Davido

David Adedeji Adeleke was born on November 21, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.{{cite web|title=Davido – Full Biography|url=http://www.mtvbase.com/music/artists/davido/#bio|publisher=MTV Base|accessdate=December 24, 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217132925/http://www.mtvbase.com/music/artists/davido/#bio|archivedate=December 17, 2013|url-status=live}} His father Adedeji Adeleke (born 1957) is a business magnate from Nigeria, and his mother Vero Adeleke (1963–2003) was a university lecturer.{{cite web|title=Wealthy parents, super star kids|url=http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/saturday-beats/wealthy-parents-super-star-kids/|publisher=Punch Nigeria|access-date=January 11, 2014|date=July 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111214836/http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/saturday-beats/wealthy-parents-super-star-kids/|archive-date=January 11, 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Davido Biography|url=https://www.detectmind.com/davido-net-worth-biography-age-height-girlfriend-car-house-children-more/|publisher=Detect Mind|access-date=January 11, 2022|date=July 6, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111214836/https://www.detectmind.com/davido-net-worth-biography-age-height-girlfriend-car-house-children-more/|archive-date=January 11, 2014|url-status=dead}} Davido is the youngest of five siblings and his father's third-born son.{{cite web |author1=Toye Sokunbi |title=Davido vs. The World |url=https://thenativemag.com/featured/davido-vs-world/ |website=Native Magazine |access-date=December 21, 2019 |date=May 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221204221/https://thenativemag.com/featured/davido-vs-world/ |archive-date=December 21, 2019 |url-status=live }} He attended the British International School in Lagos, and at the age of 16, he returned to the U.S. to study business administration at Oakwood University.

While at Oakwood, Davido bought musical equipment and started making beats.{{cite web|author=Rawiya Kameir|title=Davido's upbringing was almost impossibly blessed. Now, he's leveraging his resources to model the future of African pop.|url=http://www.thefader.com/2016/02/18/davido-cover-story-interview|publisher=The Fader|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924094910/http://www.thefader.com/2016/02/18/davido-cover-story-interview|archive-date=September 24, 2017|url-status=live}} He also formed the music act KB International with his cousins B-Red and Sina Rambo.{{cite web|author=Adeola Adeyemo|date=February 4, 2012|title=BN Saturday Celebrity Interview: "You Can't Stop Me!" 2012′s Hottest Star, Davido – The Music, The Fame, The Fans & More!|url=http://www.bellanaija.com/2012/02/04/bn-saturday-celebrity-interview-you-cant-stop-me-2012s-hottest-star-davido-the-music-the-fame-the-fans-more/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923193510/http://www.bellanaija.com/2012/02/04/bn-saturday-celebrity-interview-you-cant-stop-me-2012s-hottest-star-davido-the-music-the-fame-the-fans-more/|archive-date=September 23, 2015|access-date=September 25, 2017|publisher=Bellanaija}} Davido dropped out of Oakwood University to pursue music full-time and relocated to London, where he worked on his vocals. After returning to Nigeria in 2011, Davido paused his music career and agreed to honor his father by enrolling at Babcock University, from which he graduated in July 2015, with a degree in music after his father paid the university to start a music department for an inaugural class of one student.{{cite news|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/davido-graduates-from-babcock-university/|title=Davido graduates from Babcock University|work=The Vanguard|date=June 7, 2015|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924140650/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/davido-graduates-from-babcock-university/|archive-date=September 24, 2017|url-status=live}}

In 2011, Davido started working on his debut studio album Omo Baba Olowo, which is a mixture of Afrobeats and hip hop. Davido worked with Jay Sleek, Maleek Berry, GospelOnDeBeatz, Spellz, Dokta Frabz, Mr. Chidoo, Theory Soundz and Shizzi to produce the album. Omo Baba Olowo features guest appearances from Naeto C, Sina Rambo, B-Red, Kayswitch, Ice Prince and 2 Face Idibia.{{cite web | url=https://thenet.ng/davido-omo-baba-olowo-album-review-money-can-solve-everything-except-perfection/ | title=Davido – 'Omo Baba Olowo' [Album review]: Money can solve everything except perfection | publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today | date=July 18, 2012 | access-date=March 18, 2014 | author=Tayo, Ayomide | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811002558/http://thenet.ng/2012/07/davido-omo-baba-olowo-album-review-money-can-solve-everything-except-perfection/ | archive-date=August 11, 2017 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://africamagic.dstv.com/2012/07/31/album-review-davidos-o-b-o-genesis/ | title=Album review: Davido's O.B.O Genesis | publisher=Africa Magic | date=July 31, 2012 | access-date=March 18, 2014 | author=Kan, Toni | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014210620/http://africamagic.dstv.com/2012/07/31/album-review-davidos-o-b-o-genesis/ | archive-date=October 14, 2014 | url-status=dead }} It received generally negative reviews from music critics, who panned its lyrical content and Davido's songwriting. The album won Best R&B/Pop Album and received a nomination for Album of the Year at The Headies 2013,{{cite web|title=Headies Award 2013 and Full List of winners|url=http://www.osundefender.org/?p=140816|publisher=Osun Defender|access-date=December 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227231501/http://www.osundefender.org/?p=140816|archive-date=December 27, 2013|url-status=dead}} and for Best Album of the Year at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.