Davido
Davido | |
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![]() Davido on the set of D'Prince's "Gentlemen" music video shoot in January 2014 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | David Adedeji Adeleke |
Born | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S | 21 November 1992
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
|
Years active | 2010–present |
Labels | |
Website | iamdavido |
David Adedeji Adeleke (born November 21, 1992),[1][2] better known by his stage name Davido, is an American born Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. His 2011 single "Dami Duro" was well-received throughout Nigeria. Along with his elder brother Adewale Adeleke, Davido is the co-owner of HKN Music (a record label home to Sina Rambo, B. Red and DeeKay).[3][3][4] He has produced songs for Naeto C, Skales, Tiwa Savage and Sauce Kid. In April 2012, he signed an endorsement deal with MTN Nigeria.[5] On October 23, 2013, Davido partnered with Guinness Nigeria for the "Guinness World of More" concert.[6]
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Davido relocated to Lagos at a young age. His debut album Omo Baba Olowo, released in 2012, was initiated by the bringing out of singles "Back When" featuring Naeto C, "Dami Duro", "All of You", "Overseas" featuring Sina Rambo, "Ekuro", "Gbon Gbon" and "Feel Alright" featuring Ice Prince. Between 2013 and 2015, Davido released the singles "Gobe", "One of a Kind", "Skelewu", "Aye", "Tchelete (Goodlife)" featuring Mafikizolo, "Naughty" featuring DJ Arafat, "Owo Ni Koko", "The Sound" and "The Money" featuring Olamide. The aforementioned singles were reportedly intended to be singles off the album, The Baddest.
In January 2016, Davido announced via Twitter that he signed a record deal with Sony Music. His announcement was met with mixed reactions.[7] The record label put out a press release to confirm the deal.[8] Davido started his own label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), few months after signing with Sony.[9] Dremo and Mayorkun are currently signed to the label.[10] In July 2016, Davido signed a record deal with Sony's RCA Records.[11]
Life and music career
1992–2010: Early life and career beginnings
I’ve been doing music for like 1 year but I took it seriously in March 2011. I was formerly in a group called KB international in America. It wasn’t working out so I thought I should just do this on my own that was when I moved back to Nigeria. I was around people that were musically inclined. I love music, and why not do something you love and are happy doing and making money at the same time.
-Davido, on his decision to venture into music [12]
Davido was born on November 21, 1992, to Chief Deji and Vero Adeleke in Atlanta, Georgia. His father is a Nigerian business magnate and his late mother was a university lecturer.[13] He attended the British International School in Lagos. Davido studied Business Administration at Oakwood University prior to relocating to Nigeria.[12] Davido's interest in music started during his time at Oakwood University. He bought musical equipment and started making beats, in addition to recording vocal references.[14] He dropped out of Oakwood University when he started getting bad grades and relocated to London, where he focused more of his energy towards vocals as opposed to production.[14] When Davido returned to Nigeria in 2011, his music career was sidelined after he agreed to honor his father by enrolling at Babcock University. In July 2015, Davido earned a music degree from Babcock after his father paid the university to erect a music department for an inaugural class of one.[1][14][15]
2011–2012:Omo Baba Olowo
Work on Davido's debut studio album, Omo Baba Olowo, began in 2011. On May 7, 2011, Davido produced and released his first musical recording "Back When" which was a major hit.[16][17] The song served as the album's lead single and received frequent airplay.[1] The music video for the single, uploaded onto YouTube on May 9, 2011, was shot and directed in Nigeria by Clarence Peters.[18] Davido told Factory 78 TV that he recorded "Back When" in London.[19] Davido co-produced "Dami Duro" with Shizzi and released it on October 30, 2011.[20][21] The music video for "Dami Duro" was released on January 8, 2012. It was shot and directed in Lagos by Clarence Peters, and was released during the Occupy Nigeria protests.[22] In an interview posted on NotJustOk, Davido spoke on the release and composition of "Dami Duro". He said he recorded "Dami Duro" in August 2011. Three months later, the song got leaked after he sent it out to some friends.[23] On May 6, 2012, HKN Music released "Overseas" as a single off the album. The unfinished version of the song leaked prior to the official release.[24][25] On September 28, 2012, HKN Music released the music video for "All of You". The song was produced by Gospelondebeatz. In an interview with Factory 78 TV, Davido said he recorded the song with Gospel after meeting him at a mall.[26] To further promote the album, Davido released music videos for "Ekuro",[27] "Gbon Gbon",[28] and "Feel Alright".[29]
