History of Davido in Timeline
David Adedeji Adeleke, professionally known as Davido, is a prominent Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is a significant figure in the Afrobeats genre and has gained international recognition for his music. Davido has released multiple successful albums and singles, collaborating with various artists globally. In addition to his musical career, he is also a record label executive. He is one of Africa's biggest musical exports, influencing popular culture and inspiring upcoming artists.
1957: Birth of Davido's Father
In 1957, Adedeji Adeleke, Davido's father, was born. He is a business magnate from Nigeria.
1963: Birth of Davido's Mother
In 1963, Vero Adeleke, Davido's mother, was born. She was a university lecturer.
November 21, 1992: Davido's Birth
On November 21, 1992, David Adedeji Adeleke, known as Davido, was born. He is a Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, and record producer.
2003: Death of Davido's Mother
In 2003, Vero Adeleke, Davido's mother, passed away.
May 7, 2011: Release of 'Back When'
On May 7, 2011, Davido released "Back When" featuring Naeto C as the lead single from his album. The song was produced by Davido in London.
May 9, 2011: Upload of 'Back When' Music Video
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", produced by himself and Shizzi, as the second single from his album.
2011: Working on Debut Album 'Omo Baba Olowo'
In 2011, Davido began working on his debut studio album, Omo Baba Olowo, a mix of Afrobeats and hip hop, collaborating with various producers and featuring guest appearances from several artists.
2011: Returning to Nigeria and Pausing Music
In 2011, Davido returned to Nigeria and paused his music career to enroll at Babcock University.
January 8, 2012: Release of 'Dami Duro' Music Video
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. Its music video was filmed in Miami.
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, a marketing campaign aimed at Nigerian youth.
May 6, 2012: Release of 'Overseas'
On May 6, 2012, Davido released "Overseas" as the fourth single from his album, although an unfinished version had been leaked prior to its official release.
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 his album.
2012: Rising to Fame and Winning Next Rated Award
In 2012, Davido rose to fame after releasing "Dami Duro" from his debut album Omo Baba Olowo. Six additional singles were released from the album. Davido also won the Next Rated award at The Headies in 2012.
February 25, 2013: Release of 'Gobe'
On February 25, 2013, Davido released the Shizzi-produced track "Gobe", which received positive reviews. The music video was recorded in South Africa.
May 13, 2013: Announcement of 'One of a Kind' Release
On May 13, 2013, Davido announced on Twitter that "One of a Kind" would be released. The song was also produced by Shizzi, and its music video was filmed in South Africa.
August 13, 2013: Release of 'Skelewu'
On August 13, 2013, "Skelewu" was released, becoming one of the top songs of the year.
August 18, 2013: 'Skelewu' Dance Video and Competition
On August 18, 2013, Davido promoted "Skelewu" by uploading a dance video and announcing a 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 but was later disowned by Davido.
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 faced controversy.
October 24, 2013: Endorsement Deal with Guinness Nigeria
On October 24, 2013, Guinness Nigeria signed Davido for an endorsement deal. He performed at the Guinness World of More Concert alongside other artists as part of the deal.
December 2013: Networking with Mafikizolo
In December 2013, Davido networked with Mafikizolo at MTN Nigeria's Elite Night event, leading to their collaboration.
2013: Releasing Hit Singles
In 2013, Davido released several singles, including "Gobe", "One of a Kind", and "Skelewu".
2013: Recognition for 'Omo Baba Olowo'
In 2013, the album Omo Baba Olowo won Best R&B/Pop Album and received nominations for Album of the Year at The Headies and the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
February 1, 2014: Release of 'Aye'
On February 1, 2014, Davido released "Aye", produced by T-Spize. The music video featured Davido as a poor farmer in love.
February 7, 2014: Release of 'Aye' Music Video
On February 7, 2014, the music video for "Aye", directed by Clarence Peters, was released.
April 30, 2014: Release of 'Tchelete (Goodlife)'
On April 30, 2014, Davido's collaboration with Mafikizolo, "Tchelete (Goodlife)", was released, produced by Oskido and Shizzi.
