What you need to know about Davido

Davido’s Biography: The Life, Music, and Wealth of a Superstar

Davido is one of the biggest names in African music. Known for his energetic performances, emotional lyrics, and luxurious lifestyle, he has become a household name in Nigeria and across the globe. But how did a young man from a wealthy family turn his passion for music into a global brand? This biography takes you through Davido’s life—from his early days to the release of his 2025 album, 5IVE.

Early Life and Background

David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, was born on November 21, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. He is the youngest of five children in the Adeleke family. His father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, is a wealthy businessman and philanthropist, while his mother, Veronica Adeleke, was a university lecturer who passed away when Davido was just 10 years old.

Although born in the United States, Davido was raised between the U.S. and Nigeria. He had access to good education, attending the British International School in Lagos before studying Business Administration at Oakwood University in Alabama.

However, it wasn’t business that pulled him in—it was music. Though music is business too, but not the normal business we all know. While at Oakwood, Davido started producing beats and recording tracks, often skipping classes to be in the studio. His growing passion for sound engineering would eventually lead him back to Nigeria, where his musical journey officially began.

How Davido Started Music

In 2011, Davido returned to Nigeria with a dream to build a music career. With the help of his cousin, B-Red, and producer Shizzi, he started recording songs that mixed local Nigerian sounds with international pop influences. His unique voice, energy, and sound engineering skills quickly set him apart.

He later enrolled at Babcock University, where he earned a degree in music. Interestingly, the university’s music department was created with support from his father specifically to accommodate Davido’s studies.

Breakthrough Hit: “Dami Duro”

Davido’s big break came in late 2011 with the release of “Dami Duro.” The song was an instant success. With its bold lyrics and powerful beat, it became an anthem across Nigeria. The music video was heavily rotated on TV stations, and Davido quickly rose from an up-and-coming act to a national celebrity.

In 2012, he released his debut studio album titled “Omo Baba Olowo (OBO)”, which means “Son of a Rich Man.” It featured hit tracks like Back When, Ekuro, Gbon Gbon, and All of You. The album blended Afropop with high-energy beats and relatable lyrics, cementing Davido’s place in the Nigerian music industry.

Building a Global Presence

Davido didn’t stop at local success. He wanted to take Afrobeats to the world. In 2016 and 2017, he released two of his most iconic songs: “If” and “Fall.”

• If won “Song of the Year” at The Headies and earned Davido global recognition.
• Fall became the longest-charting Nigerian pop song on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, staying on for over 30 weeks.

These songs were streamed hundreds of millions of times on platforms like YouTube and Spotify. Davido also began to tour internationally, performing in the U.S., UK, and various African countries.

Collaborations and Albums

Davido is known for working with both local and international stars. He has collaborated with:

• Chris Brown – “Blow My Mind”
• Nicki Minaj – “Holy Ground”
• Meek Mill – “Fans Mi”
• Young Thug – “Pere”
• Popcaan – “Risky”

Album Discography

• Omo Baba Olowo (2012) – Introduced Davido to the industry
• A Good Time (2019) – Global Afrobeats influence
• A Better Time (2020) – Featuring big names like Nicki Minaj
• Timeless (2023) – Including hits like Feel and Unavailable
• 5IVE (2025) – His most mature and global project to date

Davido’s Label: DMW (Davido Music Worldwide)

In 2016, Davido founded his own record label, DMW. It became a platform for rising stars and has been home to artists like:

• Mayorkun – Known for hits like Eleko and Holy Father
• Peruzzi – Writer of many of Davido’s biggest songs
• Dremo – Hip-hop artist and lyricist
• Liya – First female artist signed to DMW

DMW helped shape the next generation of Nigerian musicians. Many of its artists have gone on to enjoy successful solo careers thanks to the platform Davido built.

Net Worth and Wealth in 2025

As of 2025, Davido’s estimated net worth exceeds $100 million. His income comes from several sources:

1. Music Streaming and Sales

Davido has over 1 billion views on YouTube and millions of monthly listeners on Spotify, Apple Music, and Audiomack. His global audience continues to grow.

2. Endorsements

He has signed multi-million naira deals with brands such as:

• Pepsi
• Puma
• MTN
• Martell Cognac

3. Live Performances

Davido earns large fees per show, especially international concerts. He has sold out major venues including the O2 Arena in London.

