History of Davido in Timeline
David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is a Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born in Atlanta and raised in Lagos, he began his music career as part of KB International. He gained widespread recognition with the release of "Dami Duro" from his debut album *Omo Baba Olowo* (2012), which spawned several successful singles. Davido won the Next Rated award at The Headies in 2012 and continued to release hit songs like "Gobe", "Skelewu", and "Aye" between 2013 and 2015, solidifying his place in the music industry.
4 hours ago : Davido and Afrobeats Triumph at Coachella, Wizkid's Essence Grammy Plea.
Davido's Afrobeats performance at Coachella shines. Meanwhile, calls intensify for Wizkid's 'Essence' to receive a Grammy, highlighting Afrobeats' global impact and recognition. Coachella mentioned in the future i.e. 2026.
1957: Birth of Adedeji Adeleke
In 1957, Adedeji Adeleke, Davido's father, was born. He is a business magnate from Nigeria.
1963: Birth of Vero Adeleke
In 1963, Vero Adeleke, Davido's mother, was born. She later became a university lecturer.
November 21, 1992: Davido's Birth
On November 21, 1992, David Adedeji Adeleke, known as Davido, was born in Atlanta, U.S. He is now a Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, and record producer.
2003: Death of Vero Adeleke
In 2003, Vero Adeleke, Davido's mother, passed away. She was a university lecturer.
March 2011: Professional Music Career Debut
Davido professionally began his music career in March 2011.
May 7, 2011: Release of "Back When"
On May 7, 2011, "Back When", featuring Naeto C, was released as the lead single from Davido's album. It was produced by Davido in London.
May 9, 2011: "Back When" Music Video Uploaded to YouTube
On May 9, 2011, the Clarence Peters-directed music video for "Back When" was uploaded to YouTube.
October 30, 2011: Release of "Dami Duro"
On October 30, 2011, Davido released "Dami Duro", the second single from his debut album. Davido and Shizzi produced it.
2011: Return to Nigeria and Enrollment at Babcock University
After working on his vocals in London, Davido returned to Nigeria in 2011. He paused his music career and agreed to honor his father by enrolling at Babcock University.
January 8, 2012: "Dami Duro" Music Video Release
On January 8, 2012, the music video for "Dami Duro" was released during the Occupy Nigeria protests.
January 25, 2012: Release of "Ekuro"
On January 25, 2012, Davido released "Ekuro" as the third single from his album. The music video was directed in Miami by Antwan Smith.
April 6, 2012: Endorsement Deal with MTN
On April 6, 2012, Davido signed a ₦30 million endorsement deal with MTN, becoming the face of MTN Pulse.
May 6, 2012: Release of "Overseas"
On May 6, 2012, Davido released "Overseas" as the fourth single from his album.
September 28, 2012: Release of "All of You"
On September 28, 2012, Davido released "All of You", produced by GospelOnDeBeatz, as the fifth single from the album.
2012: Release of Omo Baba Olowo and Headies Award
In 2012, Davido released his debut studio album, Omo Baba Olowo, featuring singles like "Dami Duro", "Back When", and others. Also in 2012, he won the Next Rated award at The Headies.
February 25, 2013: Release of "Gobe"
On February 25, 2013, Davido released "Gobe", which was produced by Shizzi. It was ranked second on Premium Times' list of the Top 10 songs of 2013.
May 13, 2013: Release of "One of a Kind"
On May 13, 2013, Davido announced the release of "One of a Kind", also produced by Shizzi. The music video, filmed in South Africa, portrays a united Africa.
August 13, 2013: Release of "Skelewu"
On August 13, 2013, Davido released "Skelewu". It was ranked fifth on Premium Times' list of the top 10 songs of 2013.
August 18, 2013: "Skelewu" Dance Video and Competition
On August 18, 2013, Davido promoted "Skelewu" by uploading an instructional dance video to YouTube and announcing a "Skelewu" dance competition.
October 15, 2013: Release of First "Skelewu" Music Video
On October 15, 2013, the first music video for "Skelewu", directed by Sesan, was released via a parody account, leading to controversy.