{{cite web | url=http://www.premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/137094-nigerian-entertainment-award-announces-2013-nominees.html | title=Nigerian Entertainment Award announces 2013 nominees | publisher=Premium Times | date=May 31, 2013 | access-date=March 6, 2014 | author=Micheal Abimboye | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306125132/http://www.premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/137094-nigerian-entertainment-award-announces-2013-nominees.html | archive-date=March 6, 2014 | url-status=live }}

The Naeto C-assisted track "Back When" was released as the album's lead single on May 7, 2011. It was produced in London{{cite web|title=Davido – Dami duro (Exclusive interview)|website = YouTube|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfn_vcEeDgs|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=February 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317050442/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfn_vcEeDgs|archive-date=March 17, 2016|url-status=live}} by Davido and received frequent airplay.{{cite web|title=Bubbling Under/Davido – Back When Ft Naeto C|url=http://www.jaguda.com/2011/05/07/bubbling-under-davido-back-when-ft-naeto-c/|author=Ayo Jaguda|publisher=Jaguda|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=May 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726133246/http://jaguda.com/2011/05/07/bubbling-under-davido-back-when-ft-naeto-c/|archive-date=July 26, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=360Fresh: Davido – Back When ft. Naeto C|url=http://www.360nobs.com/2011/06/360fresh-davido-back-when-ft-naeto-c/|publisher=360nobs|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=June 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926095936/https://www.360nobs.com/2011/06/360fresh-davido-back-when-ft-naeto-c/|archive-date=September 26, 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Adoti |first=Olive |date=November 24, 2020 |title=Davido biography and his net worth |url=https://www.legit.ng/1120460-davido-biography-and-his-net-worth.html |access-date=January 22, 2021 |website=Legit.ng – Nigeria news. |language=en |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029140321/https://www.legit.ng/1120460-davido-biography-and-his-net-worth.html |url-status=live }} The Clarence Peters-directed music video for "Back When" was uploaded to YouTube on May 9, 2011.{{cite web |title=VIDEO Premiere: Davido – Back When ft Naeto C|author=Ovie O|work=notjustOk |url=http://notjustok.com/2011/05/09/video-premiere-davido-back-when-ft-naeto-c/|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=May 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826162137/http://notjustok.com/2011/05/09/video-premiere-davido-back-when-ft-naeto-c/|archive-date=August 26, 2016|url-status=live}} Davido and Shizzi produced the album's second single "Dami Duro", which was released on October 30, 2011.{{cite web |last=Olamide |date=July 10, 2024 |title=Davido Biography & Achievement 2024 |url=https://naijapickup.com/music/artistes/davido/ |access-date=July 10, 2024 |website=Naija media |publisher=Jide}}{{cite web |title=Davido – Dami Duro|url=http://tooxclusive.com/2011/10/31/davido-%E2%80%93-dami-duro/|publisher=Tooxclusive|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=October 31, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112075251/http://tooxclusive.com/2011/10/31/davido-%e2%80%93-dami-duro/|archive-date=January 12, 2014|url-status=live}} In an interview posted on the NotJustOk website, Davido said he recorded the song in August of that year. The song was leaked three months after he sent it to some of his friends.{{cite web |title=Davido (NotjustOk Hype)|url=http://notjustok.com/2011/12/20/davido-notjustok-hype/|publisher=Notjustok|access-date=January 11, 2014|date=December 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122064022/http://notjustok.com/2011/12/20/davido-notjustok-hype/|archive-date=January 22, 2014|url-status=live}} The accompanying music video for "Dami Duro" was released on January 8, 2012, during the Occupy Nigeria protests.{{cite web |title=#InCaseyouMissedIt Hot Stuff: Davido drops video for 'Dami Duro'|url=http://www.ynaija.com/incaseyoumissedit-hot-stuff-davido-drops-video-for-dami-duro/|author=Wilfred Okiche|publisher=YNaija|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=January 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926101426/https://ynaija.com/incaseyoumissedit-hot-stuff-davido-drops-video-for-dami-duro/|archive-date=September 26, 2017|url-status=live}}