2013–2015:The Baddest promotional singles and Africa Rising campaign
In early 2013, Davido began recording his second studio album. On February 25, 2013, he released "Gobe" as the upcoming album's lead single.[30] The song was produced by Shizzi. Charles Mgbolu of Vanguard commented on the release of the single, saying: "It's a beautiful song with a tremendous video running along. In Gobe, Davido is beaten up by thugs after winning the girl. It's a song that exudes fun from start to finish."[31] The music video for the single was shot in South Africa by Godfather Productions.[32] The song was ranked second on Premium Times list of the Top 10 songs of 2013.[33]
Davido announced via Twitter that the second single "One of a Kind", from the upcoming album, would be released on May 13, 2013.[34] The song was also produced by the aforementioned in-house producer.[35] The music video for "One of a Kind" was shot and directed in South Africa by Tebza of Godfather Productions. It visualizes a united Africa rich in culture and music.[36]
"Skelewu", the third single from the upcoming album, was released on August 13, 2013.[37] It was ranked 5th on the aforementioned list of the top 10 songs of 2013.[33][38] The song peaked at number 1 on Afribiz's Top 100 chart.[39] A dance competition with a cash prize of $3000 (₦480,000) was announced days after the release of the song. Davido uploaded an instructional dance video onto YouTube and asked fans to upload videos of themselves dancing to "Skelewu". On October 10, 2013, Davido declared Bello Moshood Abiola the winner of the competition.[40][41] A week after announcing the winner of the Skelewu dance competition, a Sesan directed music video was released to the public. Shortly after the release of the video, Davido took to Twitter to debunk the video and said that someone betrayed him by releasing it. He also said he'll re-shoot the video with Moe Musa, a UK based music video director.[42] Sesan commented on the release of the music video and said that Davido was satisfied with his contributions to the music video. He also said that it would be immature for Davido and his management to release inaccurate statements in order to defame his brand.[43][44] On October 21, 2013, the official music video for the single was shot and directed in London by Moe Musa. It was uploaded onto YouTube at a total length of 3 minutes and 56 seconds.[45]
On February 2, 2014, Davido released "Aye" as the fourth single from the upcoming album. The song was produced by T Spize.[46] The music video for "Aye" was released on February 7, 2014, and was directed by Clarence Peters. According to the music video's synopsis, "Davido plays a poor farmer who falls in love with the prince's love interest."[47][48] On April 30, 2014, HKN Music released the upcoming album's fifth single "Tchelete (Goodlife)" featuring South African duo Mafikizolo. The song, which translates to "Money", was produced by Oskido and Shizzi. Upon its release, the song was distributed by MTN's Play and Callertunez platforms. The collaboration between Davido and Mafikizolo came about as a result of them networking at MTN Nigeria's Elite Night event in December 2013.[49][50] The music video for the song was shot and directed in South Africa. It was uploaded onto YouTube on May 1, 2014. Oskido and Uhuru made cameo appearances in the video.[51]
In June 2014, Davido collaborated with Mi Casa, Lola Rae, Sarkodie, Diamond Platnumz and Tiwa Savage on a song for DSTV's Africa Rising campaign, which was designed to inspire Africans to partake in community-based social investment projects. The music video for the song, released on June 24, 2014, was shot and directed by South African production house Callback Dream.[52] The aforementioned artists performed the song at the Africa Rising launch ceremony in Mauritius.[53] In July 2014, Davido told The New Age newspaper that he plans on collaborating with American rappers Rick Ross and Meek Mill.[54][55] In June 2015, Davido dropped his long-awaited collaboration with Meek Mill titled "Fans Mi".