June 2014: Collaboration on 'Africa Rising'
In June 2014, Davido collaborated with various artists on "Africa Rising" for DStv's campaign to promote social investment projects. They performed the song at the Africa Rising launch ceremony in Mauritius.
June 2015: Release of 'Fans Mi'
In June 2015, Davido released the Meek Mill-assisted trap song "Fans Mi".
June 2015: Initial Album Release Postponement
In June 2015, The Baddest album was initially scheduled for release but was postponed to October 10.
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.
2015: Releasing Singles
In 2015, Davido continued his music releases with the singles "The Sound" and "The Money".
January 2016: Signing with Sony Music
In January 2016, Davido announced on Twitter that he had signed a record deal with Sony Music.
July 2016: Signing with RCA Records
In July 2016, Davido signed a record deal with RCA Records, altering release plans for The Baddest album to focus on international appeal.
October 2016: Release of 'Son of Mercy' EP
In October 2016, Davido released the five-track EP Son of Mercy, featuring the singles "Gbagbe Oshi", "How Long", and "Coolest Kid in Africa", and including guest appearances by Simi, Tinashe, and Nasty C.
February 17, 2017: Release of 'If'
On February 17, 2017, Davido released "If", produced by Tekno, which became one of his top-performing videos with over 172 million streams on YouTube. The song was later certified diamond by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA).
April 2017: Renegotiating Sony Contract
In April 2017, Davido re-negotiated his contract with Sony due to creative control issues.
June 2, 2017: Release of 'Fall'
On June 2, 2017, Davido released "Fall", which sampled Kojo Funds's track "Dun Talking". The song gained significant recognition, becoming platinum-certified by RISA, one of the 100-most-Shazam-searched singles in America, and a top-10 record on Shazam in New York.
November 10, 2017: Release of "Fia"
On November 10, 2017, Davido released "Fia", a neo-highlife track produced by Fresh VDM, which addresses his arrest and Caroline Danjuma's role in a rumor about Tagbo Umenike's death.
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 retained elements of the original while incorporating a patois-tinged flow.
April 30, 2018: Release of "Assurance"
On April 30, 2018, Davido released "Assurance", a track dedicated to his girlfriend, coinciding with her 23rd birthday. The song emphasizes the importance of clarity, validation, and prioritizing love.
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: The Locked Up Tour and Made in America Festival Performance
In September 2018, Davido performed at House of Blues in Boston as part of his "The Locked Up Tour", which ended in September. Following the tour, he performed at the Made in America Festival alongside Meek Mill, Post Malone, and Fat Joe.
2018: Awards for "If"
In 2018, Davido's "If" won Best Pop Single and Song of the Year at The Headies awards.
January 2019: Sold Out The O2 Arena in London
In January 2019, Davido sold out The O2 Arena in London, becoming the first solo African artist to achieve this feat after Wizkid in 2018. Idris Elba introduced him on stage, and he performed with The Compozers.
January 2019: 'Fall' Among Most-Shazamed Singles in America
In January 2019, Davido's song "Fall" was one of the 100 most-Shazam-searched singles in America and a top-10 record on Shazam in New York.
February 2019: 'Fall' Charts in Billboard History
In February 2019, Davido's song "Fall" became the longest-charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history.
July 26, 2019: Release of "Blow My Mind"
On July 26, 2019, the Chris Brown-assisted track "Blow My Mind" was released. Produced by Shizzi, it was intended as the album's lead single. The song's music video quickly amassed views.
September 2019: Album Title Announcement
In September 2019, Davido announced his album title, "A Good Time", during an event held in Lagos. He mentioned it would be released the following month and unveiled excerpts of four songs from the album.
October 23, 2019: Release of "Risky"
On October 23, 2019, Davido released "Risky" featuring Popcaan. The music video, directed by Meji Alabi, pays homage to the television series Top Boy.
November 2019: Releasing 'A Good Time' Album
In November 2019, Davido released his second studio album, A Good Time, which included 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 previously released singles like "If", "Fall", "Assurance", "Blow My Mind", and "Risky". The album was recorded in Atlanta, with Davido aiming for a body of work that blends Afrobeats with other genres.