The album's third single "Ekuro" was released on January 25, 2012. Its music video was recorded and directed in Miami by Antwan Smith.{{cite web | url=http://www.nigerianeye.com/2012/05/new-video-davido-ekuro.html | title=NEW VIDEO: DAVIDO – Ekuro | publisher=Nigerian Eye | date=May 25, 2012 | access-date=March 19, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215164224/http://www.nigerianeye.com/2012/05/new-video-davido-ekuro.html | archive-date=December 15, 2019 | url-status=live }} Nigerian singer Aramide released a soulful cover of the song.{{cite web | url=http://www.channelstv.com/home/2013/05/20/aramide-drops-rb-cover-of-davidos-ekuro/ | title=Aramide Drops R&B Cover Of Davido's 'Ekuro' | publisher=Channels TV | date=May 20, 2013 | access-date=March 19, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709150300/http://www.channelstv.com/home/2013/05/20/aramide-drops-rb-cover-of-davidos-ekuro/ | archive-date=July 9, 2013 | url-status=live }} The album's fourth single "Overseas" was released on May 6, 2012; an unfinished version of the song was leaked prior to its official release.{{cite web|title=Official Version: Davido – Overseas ft Sina Rambo|url=http://notjustok.com/2012/05/06/official-version-davido-overseas-ft-sina-rambo/|author=Ovie O|work=notjustOk |access-date=September 25, 2017|date=May 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417165205/http://notjustok.com/2012/05/06/official-version-davido-overseas-ft-sina-rambo/|archive-date=April 17, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=New Music: Davido – Overseas ft. Sina Rambo|url=http://www.jaguda.com/2012/05/07/new-music-davido-overseas-ft-sina-rambo/|publisher=Jaguda|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=May 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418214150/http://jaguda.com/2012/05/07/new-music-davido-overseas-ft-sina-rambo|archive-date=April 18, 2017|url-status=live}} The GospelOnDeBeatz-produced track "All of You" was released as the album's fifth single on September 28, 2012; Davido said he recorded the song with GospelOnDeBeatz' whom he met at a mall.{{cite web |title=FACTORY78 – Davido full interview / Album Review Pt1.|website = YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qwSjL0cu_U|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=November 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309234704/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qwSjL0cu_U|archive-date=March 9, 2016|url-status=live}}

File:Davido Performance in Tanzania.jpg

On February 25, 2013, Davido released the Shizzi-produced track "Gobe".{{cite web|title=Davido returns with 'Gobe' video|url=http://dailyindependentnig.com/2013/03/davido-returns-with-gobe-video/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130912223834/http://www.dailyindependentnig.com/2013/03/davido-returns-with-gobe-video/|archive-date=September 12, 2013|publisher=Daily Independent|access-date=January 10, 2014|url-status=usurped}} It was ranked second on Premium Times{{'}} list of the Top 10 songs of 2013.{{cite web|title=Wande Coal, Davido, others make Premium Times Top 10 songs of 2013|url=http://premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/152238-wande-coal-davido-others-make-premium-times-top-10-songs-2013.html|author=Micheal Abimboye|work=Premium Times|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=December 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702122710/http://www.premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/152238-wande-coal-davido-others-make-premium-times-top-10-songs-2013.html|archive-date=July 2, 2015|url-status=live}} In a review for Vanguard newspaper, Charles Mgbolu said the song "exudes fun from start to finish".{{cite web|title=Davido releases hot new video 'Gobe'|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/02/davido-releases-hot-new-video-gobe/|author=Charles Mgbolu|work=Vanguard|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=February 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926095658/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/02/davido-releases-hot-new-video-gobe/|archive-date=September 26, 2017|url-status=live}} Godfather Productions recorded the song's music video in South Africa.{{cite web|author=Onos|title=New Video: Davido – Gobe|url=http://www.bellanaija.com/2013/02/26/new-video-davido-gobe/|publisher=Bellanaija|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=February 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923223437/http://www.bellanaija.com/2013/02/26/new-video-davido-gobe/|archive-date=September 23, 2015|url-status=live}} Davido announced on Twitter "One of a Kind" would be released on May 13, 2013.{{cite web|title=It's official: Davido releases new single, 'One of a kind' [DOWNLOAD]|url=http://www.ynaija.com/its-official-davido-releases-new-single-one-of-a-kind-download/|author=Rachel Ogbu|publisher=YNaija|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=May 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926101429/https://ynaija.com/its-official-davido-releases-new-single-one-of-a-kind-download/|archive-date=September 26, 2017|url-status=live}} Shizzl also produced the song.