David Adedeji Adeleke, known to the world as Davido, was born on November 21, 1992, in Atlanta, U.S., and spent his formative years in Lagos, Nigeria. His musical journey began as a member of the group KB International, but it was his decision to pursue music full-time that set him on the path to stardom. After studying business administration at Oakwood University, Davido left academia to focus on creating beats and recording vocal references, a choice that would soon pay off.
Davido's rise to fame was marked by the release of his hit single "Dami Duro" from his debut studio album, Omo Baba Olowo, in 2012. This album featured several successful tracks, including "Back When," "Ekuro," and "Feel Alright." His talent was recognized when he won the Next Rated award at The Headies in the same year. Over the next few years, he continued to release chart-topping singles such as "Gobe," "Aye," and "Skelewu," solidifying his status in the music industry.
In January 2016, Davido signed a record deal with Sony Music and later founded his own label, Davido Music Worldwide, which has since signed various artists. His EP, Son of Mercy, released in October 2016, showcased his versatility with tracks like "Gbagbe Oshi" and "Coolest Kid in Africa." Davido's contract with Sony was renegotiated in 2017, leading to the release of influential singles like "If" and "Fall," the latter becoming the longest-charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history.
Davido's influence extends beyond music; he was named one of the 100 most-influential Africans by New African magazine in 2019. His subsequent albums, A Good Time and A Better Time, released in 2019 and 2020 respectively, further established him as a cultural ambassador for Nigeria. In March 2023, he released his fourth studio album, Timeless, followed by his fifth album, 5ive, two years later. Davido is not only a prominent voice for human rights in Africa but also one of the most-followed African artists on social media platforms.