DaVido

Merging longstanding African traditions with worldwide pop appeal, Nigerian singer and producer Davido creates music that feels both fresh and irresistibly catchy. His path led rapidly from dancefloor-oriented early releases to chart successes that included high-profile contributions from artists such as Nicki Minaj and Chris Brown on the 2020 project A Better Time, which entered the Billboard 200. His fourth studio album, Timeless from 2023, sustained this momentum with appearances by Angélique Kidjo and Skepta, topping the Nigerian albums chart while reaching number 37 on the Billboard 200. In 2024 he previewed his fifth full-length effort, 5ive, through the singles “Funds” and “Awuke.”

Born David Adedeji Adeleke in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1992, Davido first explored music during his late-teen years at Oakwood University, where he began crafting beats and studying production techniques. After leaving school he committed to music full-time, moving to Lagos, Nigeria, and issuing his debut single “Back When” in 2011. That track drew notice for its energetic club production, lively vocals, and Afro-pop grooves, soon followed by the second single “Dami Duro.” Work then commenced on his first album, Omo Baba Olowo, which arrived in 2012 and yielded numerous singles.

Momentum built quickly as Davido kept fans engaged with a steady flow of new songs over the ensuing years while developing his next album, The Baddest, still unreleased as of 2023. From 2013 through 2017, tracks including “Gobe,” “Aye,” and “Pere,” along with many others, accumulated, some featuring guest spots from established rappers such as Meek Mill or Young Thug. During this period he also signed with RCA. Additional standalone releases continued until 2019, when the second album A Good Time appeared, showcasing collaborations with A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Peruzzi, Popcaan, Chris Brown, Summer Walker, Gunna, and further international names, earning both commercial and critical recognition. The following year he delivered his third project, A Better Time, another star-laden set that included Nicki Minaj, Lil Baby, Sauti Sol, and additional guests across its bright, hook-driven R&B-tinged Afro-pop sound. Commercially it performed strongly, reaching number four on Billboard’s World Albums chart and crossing into the pop rankings.

Later in 2021 Davido leveraged his profile to organize an online fundraising drive benefiting Nigerian orphanages. At the same time he was recording his fourth album, a expansive 17-track collection that incorporated amapiano alongside styles ranging from highlife to konto and ragga. Released in March 2023, Timeless carried his familiar roster of guests, among them Angélique Kidjo, Skepta, Asake, and Focalistic. It claimed the top spot on the Nigerian albums chart and landed at number 37 on the Billboard 200. October and December 2024 brought the first two singles from his fifth album, 5ive: “Funds,” featuring ODUMODUBLVCK and Chike, and “Awuke,” with YG Marley.