Article Was Last Updated August 31, 2026
David Adedeji Adeleke, known professionally as Davido, was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 21, 1992, and grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. He began producing music while studying at Oakwood University in Alabama before returning to Nigeria to pursue a professional music career.
His first major single, “Back When” featuring Naeto C, came out in 2011. “Dami Duro” followed and became a breakthrough hit in Nigeria. His debut album, Omo Baba Olowo: The Genesis, arrived in 2012.
Davido graduated from Babcock University with a Music degree in 2015. In May 2026, he returned to the university and pledged support for its music department.
His sixth studio album, Oriadé, was released on July 31, 2026, marking 15 years since his professional debut.
Early Life and Family
Davido was born to Adedeji Adeleke and Vero Adeleke. His father is a Nigerian businessman and founder of Adeleke University, while his mother was a university lecturer.
The Adeleke family comes from Ede in Osun State. Davido spent his childhood in Lagos and attended the British International School Lagos before moving to the United States for university.
He adopted OBO as one of his stage nicknames. The name comes from Omo Baba Olowo, a Yoruba expression meaning “son of a rich man”.
Davido developed an interest in music during his youth and began producing beats while at university.
Education
Davido studied Business Administration at Oakwood University in Alabama. During his time there, he bought recording equipment and began producing music.
He formed KB International with his cousins B-Red and Sina Rambo. He later left Oakwood and moved to London, where he worked on his vocals.
After returning to Nigeria, Davido enrolled at Babcock University to study Music. He graduated in 2015.
In May 2026, he visited Babcock University and pledged support for its music department, including plans to assist with facilities and equipment.
Music Career
Davido began his professional career in 2011 with “Back When”, featuring Naeto C. He followed the single with “Dami Duro”, produced by Shizzi.
Omo Baba Olowo: The Genesis arrived in 2012. The project contained “Back When”, “Dami Duro”, “Ekuro”, “Overseas”, “All of You”, “Gbon Gbon” and “Feel Alright”.
He followed his debut with singles including “Gobe”, “Skelewu” and “Aye”. In 2017, “If” and “Fall” became two of his most successful releases.
“Fall” extended Davido’s audience beyond Nigeria and became one of the longest-charting Nigerian songs on the Billboard charts.
Davido Music Worldwide and Sony Music
Davido founded Davido Music Worldwide, known as DMW, in 2016. The label became associated with artists including Mayorkun, Dremo and Peruzzi.
In the same year, Davido signed a global deal with Sony Music Entertainment. He subsequently released the Son of Mercy EP, which contained “Gbagbe Oshi”, “How Long” featuring Tinashe and “Coolest Kid in Africa” featuring Nasty C.
DMW continued to operate as Davido’s music label and platform for developing Nigerian artists.
Davido’s Studio Albums
Davido has released six studio albums:
| Album | Year |
| Omo Baba Olowo: The Genesis | 2012 |
| A Good Time | 2019 |
| A Better Time | 2020 |
| Timeless | 2023 |
| 5ive | 2025 |
| Oriadé | 2026 |
Omo Baba Olowo: The Genesis
Davido’s debut album introduced the sound that defined his early career. Its songs included “Back When”, “Dami Duro”, “Ekuro” and “Gbon Gbon”.
A Good Time
A Good Time arrived in 2019 and included “Blow My Mind” featuring Chris Brown, “Risky”, “Assurance” and “Fall”.
The project also featured Summer Walker, Gunna, Quavo and Popcaan.
A Better Time
Released in 2020, A Better Time featured Nicki Minaj, Nas, Chris Brown, Lil Baby and Young Thug.
Timeless
Timeless arrived in 2023 with songs including “Unavailable” featuring Musa Keys, “Feel”, “Over Dem” and “FEM”.
The album received a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album. “Unavailable” received a nomination for Best African Music Performance, while “Feel” was nominated for Best Global Music Performance.
5ive
5ive was released in 2025 and preceded Davido’s 5IVE ALIVE Tour.
Oriadé
Oriadé arrived on July 31, 2026, with 13 tracks covering themes of identity, faith, purpose and African musical influences.
The project features Black Sherif, JAZZWRLD, GL_CEEJAY, NO11, Mayorkun, Fola, Leon Thomas, Aya Nakamura and Llona.
Davido described the album as part of a new period in his career and said he wanted to reconnect with African musical influences and his roots.
Oriadé Tracklist
- “On The Road”
- “Amazing Grace” featuring Black Sherif
- “Julie”
- “Constantly”
- “I Know Who I Be” featuring JAZZWRLD and GL_CEEJAY
- “Gimme Dat Ting” featuring NO11
- “B4 B4” featuring Mayorkun and Fola
- “Already Falling”
- “Tell Everybody” featuring Leon Thomas
- “Yaya” featuring Aya Nakamura
- “Zanzibar”
- “Guide”
- “My Light” featuring Llona
Davido discovered NO11 on TikTok after seeing one of his videos. He reposted the video before inviting the artist to record for Oriadé. NO11 appears on “Gimme Dat Ting”.
Grammy Nominations
Davido has received five Grammy nominations and has not won the award.
At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024, Timeless was nominated for Best Global Music Album. “Unavailable” featuring Musa Keys received a nomination for Best African Music Performance, while “Feel” was nominated for Best Global Music Performance.
His fourth nomination came in 2025 for “Sensational”, his collaboration with Chris Brown and Lojay, in the Best African Music Performance category.
In 2026, “With You” featuring Omah Lay received a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
Tyla won the 2026 award for “PUSH 2 START”.
Tours and Major Performances
Davido’s live performances have taken him across Africa, Europe, North America and other international markets.
The 5IVE ALIVE Tour supported 5ive. The 42-date tour covered four continents and concluded in May 2026.
Davido made his Coachella debut in April 2026. He has also performed at London’s O2 Arena and major stadiums and arenas in Nigeria.
Davido and Chioma
Davido is married to Chioma Adeleke, formerly Chioma Rowland. The couple met while attending Babcock University.
They held their traditional wedding in Lagos in June 2024. Their white wedding took place in Miami on August 10, 2025.
Davido and Chioma had three children together. Their first son, David Ifeanyi Adeleke, died in 2022, and they welcomed twins in October 2023.
Davido also has children from previous relationships, including Imade Adeleke and Hailey Adeleke.
Awards
Davido’s awards include BET Awards, The Headies, MOBO Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards.
He won the BET Award for Best International Act: Africa in 2014 and the BET Award for Best International Act in 2018.
His other honours include multiple Headies awards and recognition from international music organisations.
Business Interests
Davido’s work outside recording includes live entertainment, touring, endorsements and music-related businesses.
He founded DMW in 2016 and has used the label to release music and develop Nigerian artists.
His commercial career has also included partnerships with international brands and other entertainment ventures.
Net Worth
FirstNigerian.com estimates Davido’s 2026 net worth at $70 million to $95 million.
His income comes from recorded music, streaming, live performances, touring, endorsements and business interests. Online estimates of his wealth vary and do not establish an exact figure.
