is engaged to Chioma Rowland, with whom he shares a son, Ifeanyi David Adedeji Adeleke Jr. Tragically, in October 2022, Ifeanyi passed away in a drowning accident. Despite this, Davido has shown resilience and continues to honor his family in his music and life.

Legacy

Davido is regarded as one of the pioneers of the global Afrobeats movement. His unique ability to merge traditional African sounds with contemporary pop elements has earned him a place among the most influential musicians in the world. With his music, philanthropy, and charisma, Davido remains a leading ambassador of African culture on the global stage.