Davido: The Birth Of An African Star

In recent times, few artistes have attained the achievements of the young and talented Davido, who was crowned Best African Act at the 2014 BET Awards, June 29, 2014, at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

The Nigerian artiste beat Tiwa Savage, South Africas Mafikizolo, Ghanas Sarkodie, Tanzanias Diamond Platnumz and Togos Toofan to win the award. The excited Davido tweeted Thanks to all my fans!! WE WON!

Earlier in June, the Skelewu singer also won the Best African Act award at the MTV Africa Music Awards. Who would doubt that he is currently the hottest artiste in Africa?

Davido does not shy away from his privileged background. In his single Dami Duro, he drummed his privileged background into our minds.

The song immediately shot him up to the A-list category, a well-envied and sought-after status occupied by top acts like Psquare, Dbanj, 2face Idibia and another young star Wizkid. He soon morphed into Omo baba olowo, the rich kid who planned to dominate the music industry.

Many have attributed his success in the music industry to his fathers wealth, which is far from the truth. Davido is a producer; producers are better musicians because they create beats and follow the notes. Though financial stability also contributed to his achievements, there is no denying his talent.

Davidos rise in the African music scene started in April 2011 when he released his single One Of A Kind. The song was strategically written to cater for the African market, with the singer naming several African countries in the chorus.

The music video followed the theme of the song, highlighting several African flags; that was all the pop star needed to break into the eastern and southern African markets, two regions where only the likes of Psquare and Flavour held ground.

Months after, Davido moved his music from Nigeria and Ghana into Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Liberia and turned into an international star.

Another huge single, the intoxicating Skelewu, which the artiste considered spiritual, blew him into space the controversy behind the music video somehow played to his advantage, receiving millions of views on YouTube.

Davido went on a European tour, returned and visited several African countries. Photos and video clips show the young singer now pulls close to 30,000 fans outside Nigeria. It should also be noted that despite a catalogue of controversies, Davidos career has soared, steadily gaining more and more fans.

Born David Adedeji Adeleke November 21, 1992, he is a Nigerian American recording artiste, performer, and record producer. In 2011, he co-produced and released Dami Duro, a song 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.

He has produced for numerous artistes, including Naeto C, Skales, Tiwa Savage, and Sauce Kid.

In April 2012, he signed an endorsement deal with MTN Nigeria. On October 23, 2013, Davido partnered with Guinness for the Guinness World of More concert. Davido has won a KORA award, a Channel O music video award, a Ghana Music award, a Nigeria Music Video Award, 2 MTV Africa Music awards, 3 The Headies awards, 4 Nigeria Entertainment awards, and 2 Dynamix All Youth awards, among others.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Davido relocated to Lagos at a young age. He released his debut album Omo Baba Olowo in 2012, which contained the single, Back When, featuring Naeto C. It also has Dami Duro; All of You; Overseas featuring Sina Rambo; Ekuro; Gbon Gbon and Feel Alright featuring Ice Prince. Davido has also released the singles Gobe, One of a Kind, Skelewu, Aye and Tchelete (Goodlife).

Many have compared the young artiste to Wizkid because they seem to go head-to-head in the music industry.