From humble beginnings to a world-renowned artist, the story of Davido is one of hard work, passion and resilience. His music has become an international sensation, bringing joy and energy to listeners around the world. Discover the amazing story of how Davido rose to fame in the music industry!
FAMILY BACKGROUND
David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known by his stage name Davido, is a 29-year-old Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born in November 1992 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. His parents are Business tycoon Mr. Adedeji Adeleke and the Late Mrs. Veronica Adeleke, a university lecturer before her death in 2002.
David is the last child and the second son of the Adedeji Adeleke Family. He has five older siblings and is a cousin to B-Red and Shina Rambo.
He was raised in Nigeria until he was 16 years old; he relocated to the United States to pursue a degree in Business administration at Oakwood University.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
At a very young age, Davido moved to Lagos, Nigeria, with his parents, where he received his primary education at the British International School. At 16, after completing his secondary education, he was accepted to study business administration at Oakwood University. He found his love for music and pursued it despite being unable to continue his education there.
Davido decided to continue his musical career in Nigeria, but his father insisted that he complete his education first. His father supported his career choice even though he initially wanted him to study business administration.
Father and son agreed that Davido would finish his tertiary education as a prerequisite to pursuing his musical career. His father paid Babcock University to start a music department for an inaugural class of one student. Davido graduated with a degree in music in 2015.
In 2018, images of Davido participating in NYSC circulated online.
LOVE LIFE
The self-made billionaire is the father to three beautiful kids from different mothers. His first child by Sophia Momodu, cousin to politician Dele Momodu was named Aurora Imade Adeleke. His relationship with Sophia was rocky amidst negative rumors about the paternity of Imade. His second daughter was named Hailey Veronica Adeleke in May 2017 by his American girlfriend, Amanda.
Davido’s only son, Ifeanyi David Adedeji Adeleke Jr., was birthed to him by Chioma Avril Rowland. Ifeanyi was born on October 2, 2019, and the relationship between the duo looked promising as they were engaged to be married but broke things off before they could walk down the aisle. Unfortunately, they lost Ifeanyi in November 2022.
EARLY CAREER
While in school, Davido was a member of KB International, a musical group based in the United States. He debuted in the music industry as a member of the band KB International. He, however, decided to quit school and go back to Lagos, Nigeria, to focus on music, releasing his first single, “Back When,” in 2011.
The second song from David’s debut studio album Omo Baba Olowo (2012), “Dami Duro,” from which six other singles—”Back When,” “Ekuro,” “Overseas,” “All of You,” “Gbon Gbon,” and “Feel Alright”—were taken, helped him gain popularity. He got the Next Rated Artiste honor at The Headies 2012 due to the popularity of his sophomore single, Omo Baba Olowo.
Davido’s career took off quickly, and during the following years, between 2013 and 2015, he released hit singles like “Naughty,” “Gobe,” “One of a Kind,” “Tchelete (Goodlife”),” “Skelewu,” “The Money,” “Owo Ni Koko,” “The Sound,” and “Aye.”
Davido continued to climb up the ladder by signing a record deal with Sony Music in 2016. In July of the same here, the certified “Omo Baba Olowo” launched his record company Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). Both record labels signed a deal in July 2016. Famous musicians like Peruzzi, Mayorkun, and Dremo are currently signed to the DMW record label.
Fast forward to October, Davido released His five-track EP Son of Mercy, which featured the singles “Gbagbe Oshi,” “How Long,” and “Coolest Kid in Africa.” Due to problems with creative autonomy, Davido renegotiated his contract with Sony in April 2017. Later that year, he released five songs, including “If” and “Fall.”
While “Fall” became a worldwide sensation and the longest-charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history, “If” sparked global social media engagement. In November 2019, Davido released his second studio album, A Good Time. The previously released singles “If,” “Fall,” “Assurance,” “Blow My Mind,” and “Risky” served as its backbone.
RECORD LABEL
At 24, on April 18, 2016, Davido founded Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). This record company signed artists including Lil Frosh, Lola Rae, and Ichaba. Recording artists like May D,Deekay B-Red, Mayorkun, Idowest, Dremo, etc. call it home.
The record company oversaw Davide’s album A Better Time’s creation. A Good Time and Son of Mercy EP are examples. Additionally, it has created numerous albums for the musicians mentioned above.
Davido is also the Co-Founder of HKN Music. Together with his older brother Adewale Adeleke, they co-founded the record label HKN Music in 2011. The music label had produced
The music label was founded in 2011 and has since produced many songs and albums. It has brought many musicians across the globe and signed a number of acts.
MUSIC ALBUM
Ome Baba Olowo- 2012
The Baddest -2015
Son of Mercy EP – 2016
A Good Time- 2019
A Better Time- 2020
Best of Davido- 2020
DAVIDO’S NOTABLE SONGS
If-2017
Jowo – 2020
Fall 2019
Assurance –
2018FEM – 2020
The Best – 2021
Shopping Spree – 2021
Aye-2015
Holy Ground
Gobe – 2013’
D&G – 2019 Ft. Summer Walker
Owo Ni Koko – 2015
Flore My Flawa – 2018
Coolest Kid in Africa – 2016 Ft. Nasty C
1 Milli – 2020
Wonder Woman – 2018
DAVIDO’S AWARDS
At the young age of 20, Davido won his first music prize. Over the years, he has gone on to win awards both domestically and internationally. Within a few years of starting his musical career, Davido won over 109 awards from 150 nominations. He is well-recognized locally and internationally for his exceptional talent.
Below is a list of some of his awards over the years:
- 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Hottest Single of the Year
- 2012 The Headies The Next Rated Award
- 2014 BET Award for Best International Act: Africa
- 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Award Best Collaboration award
- 2014 City People Music Award Music Artist of the Year
- 2016 City People Music Award “Best Collabo of the Year”
- 2017 Nigeria Entertainment Award “Afropop Male Artist award”
- 2017 The Future Awards “The Future Awards Prize for Music”
- 2017 MTV Europe Music Award “Best African Act”
- 2018 The Headies Awards “Artist of the Year”
- 2018 The Headies Awards “Song of the Year”
- 2018 The Headies Awards “Best Pop Single”
- 2018 BET Awards “Best International Act”
- 2020 South African Music Award “Rest of Africa Artist”
DAVIDO’S NETWORTH
Davido, the greatest Nigerian-American singer-songwriter in the world, is worth $50 million, according to a number of web publications (Wikipedia, Forbes, IMDB).
Davido’s $50 million net worth comes from his career as a musician, songwriter, and producer. Also, he is a well-known figure on the African continent and was given a significant contract by MTN Communication to serve as their brand ambassador, which cost about $5 million.
| Net Worth in 2022 | $50 Million |
| Net Worth in 2021 | $46 Million |
| Net Worth in 2020 | $42 Million |
| Net Worth in 2019 | $38 Million |
| Net Worth in 2018 | $35 Million |
| Net Worth in 2017 | $33 Million |
RECORD LABEL
SOCIAL MEDIA
Davido is not new to social media. The second-most following African on Instagram is Davido, with 21.5 million+ fans. You can follow Davido on the following social media handles;
| YouTube | More than 3.12M Subscribers Click here |
| More than 7.6M Followers Click here | |
| More than 25M Followers Click here | |
| More than 12.3M Followers Click here |
