Davido
Musician, Record Producer
Biography
David Adedeji Adeleke, known professionally as Davido, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has become one of the most influential and successful Afrobeats artists in the world. Born on 1992-11-21, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Davido moved to Nigeria at a young age and grew up in the vibrant music scene of Lagos. He is known for his catchy melodies, energetic performances, and ability to blend African rhythms with international pop and hip-hop influences. Davido rose to fame with his debut album "Omo Baba Olowo" in 2011, which featured the hit single "Dami Duro." Since then, he has released numerous successful albums and singles, including chart-topping hits like "Fall," "If," "Assurance," and "Fem." His music has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple BET Awards, Headies, and MTV Europe Music Awards. Beyond his music career, Davido is also a successful entrepreneur who founded the record label DMW (Davido Music Worldwide) in 2016, which has signed several talented artists. He is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting various charitable causes in Nigeria and across Africa. Davido's influence extends beyond music, as he is considered a cultural ambassador for African music and youth empowerment, making him one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the global entertainment industry.
Early Life
David Adedeji Adeleke was born on 1992-11-21, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, to Nigerian parents. His father, Adedeji Adeleke, is a billionaire businessman and the founder of Pacific Holdings, one of the largest investment companies in Nigeria. His late mother, Veronica Adeleke, was a university professor who passed away in 2003 when Davido was just 10 years old. After his mother's death, Davido moved back to Nigeria to live with his family and was raised in Lagos, Nigeria's largest city and cultural hub. Growing up in a wealthy and influential family, Davido had access to the best education and opportunities. He attended British International School in Lagos and later moved to the United States for higher education. Davido studied Business Administration at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, where he developed a strong foundation in business principles that would later help him in his music career and entrepreneurial ventures. During his time in the US, Davido began making music as a hobby, recording songs in his dorm room and sharing them with friends. It was during this period that he discovered his passion for music and decided to pursue it as a career. Despite his father's initial preference for him to focus on the family business, Davido was determined to follow his dreams in music. He returned to Nigeria in 2011 and began working on his debut album, marking the beginning of his remarkable journey in the music industry.
Career
Davido started his music career after moving back to Nigeria in 2011. He put out his first song, "Back When," which did okay, but his next track, "Dami Duro," made him famous. This hit song turned him into a top new artist in Africa. His first album came out that same year and mixed African beats with pop and hip-hop.
Since then, Davido has kept making popular music. His song "Fall" stayed on the American charts for 14 weeks, while "If" reached number one in many countries. He also wrote "Assurance" for his partner and "Fem" to answer people who doubted him. By working with global stars like Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj, he became known worldwide.
In 2016, he started his own music company, DMW. He signed new singers and helped them become successful. Davido has won many trophies, including Best International Act at the BET Awards. Outside of singing, he puts his money into farming, buildings, and tech companies. He also gives a lot to charity to help kids, schools, and hospitals.
Personal Life
Davido's personal life has often been in the public eye due to his fame and the high-profile nature of his family. He is known for being family-oriented and often speaks about his late mother, who remains a significant influence in his life. Davido has three daughters: Imade Adeleke (born 2015) from a previous relationship, Hailey Adeleke (born 2017) from another relationship, and Aurora Adeleke (born 2021) with his former fiancée Chioma Rowland. Davido and Chioma had a highly publicized relationship, and he proposed to her in 2019 with a stunning diamond ring. They welcomed their daughter Aurora in 2021, but unfortunately, their relationship ended in 2022.
Despite the breakup, Davido has expressed his commitment to co-parenting and being present in his children's lives. He is known for sharing glimpses of his family life on social media, often posting photos and videos with his daughters, which endears him to fans. Davido comes from a wealthy and influential family, with his father being one of the richest men in Nigeria. However, he has worked hard to build his own career and reputation separate from his family's wealth. He is known for his down-to-earth personality and sense of humor, which he often showcases on social media. Davido is also passionate about giving back to society and has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including donating to orphanages, supporting education programs, and providing financial assistance to those in need. He is also an avid traveler and enjoys exploring different cultures around the world, often sharing his experiences with his followers.
Fun Facts
He studied Business Administration at Oakwood University in Alabama, USA
His song "Fall" spent 14 weeks on Billboard charts, becoming one of the longest-charting Nigerian songs
He has over 20 million followers on Instagram, making him one of the most followed African artists
He founded the record label DMW (Davido Music Worldwide) in 2016
His real name is David Adedeji Adeleke
He is part of the wealthy Adeleke family, with his father being a Nigerian billionaire
He won the BET Award for Best International Act three times (2014, 2018, 2019)
He has collaborated with international artists like Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, and Meek Mill
He is a father of three daughters: Imade, Hailey, and Aurora
He proposed to Chioma Rowland with a diamond ring worth over $250,000
He is known for his philanthropic work and has donated millions to charitable causes
He has a unique fashion sense and is often seen wearing custom-made outfits
He is a fan of football and supports Arsenal FC
He started making music while studying in the US and posted his first songs on Facebook
He has multiple tattoos, including one of his daughter Imade's name on his chest
He performed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar
He has a YouTube channel with over 2 million subscribers where he shares music videos and vlogs
He is known for his energetic stage performances and often interacts with fans during concerts
He has been nominated for Grammy Awards multiple times
He has a clothing line called "30 Billion Gang" (3BG)
He is a brand ambassador for several international companies including Pepsi and Infinix
He speaks both English and Yoruba fluently
He is a coffee enthusiast and often posts about his favorite coffee shops
He has a pet dog named "Shiba" that he frequently features on social media
Before & Now
Filmography
Movies
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
GOAT
Hokum
Iron Lung
Ready or Not: Here I Come
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Swapped
They Will Kill You
Avatar: Fire and Ash
David
Dracula
Hamnet
I Am a Plaything
Zootopia 2
Zootopia 2
Moana 2
Blood Vessel
Graphic Desires
Mami Wata
Swapping Workshop for Middle-aged Couples
Òlòtūré
Interstellar
Real Steel
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Taken
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
The Devil Wears Prada
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Scary Movie 2
Scary Movie
The Matrix
Titanic
Scream
Scream
The Lion King
The Shawshank Redemption
Damage
Pink Floyd: The Wall