David Adedeji Adeleke, widely known as Davido, is a Nigerian American music star whose influence and achievements continue to shape the global music scene. Here’s a more detailed look at his remarkable journey:
Early Life and Education
– Birth: Born on November 21, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia, Davido is the youngest of five siblings. His father, Adedeji Adeleke, is a prominent business magnate, and his mother was a university lecturer.
– Education: He attended the British International School in Lagos and moved to Alabama, USA, at 16 to study business administration at Oakwood University. There, he bought musical instruments, started making beats, and formed the music group KB International with his cousins, B-Red and Sina Rambo. He later dropped out of Oakwood to focus on his music career, relocating to London to develop his vocal skills. Despite his musical success, he returned to Nigeria in 2011 to honor his father by enrolling at Babcock University. In 2015, he graduated with a degree in music after his father funded the creation of a music department.
Music Career
– Breakthrough: Davido gained widespread recognition with his 2012 debut album Omo Baba Olowo, featuring hits like “Dami Duro,” “Back When,” and “Ekuro.” The album’s success established him as a significant figure in the Nigerian music industry.
– Subsequent Hits: Between 2013 and 2015, he released several popular singles, including “Gobe,” “Skelewu,” and “Aye.”
– Record Deal* In January 2016, Davido signed a record deal with Sony Music and founded his own label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), which has signed artists like Dremo and Peruzzi.
Personal Life and Challenges
– Legal Issues: In December 2015, he faced legal troubles when the mother of one of his daughters accused him of child trafficking and attempting to flee Nigeria with the child. Davido denied the allegations but publicly apologized to the girl’s family.
– Marriage and Family: Davido is married to Chioma Rowland, and they have children together.
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Awards and Recognition
– Awards: Davido has been acknowledged for his contributions to music and culture. In 2019, he was listed by New African Magazine as one of the 100 most-influential Africans.
– **Grammy and NAACP Nominations: In November 2023, he received three Grammy nominations for “Unavailable,” “Feel,” and his album Timeless. He also received three nominations at the 55th NAACP Image Awards in January 2024.
Davido’s career continues to thrive, solidifying his status as a key player in the global music industry while navigating both personal and professional challenges.