David Adedeji Adeleke, also known as Davido, OBO, is a Nigerian – American born singer. The musician has topped charts, had sold out events not only in Africa but London and the US and collaborated with a number of local and international artists. His story is not just proof that music like any other business not only requires talent but great management. to get to the echelons of success. Davido’s music has featured some of the best in the trade locally and internationally. It definitely isn’t a one-man show; from the input of his billionaire father in starting his career to working with Sony and Managers in key countries, Davido is not just talented but is building a business empire
Davido’s Early Life
In Atlanta, Georgia, he was born November 21, 1992, to Chief Adedeji Adeleke and Veronica Adeleke. He is the second son and the youngest of five siblings. David attended British International School Lagos and later enrolled in the University of Oakwood, Alabama, to study Business Administration.
He later dropped out and moved to London to pursue his music career. He returned to Nigeria in 2011 and enrolled in Babcock university as the pioneer student in the newly created music department funded by his billionaire father, Chief Adeleke.
Davido’s Music Career
In 2011, Davido released his debut album Omo Baba Olowo which had hit tracks like Back When ft Naeto C and another club banger Dami Duro. These songs enjoyed massive airplay because the album was a mixture of afro-beats and hip hop.
The album received nods from music enthusiasts and critics alike. It went on to win awards and nominations at the headies awards 2013 and the Nigerian Entertainment Awards. 2013 -2016 was a determining year for Davido as he released songs back to back from Gobe and Skelewu in 2013 and Aye and Tchelete in 2014.
He slated his album The Baddest for release in June 2015 but delayed it due to his new record deal with Sony Music. Davido founded his record label Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), with acts like Mayorkun, Dremo, Peruzzi, and Yonda signed to the record label.
By 2016, he released Coolest kid in Africa, Gbagbe Oshi, and How Long. He released Suppose Fall and Fia in 2017. Assurance, a love song, was released in 2018 as a tribute to his girlfriend at the time, Chioma.
2019 was a year of international collaborations for Davido. In January, he sold out the O2 Arena, featured Chris Brown in Blow My Mind, and released Risky ft Popcaan. He also released his second studio album, A Good Time. In November 2020, he released his third studio album, A Better Time, with a hit single, FEM.
Davido’s Personal Life
Davido, like most musicians, is trailed by past indiscretions, especially since he is in the spotlight. He has three children with three different women named Imade, Hailey, and Ifeanyi. There are speculations that he has another child with a London-based woman, but neither has come out to accept. He has also been accused of being a member of a cult group. Accusations that he and his manager have denied.
He is extravagant, earning him 30BG from his group of friends. In November 2021, Davido asked all his friends to send him One Million Naira each for his birthday, which he will use to clear his Rolls Royce debt.
He made Two Hundred Million Naira and an additional Fifty Million Naira, which he shared with orphanages in Nigeria.
Read about other African Musicians here.
Davido’s Awards and Nominations
Davido has been nominated and also won some awards over time;
- Soul Train Awards
- Kora Awards
- BET Awards
- Mobo Awards
- MTV Europe Awards
- MTV Africa Music Awards
- World Music Awards
- The Headies
- Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards
Davido currently lives in Banana Island, Lagos, Nigeria. He is a fitness enthusiast and can be seen working out every day on his Snapchat when he is not playing father to his children.