October 2013: Release of Official "Skelewu" Music Video
In October 2013, the official music video for "Skelewu", directed by Moe Musa, was released in London after the initial video caused controversy.
October 24, 2013: Endorsement Deal with Guinness Nigeria
On October 24, 2013, Guinness Nigeria signed Davido for an endorsement deal, including a performance at the Guinness World of More Concert.
December 2013: Networking with Mafikizolo
In December 2013, Davido networked with Mafikizolo at MTN Nigeria's Elite Night event, which led to their collaboration on "Tchelete (Goodlife)" released in April 2014.
2013: Singles Released Between 2013 and 2015
Between 2013 and 2015, Davido released several singles, including "Gobe", "One of a Kind", "Skelewu", "Aye", "Tchelete (Goodlife)", "Naughty", "Owo Ni Koko", "The Sound" and "The Money".
2013: Awards and Nominations for Omo Baba Olowo Album
In 2013, the album Omo Baba Olowo won Best R&B/Pop Album and received a nomination for Album of the Year at The Headies, and for Best Album of the Year at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
February 1, 2014: Release of "Aye"
On February 1, 2014, Davido released "Aye", which was produced by T-Spize.
February 7, 2014: "Aye" Music Video Release
On February 7, 2014, the music video for "Aye", directed by Clarence Peters, was released. In the video, Davido plays a poor farmer in love with a prince's fiancé.
April 30, 2014: Release of "Tchelete (Goodlife)"
On April 30, 2014, Davido's collaboration with South African duo Mafikizolo, titled "Tchelete (Goodlife)", was released. It was produced by Oskido and Shizzi.
June 2014: Collaboration on "Africa Rising"
In June 2014, Davido collaborated with Mi Casa, Lola Rae, Sarkodie, Diamond Platnumz, and Tiwa Savage on "Africa Rising", a song promoting DStv's social investment projects. The artists performed at the Africa Rising launch ceremony in Mauritius.
June 2015: Release of "Fans Mi"
In June 2015, Davido released "Fans Mi", a trap song featuring Meek Mill. The release was teased with audio snippets and behind-the-scenes photographs.
June 2015: Postponement of The Baddest Album Release
In June 2015, Davido's album, The Baddest, was initially scheduled for release but was postponed to October 10 of that year.
July 2015: Graduation from Babcock University
In July 2015, Davido graduated from Babcock University with a degree in music after his father funded the creation of a music department for him.
January 2016: Signing with Sony Music
In January 2016, Davido announced he signed a record deal with Sony Music, which was met with mixed reactions. The contract allowed him to retain rights to his music.
January 2016: Signing with Sony Music and Founding DMW
In January 2016, Davido announced that he had signed a record deal with Sony Music. Shortly after, he founded his own record label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW).
July 2016: Signing with RCA Records
In July 2016, Davido signed a record deal with RCA Records after founding Davido Music Worldwide (DMW).
October 2016: Release of Son of Mercy EP
In October 2016, Davido released the five-track EP Son of Mercy, supported by singles like "Gbagbe Oshi" and featuring artists like Simi and Nasty C.
February 17, 2017: Release of "If"
On February 17, 2017, Davido released the hit song "If", produced and ghost-written by Tekno. It achieved diamond certification by RISA.
June 2, 2017: Release of "Fall"
On June 2, 2017, Davido released "Fall", which samples Kojo Funds' "Dun Talking". The song was later certified platinum by RISA.
November 10, 2017: Release of "Fia"
On November 10, 2017, Davido released the song "Fia", produced by Fresh VDM. The song addresses Davido's arrest and Caroline Danjuma's role in fueling rumors about his involvement in Tagbo Umenike's death.
2017: Renegotiation with Sony and Release of Hit Singles
In 2017, Davido renegotiated his contract with Sony due to creative control issues and released five singles, including "If" and "Fall".
March 30, 2018: Release of "Fia" Remix
On March 30, 2018, the Stefflon Don-assisted remix of Davido's song "Fia" was released. The remix retains many elements from the original recording but incorporates a patois-tinged flow.
