Davido

David Adedeji Adeleke, professionally known as Davido, was born on November 21, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. Coming from a prominent Nigerian family, with his father, Adedeji Adeleke, as a business mogul and philanthropist, and his late mother, Veronica Adeleke, as a university lecturer, Davido’s early exposure to both Nigerian and American cultures would later shape his unique Afrobeat sound. He attended the British International School in Lagos and then moved to the United States to study business administration at Oakwood University, where he discovered his passion for music production. Davido’s journey in music began while he was still at Oakwood, and his early self-produced songs gained attention quickly. Choosing to fully pursue his passion, he left Oakwood, returned to Nigeria, and later graduated from Babcock University with a degree in music. In 2011, he released his breakout single "Dami Duro," which became an instant hit across Nigeria and Africa, propelling him to stardom with its unique blend of Afrobeat, pop, and energetic rhythm. Building on this success, he released his debut album Omo Baba Olowo (OBO) with popular tracks like "Back When" and "Ekuro," firmly establishing him in the Nigerian music industry. With follow-up hits like "Skelewu," "Aye," and "Gobe," Davido’s sound and persona resonated across Africa and beyond, catching the attention of international artists like Meek Mill, Chris Brown, and Nicki Minaj, and sparking collaborations that introduced him to a global audience. His 2017 single "Fall" achieved unprecedented success, becoming one of the longest-charting Nigerian pop songs on Billboard and a breakthrough Afrobeat track in North America and Europe. Davido’s influence in the music industry has been recognized with several awards, including the BET Award for Best International Act, MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act, Headies Award for Artiste of the Year, and AFRIMMA and MOBO awards. His discography includes acclaimed albums like Omo Baba Olowo (2012), A Good Time (2019), and A Better Time (2020), and chart-topping singles like "If," "FIA," and "Blow My Mind." Beyond music, Davido is celebrated for his philanthropic efforts across Nigeria, including scholarships, donations to orphanages, and social support initiatives. In 2021, he notably raised funds through social media to support orphanages, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community. Davido’s journey from local artist to global Afrobeat icon has helped to elevate the genre worldwide, inspiring new artists and celebrating African culture on an international scale. With a growing global fanbase and a reputation as a trailblazer in Afrobeat, Davido continues to shape the future of African music and inspire a new generation of creatives.