{{cite web|title=OFFICIAL Premiere: Davido – One of A Kind (Prod by Shizzi)|author=Ovie O|work=notjustOk |url=http://notjustok.com/2013/05/13/official-premiere-davido-one-of-a-kind-prod-by-shizzi/|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=May 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827122256/http://notjustok.com/2013/05/13/official-premiere-davido-one-of-a-kind-prod-by-shizzi/|archive-date=August 27, 2016|url-status=live}} Tebza of Godfather Productions recorded and directed the song's music video in South Africa; it depicts a united Africa that is rich in culture and music.{{cite web|title=New Video: Davido – One Of A Kind|url=http://www.360nobs.com/2013/05/new-video-davido-one-of-a-kind/|publisher=360nobs|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=May 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926143306/https://www.360nobs.com/2013/05/new-video-davido-one-of-a-kind/|archive-date=September 26, 2017|url-status=live}}

"Skelewu" was released on August 13, 2013.{{cite web|title=Davido – Skelewu (Prod. Shizzi)|work=notjustOk |url=http://notjustok.com/2013/08/13/davido-skelewu-prod-shizzi/|access-date=January 10, 2014|date=August 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117114600/http://notjustok.com/2013/08/13/davido-skelewu-prod-shizzi/|archive-date=January 17, 2014|url-status=live}} It was ranked fifth on Premium Times{{'}} list of the top 10 songs of 2013.{{cite web|title=Get Familiar: Davido – Skelewu|url=http://www.360nobs.com/2013/08/get-familiar-davido-skelewu/|publisher=360nobs|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=August 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926142940/https://www.360nobs.com/2013/08/get-familiar-davido-skelewu/|archive-date=September 26, 2017|url-status=live}} On August 18, 2013, Davido promoted "Skelewu" by uploading an instructional dance video to YouTube; the release was accompanied by an announcement of a "Skelewu" dance competition.{{cite web | url=http://africanmuzikmag.com/davido-hkn-gang-skelewu-instructioinal-dance-video/ | title=Davido & HKN Gang SKELEWU Instructioinal Dance Video | publisher=African Muzik Magazine | date=August 30, 2013 | access-date=January 21, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201163850/http://africanmuzikmag.com/davido-hkn-gang-skelewu-instructioinal-dance-video/ | archive-date=February 1, 2014 | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://hiphopworldmagazine.com/2013/08/19/video-davido-hkn-shut-off-lekki-road-dancing-skelewu/ | title=Davido & HKN Gang SKELEWU Instructioinal Dance Video | publisher=Hiphopworldmagazine | access-date=January 21, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130223610/http://hiphopworldmagazine.com/2013/08/19/video-davido-hkn-shut-off-lekki-road-dancing-skelewu/ | archive-date=January 30, 2014 | url-status=dead }} "Skelewu" was supported with two music videos;{{cite web | url=http://www.prisonerofclass.com/davido-skelewu-video/ | title=Davido – Skelewu (Video) | publisher=Prisoner of Class | date=October 15, 2013 | access-date=January 21, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226034102/http://www.prisonerofclass.com/davido-skelewu-video/ | archive-date=December 26, 2013 | url-status=dead }} the first was directed by Sesan and released on October 15, 2013.{{cite web | url=http://africanmuzikmag.com/video-davido-skelewu/ | title=Video: Davido – Skelewu | publisher=African Muzik Magazine | date=October 15, 2013 | access-date=January 21, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201163854/http://africanmuzikmag.com/video-davido-skelewu/ | archive-date=February 1, 2014 | url-status=dead }} It was uploaded to YouTube using a parody account. Shortly after the video's release, Davido said someone betrayed him by releasing it and that he would make another video with Moe Musa, a UK-based music video director.{{cite web|title=Davido Addresses Unofficial Leaked Video For 'Skelewu'|url=http://www.360nobs.com/2013/10/davido-addresses-unofficial-leaked-video-for-skelewu/|publisher=360nobs|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=October 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926100329/https://www.360nobs.com/2013/10/davido-addresses-unofficial-leaked-video-for-skelewu/|archive-date=September 26, 2017|url-status=live}} Sesan criticized Davido and his management for releasing inaccurate statements.{{cite web|title=Davido is irresponsible, immature –Sesan|url=http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/saturday-beats/davido-is-irresponsible-immature-sesan/|publisher=Punch Nigeria|access-date=January 12, 2014|date=October 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112080015/http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/saturday-beats/davido-is-irresponsible-immature-sesan/|archive-date=January 12, 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Davido Approved Skelewu Video Before The Released – Video Director; Sesan Releases Press Statement!|url=http://www.jaguda.com/2013/10/16/davido-approved-skelewu-video-released-video-director-sesan-releases-press-statement/|author=Bob Alash|publisher=Jaguda|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=October 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307135719/http://jaguda.com/2013/10/16/davido-approved-skelewu-video-released-video-director-sesan-releases-press-statement/|archive-date=March 7, 2016|url-status=live}} Moa Musa recorded and directed the official music video for "Skelewu" in London, and it was released in October 2013.{{cite web|title=Davido releases official 'Skelewu' video|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/10/davido-releases-official-skelewu-video/|author=Charles Mgbolu|work=Vanguard|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=October 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926100723/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/10/davido-releases-official-skelewu-video/|archive-date=September 26, 2017|url-status=live}}