April 30, 2018: Release of "Assurance"
On April 30, 2018, Davido released the song "Assurance", dedicating it to his girlfriend and releasing it to coincide with her 23rd birthday.
May 2018: Endorsement Deal with Infinix Mobile
In May 2018, Davido signed an endorsement deal with Infinix Mobile, a Hong Kong-based smartphone manufacturer.
September 2018: Performance at Made in America Festival
In September 2018, Davido performed alongside Meek Mill, Post Malone, and Fat Joe at the Made in America Festival, following his 'The Locked Up Tour'.
2018: "If" Wins at The Headies 2018
In 2018, "If" won Best Pop Single and Song of the Year at The Headies.
2018: Popcaan asks Davido to feature on "Dun Rich"
In 2018, Jamaican singer Popcaan asked Davido to appear on his song "Dun Rich".
2018: Wizkid Sells Out The O2 Arena
In 2018, Wizkid became the first solo African artist to sell out The O2 Arena in London.
January 2019: "Fall" Among Most Shazam-Searched Singles
In January 2019, "Fall" was among the 100 most Shazam-searched singles in America and a top-10 record on Shazam in New York.
January 2019: Davido Sells Out The O2 Arena
In January 2019, Davido sold out The O2 Arena in London, becoming the first solo African artist to do so after Wizkid did it in 2018. He performed his hit singles with The Compozers band, introduced by Idris Elba.
February 2019: "Fall" Becomes Longest-Charting Nigerian Pop Song
In February 2019, "Fall" became the longest-charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history.
July 26, 2019: Release of "Blow My Mind"
On July 26, 2019, "Blow My Mind", assisted by Chris Brown and produced by Shizzi, was released and initially intended to be the lead single from Davido's album. The music video quickly amassed over a million views.
September 2019: Davido Announces 'A Good Time' Album
In September 2019, Davido announced his album 'A Good Time' at an event in Lagos, unveiling excerpts of four songs from the album and stating it would be released the following month.
October 23, 2019: Release of "Risky"
On October 23, 2019, Davido released "Risky", featuring Jamaican singer Popcaan. The music video, directed by Meji Alabi, pays homage to the television series Top Boy.
November 2019: Release of A Good Time Album
In November 2019, Davido released his second studio album, A Good Time, which featured previously released singles such as "If", "Fall", "Assurance", "Blow My Mind", and "Risky".
November 22, 2019: Release of 'A Good Time' Album
On November 22, 2019, Davido's second studio album, 'A Good Time,' was released, featuring singles like "If", "Fall", "Assurance", "Blow My Mind", and "Risky."
2019: Davido Cancels North American Tour
In 2019, Davido cancelled his North American tour as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
2019: Named One of 100 Most Influential Africans
In 2019, Davido was listed by New African magazine as one of the 100 most influential Africans.
May 2020: Featured in Billboard's "Africa Now" Cover Story
In May 2020, Davido was featured alongside Mr Eazi and Tiwa Savage in Billboard magazine's cover story titled "Africa Now," discussing life under quarantine and afrobeats.
July 2020: Davido Performs on Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
In July 2020, Davido performed a medley of his songs "D&G" and "Fall" from the album A Good Time on Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
July 2020: 'A Good Time' Surpasses 1 Billion Streams
In July 2020, Davido's album 'A Good Time' surpassed 1 billion streams across various digital platforms.
August 28, 2020: Grammy Museum Mentorship Monday
On August 28, 2020, the Grammy Museum announced Davido as a special guest in its Mentorship Monday series and he participated in an Instagram Live event three days later.
September 10, 2020: Release of "FEM"
On September 10, 2020, Davido released the Dammy Twitch-produced single "FEM", along with its music video.
November 13, 2020: Release of A Better Time Album
On November 13, 2020, Davido released his third studio album, A Better Time.
February 2021: Appearance on Time 100's Next List
In February 2021, Davido was featured on Time 100's Next List.
May 2021: Brand Ambassador for 1xBet
In May 2021, Davido became an official brand ambassador for the sports-betting brand 1xBet.