4. Business Ventures

He has interests in fashion brands, tech startups, and real estate. Davido’s smart investments continue to grow his financial portfolio.

Luxury Lifestyle: Houses, Cars, and Private Jet

Davido owns several luxury properties both in Nigeria and abroad:

• In Banana Island, Lagos, he bought a house in January 2022. He shared the news on social media, saying, “I open my new house today!” The house is estimated to be worth around $1.5 million (₦624 million).
• Before that, in April 2022, he also bought a piece of land in Banana Island reportedly worth between ₦2.2 billion and ₦2.5 billion, where he plans to build his dream home.
• He owns another mansion in Lagos mainland, although the price and date are not publicly known.
• Davido also has a home in Atlanta, USA, where he partly grew up.

Davido’s Cars and When He Bought Them

Davido is known for his massive car collection. Some of his most popular luxury cars include:

• A Rolls-Royce Cullinan, which he bought in December 2018. The car cost about ₦350 million (around $340,000).
• A Lamborghini Aventador, which he bought as a gift to himself in December 2021. The car is worth around ₦218 million (about $421,000).
• A Bentley Bentayga, which he bought shortly after his 2017 “30 Billion Concert”. It cost about ₦100 million.
• A Range Rover SV Autobiography, another high-end vehicle in his garage, though the exact date and price aren’t known.

Other luxury cars Davido has shown off include:

• A Ferrari 458 Italia
• A Lamborghini Huracán (worth about ₦120 million)
• An Audi R8, which he got for his birthday in 2015 (estimated at ₦120 million)
• A Bugatti La Voiture Noire, Porsche Panamera Turbo S, Audi Q7, G-Wagon, and Lamborghini Urus

Davido’s Private Jet

Davido also owns a private jet, which he uses frequently for his music tours and international trips. While the exact model and purchase price haven’t been made public, he often posts photos flying privately, showing that he has regular access to a jet, either owned or via family business.

Family, Relationships, and Fatherhood

Davido is a devoted father and family man. He has children from different relationships, but his most public relationship is with Chioma Avril Rowland.

In 2023, the couple welcomed twins. They had previously lost their son, Ifeanyi, in a tragic drowning accident in 2022—a moment that deeply affected the singer and his fans.

Challenges and Setbacks

Despite his success, Davido has faced personal and professional challenges. The death of his son led him to take a break from music and social media. He has also had public feuds with artists like Wizkid and Burna Boy, although he has expressed openness to reconciliation.

Through it all, Davido has remained focused and resilient, continuing to evolve as an artist and public figure.

Philanthropy and The Davido Foundation

Davido is known for giving back. In 2021, during his birthday, he jokingly asked friends to donate ₦1 million each. Within days, he raised over ₦200 million, which he then added to and donated to orphanages across Nigeria.

He runs the Davido Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. He regularly assists fans with school fees, hospital bills, and other emergencies through social media outreach.

The “5IVE” Album (2025)

In April 2025, Nigerian music superstar Davido released his much-anticipated fifth studio album, titled 5ive. The album marks a major milestone in his career—ushering in a more mature, reflective, and globally polished sound.

Unlike his earlier party anthems and love-driven records, 5ive dives deeper into personal growth, resilience, family, and legacy—themes that reflect where Davido is today both as an artist and a man.

The album blends the energy of Afrobeats with smooth R&B, amapiano, and lovers rock influences. It’s a testament to Davido’s musical evolution and international appeal. The production feels cinematic, rich, and purposeful—showing that he’s no longer just chasing hits but building something meaningful.

Within just two months of its release, 5ive has already surpassed 200 million streams on Spotify, a major achievement for an African album. It quickly climbed charts in Nigeria, the UK, and several other countries, further solidifying Davido’s place on the world stage.

Conclusion

Davido’s journey from Atlanta-born rich kid to one of Africa’s greatest music exports is inspiring. Even though he’s from a rich family, it never made stop hustling and taking himself higher in music industry. I see Davido as someone who didn’t allow his family wealth and family name to stop him from making his own name. He believes on building his own legacy.  As rich kid you would have stayed back to enjoy his family wealth but no, he associated with the streets. He has used his talent, family support, and business savvy to build a music empire that spans continents.

With albums like Dami Duro, A Good Time, Timeless, and now 5IVE, Davido continues to push boundaries. Whether through music, philanthropy, or entrepreneurship, he remains one of Africa’s brightest stars—and he’s only just getting started.

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