DAVIDO

Early Life and Education

Davido was born on November 21, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Nigerian parents Adedeji Adeleke, a business magnate, and the late Vero Adeleke, who was a university lecturer. He is the youngest of five siblings.

His family relocated to Lagos, Nigeria, shortly after his birth, where he attended the British International School. At the age of 16, he moved back to the United States to study business administration at Oakwood University in Alabama. However, his passion for music led him to drop out and pursue a career in music production and singing.

He later returned to Nigeria and, to fulfill a promise to his father, enrolled at Babcock University. He graduated in 2015 with a degree in music after his father sponsored the creation of a music department for an inaugural class of one student.

Music Career

Davido's music career began to take shape while he was at Oakwood University, where he started making his own beats. He was initially part of a music group called KB International with his cousins, B-Red and Sina Rambo.

His official entry into the Nigerian music scene was with his 2011 single "Back When," which featured Nigerian rapper Naeto C. However, it was his 2012 hit single, "Dami Duro," that propelled him to national stardom. The song was a massive success and became a popular anthem.

Following the success of "Dami Duro," he released his debut studio album, "Omo Baba Olowo," in 2012. The album won Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies in 2013 and featured several hit songs.

Over the years, Davido has released a string of highly successful singles, including "Gobe," "Skelewu," "Aye," "If," and "Fall." His 2017 single, "Fall," became an international sensation, becoming the longest-charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history.

International Success and Record Deals

In 2016, Davido signed a major record deal with Sony Music, which marked a significant milestone in his career and helped to further his international reach. That same year, he also founded his own record label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). He later signed a record deal with RCA Records.

His growing international profile led to collaborations with numerous global music stars, including Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Lil Baby, and Nas.

Discography

Davido has released several successful albums and an EP:

• Omo Baba Olowo (2012)

• Son of Mercy (EP, 2016)

• A Good Time (2019)

• A Better Time (2020)

• Timeless (2023)

His albums have garnered billions of streams and have been met with critical and commercial success.

Awards and Recognition

Davido is one of Africa's most decorated musicians. His awards include:

• Multiple wins at The Headies, Nigeria's premier music awards.

• BET Awards for Best International Act, including a historic win in 2018 where he received the award on the main stage.

• MTV Europe Music Awards for Best African Act.

• Three nominations at the 2024 Grammy Awards for his album "Timeless" and the song "Unavailable."

Davido Music Worldwide (DMW)

Davido founded his record label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), in 2016. The label has been instrumental in launching the careers of several successful artists, including Mayorkun and Peruzzi.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Davido is married to Chioma Avril Rowland. He is a father to multiple children. He tragically lost his first son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, in an accident in 2022.

Beyond his music, Davido is known for his generosity and philanthropic efforts. In 2021, he famously raised ₦200 million from friends and fans for his birthday and added ₦50 million of his own, donating the entire sum to various orphanages across Nigeria through the David Adeleke Foundation. He has continued this charitable tradition, pledging significant amounts to support underprivileged children in Nigeria.