October 2021: Martell Brand Ambassador
In October 2021, the cognac brand Martell announced Davido as its new ambassador.
November 17, 2021: Davido Raises and Donates 250 Million Naira to Orphanages
On November 17, 2021, Davido asked his colleagues and fans to send him one million naira each, raising 200 million naira. He added 50 million naira of his own money and donated it all to orphanage homes in Nigeria.
December 2021: Global Brand Ambassador for Puma
In December 2021, Davido signed a long-term agreement with footwear manufacturer Puma and became a global brand ambassador for the company.
May 2022: Release of "Stand Strong"
In May 2022, Davido released "Stand Strong", produced by Pheelz, featuring vocals by the Sunday Service Choir. This was his first solo release of the year.
June 2022: Davido Announces Completion of "Timeless" Album
In June 2022, Davido told Rolling Stone magazine that his fourth studio album, Timeless, was nearly complete.
September 2022: Davido Announces A.W.A.Y Music Festival
In September 2022, Davido announced his first annual Are We African Yet (A.W.A.Y) music festival, held in Atlanta on November 18, 2022, with performances by Kizz Daniel, Pheelz, Lojay and BNXN.
October 31, 2022: Death of David Ifeanyi Adeleke Jr.
On October 31, 2022, Davido's oldest son and third child, David Ifeanyi Adeleke Jr., tragically drowned in a swimming pool at his father's Banana Island residence at the age of three. An investigation was initiated, and several members of Davido's household staff were questioned.
November 18, 2022: A.W.A.Y Music Festival Held in Atlanta
On November 18, 2022, Davido's first annual Are We African Yet (A.W.A.Y) music festival was held at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, featuring performances by Davido, Kizz Daniel, Pheelz, Lojay and BNXN.
March 2023: Confirmation of Marriage to Chioma Rowland
In March 2023, Davido confirmed his marriage to his long-time partner, Chioma Rowland.
March 21, 2023: Davido Announces "Timeless" Release Date
On March 21, 2023, Davido announced on Instagram that his album "Timeless" would be released on March 31, accompanied by a theatrical trailer.
March 31, 2023: Release of Timeless Album
On March 31, 2023, Davido released Timeless, his fourth studio album.
May 2023: Davido Receives Order of the Niger
In May 2023, Davido was a recipient of the Order of the Niger, a national award in Nigeria.
May 2023: Appointed Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
In May 2023, Davido was appointed an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
August 18, 2023: Release of "Unavailable" Remix
On August 18, 2023, Davido released the remix of "Unavailable", which includes a verse by American rapper Latto.
November 2023: "Fall" Music Video Surpasses 274 Million Views
In November 2023, the music video for "Fall" exceeded 274 million views on YouTube, becoming the most-viewed video by a Nigerian artist on the platform.
2023: Featured on Chris Brown's "Sensational"
In 2023, Chris Brown featured Davido and Lojay on his single "Sensational", which was released as the second single from his eleventh studio album 11:11. The song debuted at number 96 on the US Billboard Hot 100, serving as Davido and Lojay's first entry on the chart.
January 2024: Davido Receives NAACP Image Awards Nominations
In January 2024, Davido received three nominations at the 55th NAACP Image Awards.
April 2024: Davido Establishes Nine+ Records
In April 2024, Davido established his record company, Nine+ Records, in collaboration with UnitedMasters.
June 25, 2024: Wedding Ceremony with Chioma Rowland
On June 25, 2024, Davido held a wedding ceremony with Chioma Rowland at Harbour Point in Victoria Island, Lagos, attended by prominent figures like Olusegun Obasanjo and Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
December 2024: Announcement of Fifth Studio Album 5ive
In December 2024, Davido told Rolling Stone magazine that his fifth studio album, 5ive, would be released in March 2025.
March 2025: Release of Fifth Studio Album 5ive
In March 2025, Davido released his fifth studio album, 5ive, featuring collaborations with YG Marley, Chris Brown, and others, supported by singles like "Awuke" and "Funds". Actually, 5ive was released on 18 April and comprises 17 tracks.
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