David Adedeji Adeleke, known professionally as Davido, is a Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born on November 21, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Davido was raised in Lagos, Nigeria. He hails from a prominent family—his father, Adedeji Adeleke, is a billionaire businessman and the founder of Adeleke University in Osun State, Nigeria, while his late mother, Veronica Adeleke, was a university lecturer at the University of Lagos.
Davido’s journey into music began during his time at Oakwood University in Alabama, USA, where he initially studied Business Administration. While there, he became passionate about music, learning how to produce beats and recording songs. His love for music led him to transfer to Babcock University in Nigeria, where he graduated with a degree in Music. His father is said to have established the music department at Babcock to support his son’s growing career.
In 2011, Davido rose to prominence with the release of his debut single “Dami Duro,” which became a major hit and made waves in Nigeria’s music scene. This was followed by his debut album, Omo Baba Olowo (Son of a Rich Man), released in 2012. The album featured several successful singles, including “Back When” and “Overseas”, establishing Davido as a leading figure in Nigerian music. His infectious energy, distinctive voice, and ability to blend Afrobeat, Afropop, and highlife influences quickly set him apart.
Throughout his career, Davido has achieved remarkable success with hit songs such as “Fall”, “If”, “Fia”, and “Fem”. These tracks not only dominated Nigerian radio but also gained international recognition, solidifying Davido’s place as one of the biggest African artists globally. He has won numerous awards, including the prestigious BET Award, MTV Africa Music Awards, and the MOBO Award for Best African Act.
Beyond his music, Davido is a philanthropist. He has been actively involved in various charitable endeavors, supporting education, healthcare, and youth empowerment initiatives in Nigeria. In 2016, he made headlines when he donated a large sum to a hospital for the treatment of ailing children.
Davido also founded Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), a record label that has signed notable artists like Mayorkun, Peruzzi, and Lil Kesh. His business ventures in the music industry have expanded his influence, helping to shape the Afrobeats genre and bring African music to the global stage.
As a cultural ambassador and one of the pioneers of the global Afrobeats movement, Davido continues to break barriers, both musically and socially, remaining a dominant force in the music world.