What You Should Know About Davido -The Afrobeat Music Icon

David Adedeji Adeleke, known professionally as Davido, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer born on November 21, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA and raised in Lagos, Nigeria.

Early Life and Education:

Davido’s father, Adedeji Adeleke, is a wealthy businessman, and his mother, Veronica Adeleke (1963-2003), was a university lecturer. He is the youngest of five siblings. Davido enrolled at Oakwood University in Alabama, USA, to study Business Administration. However, he dropped out to pursue a career in music after which he relocated to London to train his vocals. On returning to Nigeria in 2011, he enrolled at Babcock University to study Music after his father paid the university to start a music department for a maiden class of one student which he later graduated in July 2015.

Career:

Davido’s music journey began in 2011 when he released his debut single “Back When” featuring Naeto C as the lead single for ‘Omo baba olowo‘ on May 7, 2011. His breakthrough came in 2012 with the hit single “Dami Duro.” He released his debut album “Omo Baba Olowo” in 2012, which earned him numerous awards.

In 2016, Davido signed with Sony Music. He later founded DMW (Davido Music Worldwide) in 2016, signing artists like Mayorkun, Peruzzi, and Dremo. In July 2016, he also signed a record deal with RCA Records.

Aside from his music career, Davido has signed several ambassadorial deals which came as a result of his popularity in the industry and globally.

On April 6, 2012, Davido signed a 30 million endorsement deal with MTN. This made him the face of MTN pulse. On October 26, 2013, Guinness Nigeria signed Davido for an endorsement deal.

In May 2018, Davido signed an endorsement deal with Infinix Mobile – A smartphone manufacturing company based in Hong Kong.

Davido became the official brand ambassador for the sport-betting brand 1xbet in May 2021. Etc

Personal Life and Marriage:

Davido has three children with two women: Aurora Imade Adeleke (born May 14, 2015) with Sophia Momodu, and Hailey Veronica Adeleke (born May 9, 2017) and David Ifeanyi Adedeji Adeleke Jr. (born October 20, 2019) with Chioma Rowland.

In June 2024, Davido tied the nuptial knot with his long-term partner, Chioma Rowland at Harbour Point in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Read Also: Highlight of Chivido 2024 – A wedding ceremony for the books.

Achievements:

Davido has won numerous awards, including:
-Best African Act at the MOBO Awards (2017).
– MTV Africa Music Award for Artist of the Year (2018).
– African Music Magazine Award for Best Male West Africa (2018).
– The Headies Award for Artiste of the Year (2018).
BET Award for Best International Flow (2019).

He has collaborated with international artists like Meek Mill, Tinashe, and Chris Brown.

Davido’s philanthropic efforts include donating to the COVID-19 relief fund and supporting Nigerian youth and the less privileged through his DMW foundation.

With over 16 million followers on Instagram, Davido is one of Africa’s most influential artists, known for his energetic live performances, captivating music videos, and chart-topping hits like “Fall,” “If,” and “Assurance.” His rise to fame is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for music.