On February 1, 2014, Davido released "Aye", which was produced by T-Spize.{{cite web |title=DavidoAt10: Top ten songs of all time |url=https://punchng.com/davidoat10-top-ten-songs-of-all-time/ |website=Punch NG |date=May 7, 2021 |access-date=May 4, 2022 |archive-date=May 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504140229/https://punchng.com/davidoat10-top-ten-songs-of-all-time/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.360nobs.com/2014/02/360hawt-davido-aye/|title=360Hawt: Davido – AYE|publisher=360Nobs|date=February 2, 2014|access-date=September 25, 2017|author=Stephen Amaza|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926144944/https://www.360nobs.com/2014/02/360hawt-davido-aye/|archive-date=September 26, 2017|url-status=live}} The song's music video was directed by Clarence Peters and released on February 7, 2014.{{cite web |url= http://www.dailytimes.com.ng/article/davidos-aye-video-out-friday |archive-url= https://archive.today/20140207223256/http://www.dailytimes.com.ng/article/davidos-aye-video-out-friday |url-status=dead |archive-date= February 7, 2014 |title= Davido's Aye Video Out Friday|work=Daily Times of Nigeria {{!}} archive.is |date= February 5, 2014 |access-date= September 25, 2017|author=Opeoluwani Ogunjimi}} In the video, Davido plays a poor farmer who falls in love with a prince's fiancé.{{cite web |title=Nigerian Pop Star Davido's "Aye" Music Video Breaks Records |url=https://face2faceafrica.com/article/nigerian-pop-star-davidos-aye-music-video-breaks-record |website=Face 2 Face Africa |access-date=January 2, 2020 |date=May 12, 2014 |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715162821/https://face2faceafrica.com/article/nigerian-pop-star-davidos-aye-music-video-breaks-record |url-status=live }} Davido's collaborative single with South African duo Mafikizolo, titled "Tchelete (Goodlife)", was released on April 30, 2014.{{cite web |author1=Deji S |title=New Music: Davido & Mafikizolo – Tchelete (Goodlife) |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2014/04/new-music-davido-mafikizolo-tchelete-goodlife/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=January 2, 2020 |date=April 30, 2014 |archive-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102103748/https://www.bellanaija.com/2014/04/new-music-davido-mafikizolo-tchelete-goodlife/ |url-status=live }} It was produced by Oskido and Shizzi, and distributed by MTN's Play and Callertunez platforms.{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewage.co.za/124741-1022-53-New_revenue_stream_unity|title=New revenue stream unity|work=The New Age Online|date=May 6, 2014|access-date=May 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508030720/http://www.thenewage.co.za/124741-1022-53-New_revenue_stream_unity|archive-date=May 8, 2014|url-status=dead}} Davido networked with Mafikizolo at MTN Nigeria's Elite Night event in December 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.biztechafrica.com/press/mtn-business//article/mtn-launches-musical-collaboration-between-south-a/8083/|title=MTN Business | Virtual Press Office|publisher=Biztechafrica.com|date=May 2, 2014|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926042100/http://www.biztechafrica.com/press/mtn-business//article/mtn-launches-musical-collaboration-between-south-a/8083/|archive-date=September 26, 2017|url-status=live}} The song's music video was recorded and directed by Twenty Twenty Media.{{cite web |title=New Video: Davido & Mafikizolo – Tchelete (Goodlife) |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2014/05/new-video-davido-mafikizolo-tchelete-goodlife/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=January 2, 2020 |date=May 1, 2014 |archive-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102103746/https://www.bellanaija.com/2014/05/new-video-davido-mafikizolo-tchelete-goodlife/ |url-status=live }} Oskido and Uhuru made cameo appearances in the video.{{cite web|url=http://www.okayafrica.com/2014/05/02/mafikizolo-davido-tchelete-goodlife-video/|title=Davido x Mafikizolo 'Tchelete (Goodlife)'|author=Vanessa Okoth-Obbo|website=Okayafrica.com|date=May 2, 2014|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508042849/http://www.okayafrica.com/2014/05/02/mafikizolo-davido-tchelete-goodlife-video/|archive-date=May 8, 2014|url-status=live}}

File:Davido.jpg