2017 to 2018 international fame
On November 30, 2017 Davido won the best African act at the MOBO Awards and also became the first African act to perform live at the awards.[56]
On June 24, 2018, Davido became the first African-based artist to have received his award on the BET Awards main stage. His award was presented by Hollywood actor Omari Hardwick and actress Tika Sumpter. In his acceptance speech, he urged patrons and American artists to visit Africa and also enjoy the food.[57]
Endorsements
On April 6, 2012, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that Davido signed a ₦30 million endorsement deal with MTN. The deal unveiled him as the face of MTN Pulse, a marketing campaign for Nigerian youths.[58] On October 24, 2013, Pulse reported that Guinness Nigeria signed Davido to an endorsement deal.[59] As part of the deal, Davido performed at the Guinness World of More Concert alongside P-Square, D'banj, Wizkid, Ice Prince, Burna Boy, Olamide, Phyno, Chidinma, Waje and Tiwa Savage, among others.[60]
Controversies
In May 2014, Davido attacked the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) after missing his flight to London. He accused them of pestering him for money. On 11 May 2014, the Public Relations Officer for the NIS denied Davido's allegations and said that they didn't issue him an exit permit because he didn't have the proper travel documents with him at the time.[61][62]
In December 2015, the Vanguard reported that Davido and his baby's mother, Sophia Momodu, were embroiled in a fight over the custody of their daughter Imade Adeleke. The newspaper reported that it all started after Sophie and her family filed a petition against Davido and his family for alleged child trafficking. In a petition sent to the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Davido and his family were accused of keeping Imade away from her mother, as well as trying to flee Nigeria with the baby. Davido has since insisted that the allegations against him are false, but apologised to Dele Momodu, the cousin of Sophia Momodu.[63][64]
Awards and nominations
Discography
Studio albums
- Omo Baba Olowo (2012)
- The Baddest (2016)
EPs
- Son of Mercy (2016)
Selected singles
Year | Title | Album |
---|---|---|
2011 | "Back When" (featuring Naeto C) | Omo Baba Olowo |
"Dami Duro" | ||
2012 | "Ekuro" | |
"Overseas" (featuring Sina Rambo) | ||
"Gbon Gbon" | ||
"All of You" | ||
"Feel Alright" (featuring Ice Prince) | ||
2013 | "One of a Kind" | NON-ALBUM SINGLE |
"Gobe" | The Baddest | |
"Skelewu" | ||
2014 | "Aye" | |
"Tchelete (Goodlife)"(featuring Mafikizolo) | ||
2015 | "Dodo" | |
"Fans Mi" (featuring Meek Mill) | ||
"Owo Ni Koko" | ||
"The Sound" (featuring Uhuru & Dj Buckz) | ||
"The Money" (featuring Olamide) | NON-SINGLE ALBUM | |
2016 | "Gbagbe Oshi" | Son Of Mercy |
"Maga To Mugu" (featuring Simi) | ||
2017 | "If" | TBA |
"Fall" | ||
"Pere" (featuring Rae Sremmurd, Young Thug) | ||
"Fia" | ||
"Like Dat"
"My lilly (featuring Jah Prayzar) | ||
2018 | "Assurance" | Non-album single |
"Flora My Flawa" | ||
"Nwa Baby" |
References
- ^ a b c "Davido – Full Biography". MTV Base. Archived from the original on December 17, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2013.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Dami duro for launch today". The Punch. July 22, 2012. Archived from the original on March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 16, 2014.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b "Family Over Everything: B.Red, Sinarambo return to Davido's HKN Gang". Nigerian Entertainment Today. July 16, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
- ^ "Davido Signs His First Ghanaian Artist DeeKay to HKN Music". Bellanaija. March 6, 2013. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Osagie Alonge (September 16, 2013). "NET EXCLUSIVE: MTN splashes N500m on endorsement deals". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Joey Akan (October 24, 2013). "Olamide, Wizkid & Davido Sign Endorsement Deals With Guinness Nigeria". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Rotimi Agbana (January 23, 2016). "Mixed reactions greet Davido's new deal with Sony Music". Vanguard. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Daniel Anazia, ed. (January 30, 2016). "Sony Music Entertainment Confirms Deal With Davido". The Guardian. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Joey Akan (April 6, 2016). "End of HKN Music as pop star launches new label, fights with B-Red?". Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Joey Akan (February 20, 2017). "Lola Rae and Dammy Krane are not signed to singer's record label". Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Joey Akan (July 23, 2016). "Singer signs new deal with RCA Records under which he dropped his best single so far "if"". Pulse. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ a b Adeola Adeyemo (February 4, 2012). "BN Saturday Celebrity Interview: "You Can't Stop Me!" 2012′s Hottest Star, Davido – The Music, The Fame, The Fans & More!". Bellanaija. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "Wealthy parents, super star kids". Punch Nigeria. July 6, 2013. Archived from the original on January 11, 2014. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|dead-url=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b c Rawiya Kameir. "Davido's upbringing was almost impossibly blessed. Now, he's leveraging his resources to model the future of African pop". The Fader. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "Davido graduates from Babcock University". The Vanguard. June 7, 2015. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Ayo Jaguda (May 7, 2011). "Bubbling Under/Davido – Back When Ft Naeto C". Jaguda. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "360Fresh: Davido – Back When ft. Naeto C". 360nobs. June 3, 2011. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Ovie O (May 9, 2011). "VIDEO Premiere: Davido – Back When ft Naeto C". Notjustok. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "Davido – Dami duro (Exclusive interview)". February 14, 2012. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "New Music: Davido – Dami Duro". Bellanaija. October 31, 2011. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "Davido – Dami Duro". Tooxclusive. October 31, 2011. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Wilfred Okiche (January 10, 2012). "#InCaseyouMissedIt Hot Stuff: Davido drops video for 'Dami Duro'". YNaija. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "Davido (NotjustOk Hype)". Notjustok. December 20, 2011. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
- ^ Ovie O (May 6, 2012). "Official Version: Davido – Overseas ft Sina Rambo". Notjustok. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "New Music: Davido – Overseas ft. Sina Rambo". Jaguda. May 7, 2012. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "FACTORY78 – Davido full interview / Album Review Pt1". November 19, 2012. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "NEW VIDEO: DAVIDO – EKURO". 360nobs. May 25, 2012. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "Davido – Gbon Gbon". thisisafrica. October 23, 2012. Archived from the original on January 11, 2014. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|dead-url=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Ayo Jaguda (December 8, 2012). "Video Premiere: Davido – Feel Alright Ft. Ice Prince". Jaguda. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "Davido returns with 'Gobe' video". Daily Independent. Archived from the original on September 12, 2013. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|dead-url=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Charles Mgbolu (February 26, 2013). "Davido releases hot new video 'Gobe'". Vanguard. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Onos (February 26, 2013). "New Video: Davido – Gobe". Bellanaija. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ a b Micheal Abimboye (December 29, 2013). "Wande Coal, Davido, others make PREMIUM TIMES Top 10 songs of 2013". Premium Times. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Rachel Ogbu (May 14, 2013). "It's official: Davido releases new single, 'One of a kind' [DOWNLOAD]". YNaija. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Ovie O (May 13, 2013). "OFFICIAL Premiere: Davido – One of A Kind (Prod by Shizzi)". Notjustok. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "New Video: Davido – One Of A Kind". 360nobs. May 31, 2013. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "Davido – Skelewu (Prod. Shizzi)". Notjustok. August 13, 2013. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