2019: Named One of 100 Most Influential Africans
In 2019, Davido was listed as one of the 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine.
May 2020: Featured in Billboard's "Africa Now" Cover Story
In May 2020, Davido, along with Mr Eazi and Tiwa Savage, was featured in Billboard magazine's cover story titled "Africa Now". They discussed life under quarantine and afrobeats as a category.
July 2020: Performance on Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
In July 2020, Davido appeared on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform a medley of his songs "D&G" and "Fall" from the album A Good Time.
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, marking a significant milestone in his career.
August 28, 2020: Grammy Museum Mentorship Monday Guest
On August 28, 2020, Davido was announced as a special guest in the Grammy Museum's Mentorship Monday series. He participated in the museum's Instagram Live event on August 31.
September 10, 2020: Release of "FEM"
On September 10, 2020, Davido released the single "FEM", produced by Dammy Twitch, along with its music video.
November 13, 2020: Releasing '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: Brand Ambassador for Martell
In October 2021, the cognac brand Martell announced Davido as its new ambassador.
November 17, 2021: Fundraising and Donation to Orphanages
On November 17, 2021, Davido requested his colleagues and fans to send him one million naira each. He raised 200 million naira and added 50 million naira of his own, donating the total to orphanage homes in Nigeria.
December 2021: Global Brand Ambassador for Puma
In December 2021, Davido signed a long-term agreement with Puma, becoming a global brand ambassador for the footwear manufacturer.
May 2022: Release of "Stand Strong"
In May 2022, Davido released "Stand Strong", produced by Pheelz, featuring the Sunday Service Choir. This was his first solo release of the year.
June 2022: Announcement of "Timeless" Album Completion
In June 2022, Davido told Rolling Stone magazine that his fourth studio album, Timeless, was nearly complete.
September 2022: Announcement of A.W.A.Y Music Festival
In September 2022, Davido announced his first annual Are We African Yet (A.W.A.Y) music festival, set to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 18, 2022, featuring 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, David Ifeanyi Adeleke Jr., tragically drowned in a swimming pool at his father's residence at the age of three. The event was reported by Peoples Gazette newspaper, and police questioned members of Davido's household staff.
November 18, 2022: Inaugural A.W.A.Y Music Festival
On November 18, 2022, Davido's inaugural Are We African Yet (A.W.A.Y) music festival was held at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, featuring performances by himself, Kizz Daniel, Pheelz, Lojay, and BNXN.
March 2023: Confirmation of Marriage to Chioma Rowland
In March 2023, Davido confirmed that he was married to his long-time partner, Chioma Rowland, solidifying their relationship.
March 21, 2023: Announcement of "Timeless" Album 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: Releasing 'Timeless' Album
On March 31, 2023, Davido released his fourth studio album, Timeless.
August 18, 2023: Release of "Unavailable" Remix
On August 18, 2023, Davido released the remix of his song "Unavailable", featuring a verse by American rapper Latto.
November 2023: 'Fall' Music Video Reaches Milestone
In November 2023, the music video for Davido's song "Fall" exceeded 274 million views, becoming the most-viewed video by a Nigerian artist on YouTube.
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 marked Davido's first entry on the US Billboard Hot 100.
January 2024: NAACP Image Awards Nominations
In January 2024, Davido received three nominations at the 55th NAACP Image Awards, recognizing his contributions to music and entertainment.
April 2024: Establishment of Nine+ Records
In April 2024, Davido established his record company, Nine+ Records, in collaboration with UnitedMasters, marking a significant step in his career as an entrepreneur in the music industry.
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. The event was attended by prominent figures like Olusegun Obasanjo and Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
December 2024: Announcement of Fifth Studio Album "5ive"
In December 2024, Davido announced to Rolling Stone magazine that his fifth studio album, "5ive", would be released in March 2025. He also announced "Funds" as the album's second single, which samples Brenda Fassie's 1997 single "Vuli Ndlela".
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