In June 2014, Davido collaborated with Mi Casa, Lola Rae, Sarkodie, Diamond Platnumz and Tiwa Savage on "Africa Rising", a song that was used for DStv's eponymous campaign to promote social investment projects. The song's music video was recorded and directed by South African production house Callback Dreams.{{cite web|last1=Kaggwa|first1=Andrew|title=DStv launches new campaign to inspire Africa|url=http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32496:-dstv-launches-new-campaign-to-inspire-africa&catid=42:sizzling-entertainment&Itemid=74|work=The Observer|access-date=July 23, 2014|date=June 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729024039/http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32496:-dstv-launches-new-campaign-to-inspire-africa&catid=42:sizzling-entertainment&Itemid=74|archive-date=July 29, 2014|url-status=live}} The artists performed the song at the Africa Rising launch ceremony in Mauritius.{{cite web|title=Lindiwe rocks Africa Rising extravaganza|url=http://www.daily-mail.co.zm/index.php/entertainment/item/5509-lindiwe-rocks-africa-rising-extravaganza|work=Zambia Daily Mail|access-date=July 23, 2014|date=June 29, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140726190902/http://www.daily-mail.co.zm/index.php/entertainment/item/5509-lindiwe-rocks-africa-rising-extravaganza|archive-date=July 26, 2014}} In June 2015, Davido released the Meek Mill-assisted trap song "Fans Mi".{{cite web |author1=Motolani Alake |title=Here are the 10 hottest Nigerian artists of the decade (The 2010s) |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/wizkid-davido-burna-boy-olamide-the-10-hottest-nigerian-artists-of-the-decade-the/gv409y7 |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=December 10, 2019 |date=December 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210192144/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/wizkid-davido-burna-boy-olamide-the-10-hottest-nigerian-artists-of-the-decade-the/gv409y7 |archive-date=December 10, 2019 |url-status=live }} Before its release, he teased fans with the audio and behind-the-scene photographs of the video.{{cite web |author1=Andrew Somuah |title=Nigerian Artist Davido links up with Meek Mill for "Fans Mi" |url=https://thesource.com/2015/06/10/nigerian-artist-davido-links-up-with-meek-mill-for-fans-mi/ |website=The Source |access-date=December 15, 2019 |date=June 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215182925/https://thesource.com/2015/06/10/nigerian-artist-davido-links-up-with-meek-mill-for-fans-mi/ |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Davido's album The Baddest was scheduled for release in June 2015{{cite web |author1=Joey Akan |title=HKN star unveils tracklist for new album |url=https://www.pulse.ng/music/davido-hkn-star-unveils-tracklist-for-new-album-id3653475.html|website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=December 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924162025/https://www.pulse.ng/music/davido-hkn-star-unveils-tracklist-for-new-album-id3653475.html |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |date=April 14, 2015}} but its release was postponed to October 10 that year.{{cite web |title=Why singer's 2nd album "Baddest" has not been released |url=https://www.pulse.ng/davido-why-singers-2nd-album-baddest-has-not-been-released/c7qeqlq |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=December 21, 2019 |date=October 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215210314/https://www.pulse.ng/davido-why-singers-2nd-album-baddest-has-not-been-released/c7qeqlq |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }} Two days prior to this date, the release was again postponed because an unnamed corporation expressed an interest in distributing it. Davido had released the album's cover art and track listing earlier that year. The Baddest was planned to feature production from Shizzi, Del B, Spellz, J Fem, Don Jazzy, Puffy Tee, Uhuru, Kiddominant and Young John. It was also going to feature guest artists such as P-Square, Don Jazzy, Runtown, Uhuru, DJ Buckz, Akon, Meek Mill, Wale and Trey Songz. In January 2016, Davido announced on Twitter he signed a record deal with Sony Music; his announcement was met with mixed reactions.{{cite news|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/01/mixed-reactions-greet-davidos-new-deal-with-sony-music/|title=Mixed reactions greet Davido's new deal with Sony Music|work=Vanguard|date=January 23, 2016|access-date=September 25, 2017|author=Rotimi Agbana|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924094410/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/01/mixed-reactions-greet-davidos-new-deal-with-sony-music/|archive-date=September 24, 2017|url-status=live}} The record label put out a press release to confirm the deal.{{cite web |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201602010304.html|title=Sony Music Entertainment Confirms Deal With Davido|date=January 30, 2016|editor=Daniel Anazia|work=The Guardian|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924045506/http://allafrica.com/stories/201602010304.html|archive-date=September 24, 2017|url-status=dead}} Davido's contract with Sony required him to release two albums, and allowed him to retain the rights to his music and performances.{{cite web |title=Singer to release two albums with Sony Music |url=https://www.pulse.ng/davido-singer-to-release-two-albums-with-sony-music/kwfgn5j |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=December 21, 2019 |date=March 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221165525/https://www.pulse.ng/davido-singer-to-release-two-albums-with-sony-music/kwfgn5j |archive-date=December 21, 2019 |url-status=live }}

