Davido

 Davido (David Adedeji Adeleke) Biography

• Full Name: David Adedeji Adeleke
• Stage Name: Davido
• Date of Birth: November 21, 1992
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer

Early Life and Background

Davido was born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, but was raised in Lagos, Nigeria. He comes from a wealthy family; his father, Adedeji Adeleke, is a successful businessman, and his late mother, Veronica Adeleke, was a university lecturer. Despite his privileged background, Davido carved out his own identity, pursuing a career in music independently.

Davido attended the British International School in Lagos and later moved back to the United States to study Business Administration at Oakwood University in Alabama. While there, he developed a passion for music, bought musical equipment, and started making beats. Eventually, he dropped out of Oakwood to focus entirely on his music career.

Musical Career

Davido’s music career began in earnest in 2011 with the release of his debut single, “Back When,” featuring Naeto C, which gained attention and established him as an up-and-coming talent. He followed it with “Dami Duro” in 2012, a track that became a massive hit across Nigeria and beyond, marking his official breakthrough.

In 2012, he released his debut studio album, Omo Baba Olowo (OBO). This album produced several hit singles, including “Ekuro,” “Gbon Gbon,” and “All of You,” solidifying his presence in the Nigerian music industry. Since then, Davido has continued to release chart-topping songs, collaborating with both local and international artists. Some of his major international collaborations include “Blow My Mind” featuring Chris Brown and “Risky” with Jamaican artist Popcaan.

Davido is known for his signature Afrobeat and Afro-pop sound, which often combines African rhythms with global pop elements. His infectious music style and high-energy performances have earned him widespread acclaim and a massive following.

Albums and Hit Songs

Davido has released multiple albums and hit singles, which include:

• Albums:

  • Omo Baba Olowo (2012)
  • A Good Time (2019)
  • A Better Time (2020)
  • Timeless (2023)

• Popular Songs:

  • "Fall"
  • "If"
  • "FIA"
  • "Assurance"
  • "Blow My Mind" (ft. Chris Brown)
  • "Fem"
  • "Jowo"
  • "Unavailable"

Achievements and Awards

Davido has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Some notable achievements include:

• BET Award for Best International Act (2018, 2014)
• MTV Africa Music Awards (multiple wins)
• Headies Awards (multiple wins)
• MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act (2017)

In addition to his music, Davido has also contributed to social causes and political movements. In 2020, he was one of the prominent voices in the End SARS protests in Nigeria, advocating against police brutality.

Personal Life

Davido has a large family and is a proud father of several children. He is known for his close relationship with his fans and often interacts with them on social media. Davido tragically lost his son, Ifeanyi, in 2022, a devastating event that deeply impacted him and his fans worldwide.

Business Ventures and Philanthropy

Beyond music, Davido has made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. He founded his own record label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), which has signed several successful artists like Mayorkun, Dremo, and Peruzzi. He is also involved in various endorsement deals and has been a brand ambassador for companies like MTN, Infinix, and Puma.

Davido is known for his generous spirit and has made several charitable donations over the years. In 2021, he famously raised over ₦200 million from friends and fans for his birthday and added an additional ₦50 million from his own funds, which he donated to orphanages across Nigeria.

Legacy and Influence

Davido is regarded as one of the biggest names in African music and is often credited with helping popularize Afrobeat on a global scale. His success has opened doors for African artists internationally and has shown that African music can be a force in the global music industry.

Fun Facts

• Davido is affectionately known as “OBO,” meaning “Omo Baba Olowo” (Son of a Wealthy Man).
• He is known for his energetic personality, catchy ad-libs, and unique voice.
• Davido attended the Nigerian National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2018, despite his celebrity status, and was widely celebrated for it.

Davido continues to inspire with his music, philanthropy, and dedication to bringing Afrobeat to the world.