Davido, or David Adedeji Adeleke, is a Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, and record producer widely regarded as one of the most influential Afrobeats artists of the 21st century. He is credited alongside Burna Boy and Wizkid for popularizing Afrobeats globally. 

He has won several awards and accolades for his musical career and founded his own record label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). In this blog post, we will explore the biography of Davido, early life, education, career, personal life, and net worth.

Davido Profile

Davido Early Life and Education

Davido was born on November 21, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Nigerian billionaire businessman Chief Adedeji Adeleke and his wife, university lecturer Dr. Veronica Adeleke. He is the third-born child of his parents. He has an older brother, Adewale Adedeji, and two sisters, Sharon and Ashley Coco. 

His mother died in March 2003. His father is the founder-president of Adeleke University and the CEO of Pacific Holdings. Davido and his siblings are on the board of directors of his father's company.

Davido studied at The British International School, Lagos. He began making music at the age of 11. According to him, he had inherited the love of entertaining people from his mother, so he named her as the inspiration behind his musical journey. He joined Oakwood University, Alabama, to study business administration. 

At the university, he developed a keen interest in music. He later dropped out to focus on music. While at the university, he was part of the music group KB International. He then went to London, where he worked on his vocals.

In 2011, Davido returned to Nigeria, joined Babcock University on his father's persuasion, and acquired a degree in music in 2015. He was also involved in various campus shows and events, where he showcased his talent and skills as a comedian and MC.

Davido Career and Achievements

Davido started his career as a singer and record producer by releasing his debut single, "Back When," featuring Naeto C, in 2011. The song was a fusion of hip-hop and Afrobeats and received positive reviews from fans and critics. He also released the music video for the song, which Clarence Peters directed. He later signed a record deal with HKN Music, owned by his brother Adewale Adeleke.

He rose to fame after releasing his hit second single, "Dami Duro," in 2012. The song was a catchy and energetic Afrobeats track, becoming one of the most-played songs on Nigerian radio stations. He also released the music video for the song, which Clarence Peters directed. 

He released his debut studio album, Omo Baba Olowo, in 2012, which featured the singles "Back When," "Dami Duro," "Ekuro," "Overseas," "All of You," "Gabon Gabon," and "Feel Alright." The album was a commercial and critical success, earning him several awards and nominations.

He released the single "Gobe" in 2013, a hit song that topped various charts in Nigeria and Africa. He also released the music video for the song, which Godfather Productions directed. 

He also released the singles "One of a Kind," "Skelewu," and "Aye" in 2013, which were also successful songs that showcased his versatility and vocal range. He also released music videos for the songs directed by Tebza, Sesan, and Clarence Peters, respectively.

He released the single "Tchelete (Goodlife)," featuring Mafikizolo, in 2014, which was a collaboration with the South African duo. The song blended Afrobeats and house music, and fans and critics received it well. 

He also released the music video for the song, which Twenty Twenty Media directed. He also released the singles "Naughty," featuring DJ Arafat, and "Owo Ni Koko," 2014, which were popular songs that cemented his status as a star.

In January 2016, Davido announced on Twitter he had signed a record deal with Sony Music, and a few months later, he founded his record label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), to which acts Dremo, Mayorkun, Yonda, and Peruzzi are currently signed. 

He released the single "If," produced by Tekno, in 2017, which was a massive hit that generated worldwide social-media activity. He also released the music video for the song, which Director Q. He directed. He also released the single "Fall," produced by Kiddominant, in 2017, which was another hit song that became the longest-charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history.

He released his second studio album, A Good Time, in November 2019, which featured the previously released singles "If," "Fall," "Assurance," "Blow My Mind," featuring Chris Brown, and "Risky," featuring Popcaan. The album also featured guest appearances from Summer Walker, Gunna, A Boogie with da Hoodie, Dremo, Peruzzi, Zlatan, and Naira Marley. 

The album was a commercial and critical success, receiving positive reviews from fans and critics. He also released music videos for some of the songs on the album, such as "Assurance," "Blow My Mind," "Risky," and "Sweet in the Middle."

He released his third studio album, A Better Time, in November 2020, which featured guest appearances from Nicki Minaj, Nas, Lil Baby, Young Thug, Tiwa Savage, Mayorkun, Bella Shmurda, and others. The album also featured the singles "Fem," "Holy Ground," "The Best," and "Jowo." 

The album was also a commercial and critical success, receiving positive reviews from fans and critics. He also released music videos for some of the songs on the album, such as "Fem," "Holy Ground," "The Best," and "Jowo."

Davido has won several awards and accolades for his musical career, such as the Best International Act: Africa at the 2014 BET Awards, the Best African Act at the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards, the Artist of the Year at the 2018 Headies, the Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards, the Best Worldwide Act at the 2017 MTV Europe Music Awards.

The Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival. He has also performed at various events and concerts, such as the One Africa Music Fest, the Wireless Festival, the Made in America Festival, and the Afro Nation Festival.

Davido Personal Life and Net Worth

Davido is not married yet, but he is engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Chioma Rowland, a chef and the mother of his son, Ifeanyi David Adeleke Jr. He proposed to her in September 2019, and they plan to tie the knot soon. Davido also has two daughters, Aurora Imade Adeleke, from his relationship with Sophia Momodu, and Hailey Veronica Adeleke, from his relationship with Amanda. 

Davido is a devoted Christian who often shares his faith and inspirational messages on his social media platforms. He is also a philanthropist, and he supports various causes and charities, such as the education of young girls, the peace and unity of Nigeria, and the welfare of people in need.

Davido is one of Nigeria and Africa's wealthiest and most influential musicians. He has an estimated net worth of $40 million. He makes money from music sales, streaming royalties, endorsement deals, and event hosting. He is also the CEO of DMW, a record label that has produced and promoted some of the most prominent artists in Nigeria, such as Mayorkun, Dremo, Peruzzi, and Yonda.

Controversy And Activism Of Davido 

Davido is a famous Nigerian Afrobeats singer involved in several controversies and activism. Some of the notable ones are:

• In 2023, he faced backlash from some Muslims for releasing a promotional video of his signee, Logos Olori's new song, Jaye Lo, which showed men dancing outside a mosque. He later apologized and removed the video.

• In 2022, he donated 250m Nigerian naira ($608,000; £450,000) to orphanages in Nigeria after he tweeted to fans asking them to give him money if they believed he had made a hit song. He said he wanted to be remembered for being a waymaker and changing lives.

• In 2018, he was accused of making sexual advances to South African actress Boity after his concert in Zimbabwe. He denied the allegations and said they were friends.

• In 2017, he supported the #EndSARS movement, which protested against police brutality in Nigeria. He met with the inspector general of police and demanded justice for the victims.

Davido is sometimes called the "king" of Afrobeats and has won several awards and accolades for his music. He is also known for his philanthropy, social activism, and controversies and scandals.

Conclusion

Davido is a talented and versatile singer, songwriter, and record producer who has made a remarkable impact in the Nigerian and African music industry. He is one of the pioneers and leaders of the Afrobeats movement, and he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the global music scene, such as Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Nas, and Lil Baby. 

He has won several awards and accolades for his musical career and founded his record label, DMW, one of the most successful labels in Nigeria. He is a role model and an inspiration to many young people, especially young musicians, who aspire to pursue their dreams and fulfill their purpose. He is indeed a superstar and a legend.