A few months after signing with Sony, Davido founded the record label Davido Music Worldwide (DMW).{{cite web |url=http://pulse.ng/buzz/davido-end-of-hkn-music-as-pop-star-launches-new-label-fights-with-b-red-id4932061.html|title=End of HKN Music as pop star launches new label, fights with B-Red?|author=Joey Akan|date=April 6, 2016|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924050910/http://www.pulse.ng/buzz/davido-end-of-hkn-music-as-pop-star-launches-new-label-fights-with-b-red-id4932061.html|archive-date=September 24, 2017|url-status=live}} Dremo, Mayorkun, Yonda and Peruzzi are currently signed to the label.{{cite web |title=Singer signs new artist Peruzzi to DMW |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-singer-signs-new-artist-peruzzi-to-dmw/2d7nmzs |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=January 2, 2020 |date=November 16, 2017 |archive-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102105332/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-singer-signs-new-artist-peruzzi-to-dmw/2d7nmzs |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://pulse.ng/buzz/davido-lola-rae-and-dammy-krane-are-not-signed-to-singers-record-label-id6253778.html|title=Lola Rae and Dammy Krane are not signed to singer's record label|author=Joey Akan|date=February 20, 2017|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924052441/http://www.pulse.ng/buzz/davido-lola-rae-and-dammy-krane-are-not-signed-to-singers-record-label-id6253778.html|archive-date=September 24, 2017|url-status=live}} In July 2016, Davido signed a record deal with RCA Records.{{cite web |url=http://pulse.ng/buzz/davido-singer-signs-new-deal-with-rca-records-id5300173.html|title=Singer signs new deal with RCA Records|author=Joey Akan|date=July 23, 2016|publisher=Pulse|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924050937/http://www.pulse.ng/buzz/davido-singer-signs-new-deal-with-rca-records-id5300173.html|archive-date=September 24, 2017|url-status=live}} His record deal with Sony Music altered plans for The Baddest{{'}}s release.{{cite web |title=Singer's Baddest album may not be released in 2016. |url=https://www.pulse.ng/davido-singers-baddest-album-may-not-be-released-in-2016/w85e47r |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=December 21, 2019 |date=March 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215210105/https://www.pulse.ng/davido-singers-baddest-album-may-not-be-released-in-2016/w85e47r |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }} According to Pulse Nigeria, Davido's contract with Sony required the album to have international appeal to allow for its global distribution. In October 2016, he released the five-track EP Son of Mercy, which was supported by the singles "Gbagbe Oshi", "How Long", "Coolest Kid in Africa";{{cite web |title=Sony Music star releases "Son Of Mercy" EP |url=https://www.pulse.ng/davido-sony-music-star-releases-son-of-mercy-ep/552qxy0 |publisher=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=March 1, 2019 |date=October 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301140050/https://www.pulse.ng/davido-sony-music-star-releases-son-of-mercy-ep/552qxy0 |archive-date=March 1, 2019 |url-status=live }} and includes guest appearances by Simi, Tinashe and Nasty C.{{cite web |author1=Sabo Kpade |title=It's Pop, Not Afro-Pop: On the Impact of Davido's 'Son of Mercy' |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/davido-son-of-mercy-review-pop-not-afro-pop/ |publisher=OkayAfrica |access-date=March 1, 2019 |date=October 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301140259/https://www.okayafrica.com/davido-son-of-mercy-review-pop-not-afro-pop/ |archive-date=March 1, 2019 |url-status=live }}

File:When you do what you love.jpg

Davido won Best African Act at the 2017 MOBO Awards.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-42177783|title=MOBO Awards 2017: Wizkid and Davido win big|newspaper=BBC News Pidgin|date=November 30, 2017|access-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804225428/https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-42177783|archive-date=August 4, 2018|url-status=live}} On February 17, 2017, he released "If",{{cite web |title=If – Single by Davido |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/if-single/1205929054 |website=Apple Music |access-date=November 23, 2019 |date=February 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123175742/https://music.apple.com/us/album/if-single/1205929054 |archive-date=November 23, 2019 |url-status=live }} which was produced by Tekno, who ghost-wrote the track for Davido.{{cite web |author=Sabo Kpade |title=Hear Davido's New Single 'If,' Produced By Tekno |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/davido-if-download-mp3-produced-by-tekno/ |website=OkayAfrica |access-date=November 23, 2019 |date=February 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829014241/https://www.okayafrica.com/davido-if-download-mp3-produced-by-tekno/ |archive-date=August 29, 2019 |url-status=live }} The music video for "If" has been streamed over 172 million times on YouTube, securing a place among his top-performing videos.