- ^ "Get Familiar: Davido – Skelewu". 360nobs. August 13, 2013. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "Afribiz Top 100 Chart". Afribiz. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|dead-url=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Osagie Alonge (October 10, 2013). "Davido doles out N.48m to 19yr old 'Skelewu' dance competition winner". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Joy Akosa (October 15, 2013). "Davido Gives Skelewu Dancer Winner 3000 Dollars". ModernGhana. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "Davido Addresses Unofficial Leaked Video For 'Skelewu'". 360nobs. October 16, 2013. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "Davido is irresponsible, immature –Sesan". Punch Nigeria. October 19, 2013. Archived from the original on January 12, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|dead-url=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Bob Alash (October 16, 2013). "Davido Approved Skelewu Video Before The Released – Video Director; Sesan Releases Press Statement!". Jaguda. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Charles Mgbolu (October 22, 2013). "Davido releases official 'Skelewu' video". Vanguard. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Stephen Amaza (February 2, 2014). "360Hawt: Davido – AYE". 360Nobs. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ John Idegwu (February 7, 2014). "Video Premiere: Davido – Aye". Modern Ghana. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Opeoluwani Ogunjimi (February 5, 2014). "Davido's Aye Video Out Friday". Daily Times of Nigeria | archive.is. Archived from the original on February 7, 2014. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "New revenue stream unity". The New Age Online. May 6, 2014. Archived from the original on May 8, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "MTN Business | Virtual Press Office". Biztechafrica.com. May 2, 2014. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Vanessa Okoth-Obbo (May 2, 2014). "Davido x Mafikizolo 'Tchelete (Goodlife)'". Okayafrica.com. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Andrew Kaggwa (June 29, 2014). "DStv launches new campaign to inspire Africa". The Observer. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "Davido Biography". Naija.ng. August 21, 2017. Archived from the original on June 27, 2018.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|dead-url=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Fungayi Kanyuchi (July 21, 2014). "Davido reveals Rick Ross and Meek Mill collaboration". The New Age. Archived from the original on April 10, 2015. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|dead-url=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Nigeria: Davido Plans Collaboration With Meek Mill After Jail Term". Daily Independent. allAfrica.com. August 8, 2014. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-42177783
- ^ GhKings (June 24, 2018). "Davido makes Africa proud as first time winner on stage for 2018 BET Best Int'l Act". Retrieved June 25, 2018.
- ^ Osagie Alonge (April 6, 2012). "Davido bags N30m deal as MTN 'Ambassador'". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Joey Akan (October 24, 2013). "Olamide, Wizkid & Davido Sign Endorsement Deals With Guinness Nigeria". Pulse. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ "Nigeria: P-Square, Davido, Others Ignite Guinness World of More Concert". Vanguard. AllAfrica.com. November 1, 2013. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Powered by DMflex WebGen --- www.dmflex.com. "NIS: How Davido Tried to Exit Nigeria With US Passport, Articles". Thisday Live. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved May 13, 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|dead-url=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Micheal Abimboye (May 12, 2014). "Davido lied, Nigeria Immigration Service claims". Premium Times. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Kehinde Ajose (December 31, 2015). "Davido vs baby-mama drama: Davido apologises to Dele Momodu". Vanguard. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ "Davido takes baby mama drama to new heights". Punch. January 1, 2016. Archived from the original on January 1, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|dead-url=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Balogun L. Daniel (May 30, 2018). "New Video: Davido – Assurance". Loadedng. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
- ^ "Davido - Assurance". GbeduJamzng. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Living people
- 1992 births
- 21st-century Nigerian musicians
- Musicians from Atlanta
- American people of Nigerian descent
- American people of Yoruba descent
- Nigerian male singers
- Nigerian singer-songwriters
- Yoruba musicians
- Nigerian record producers
- The Headies winners
- 21st-century American musicians
- Oakwood University alumni
- Yoruba-language singers
- Babcock University alumni
- RCA Records artists
- Nigerian male pop singers