{{cite web |last1=Trybe |first1=City |title=Nigerian Music's Global Impact: The Top Ten Most-Viewed YouTube Music Videos |url=https://www.trybecity.com/2023/09/09/nigerian-musics-global-impact-the-top-ten-most-viewed-youtube-music-videos/ |website=Trybe City Blog |date=September 9, 2023 |publisher=Peaceful Esther |access-date=October 16, 2023 |ref=Trybe}} The song was a certified diamond by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA), indicating shipments of 200,000 units.{{cite web |title=OBO's 'If' goes Diamond, 'Fall' hits platinum in South Africa |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-obos-if-goes-diamond-fall-hits-platinum-in-south-africa/1mxg03p |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=November 23, 2019 |date=February 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123175826/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-obos-if-goes-diamond-fall-hits-platinum-in-south-africa/1mxg03p |archive-date=November 23, 2019 |url-status=live }} "If" won Best Pop Single and Song of the Year at The Headies 2018.{{cite web |author=Billy Praise |title=The HEADIES 2018: Full List Of Winners. |url=https://guardian.ng/life/music/the-headies-2018-full-list-of-winners/ |website=Guardian Life |access-date=March 16, 2019 |date=May 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328042759/https://guardian.ng/life/music/the-headies-2018-full-list-of-winners/ |archive-date=March 28, 2019 |url-status=live }} Reviewing for OkayAfrica, Sabo Kpade described the song as a "slow burner" with an "unfussy beat that sounds hollowed out and isn't cluttered with instruments". The music video for "If" was recorded in London; it was directed by Director Q and produced by Tunde Babalola.{{cite web |author=Elvis Adi |title=Exclusive behind the scene video : Davido's "If" |work=TRACE |url=https://trace.tv/videos/exclusive-behind-scene-video-davidos/ |publisher=Trace TV |access-date=November 23, 2019 |date=March 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210192114/https://trace.tv/videos/exclusive-behind-scene-video-davidos/ |archive-date=December 10, 2019 |url-status=live }} Davido teamed up with menswear designer Orange Culture to release a capsule collection inspired by "If".{{cite web |author1=Olamide Olarewaju |title=1st look at designer, singer's capsule collection in Selfridges |url=https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/fashion/orange-culture-x-davido-1st-look-at-designer-singers-capsule-collection-in-selfridges/6ntjz71 |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=December 15, 2019 |date=September 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215135406/https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/fashion/orange-culture-x-davido-1st-look-at-designer-singers-capsule-collection-in-selfridges/6ntjz71 |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Davido released "Fall", which includes a sample of Kojo Funds's track "Dun Talking",{{cite web |author=Tobi Akingbade |title=Afrobeat singer Davido asks haters 'are you God?' after strings of plagiarism accusations |url=https://metro.co.uk/2017/11/29/afrobeat-singer-davido-asks-haters-are-you-god-after-strings-of-plagiarism-accusations-7119432/ |website=Metro.co.uk |access-date=March 17, 2019 |date=November 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210192110/https://metro.co.uk/2017/11/29/afrobeat-singer-davido-asks-haters-are-you-god-after-strings-of-plagiarism-accusations-7119432/ |archive-date=December 10, 2019 |url-status=live }} on June 2, 2017.{{cite web |title=Fall – Single by Davido |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/fall-single/1243164651 |website=Apple Music |access-date=November 23, 2019 |date=June 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210192110/https://music.apple.com/us/album/fall-single/1243164651 |archive-date=December 10, 2019 |url-status=live }} RISA certified "Fall" platinum; the song was one of the 100-most-Shazam-searched singles in America in January 2019, and was a top-10 record on Shazam in New York.{{cite magazine |author=Elias Leight |title=Davido's 'Fall' Is Finally Catching On in the U.S., But It Should Be Bigger |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/davido-fall-us-radio-shazam-780079/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=March 17, 2019 |date=January 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207024509/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/davido-fall-us-radio-shazam-780079/ |archive-date=December 7, 2019 |url-status=live }} In February 2019, it became the longest-charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history.{{cite web |author=Damola Durosomo |title=Davido's 'Fall' Is the Longest-Charting Nigerian Pop Song in Billboard History |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/davidos-fall-is-the-longest-charting-nigerian-pop-song-in-billboard-history/ |website=OkayAfrica |access-date=March 1, 2019 |date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301140233/https://www.okayafrica.com/davidos-fall-is-the-longest-charting-nigerian-pop-song-in-billboard-history/ |archive-date=March 1, 2019 |url-status=live }} "Fall" was ranked at number 163 on Pitchfork{{'}}s list of the 200 Best Songs of the 2010s.{{cite web |title=The 200 Best Songs of the 2010s |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/the-200-best-songs-of-the-2010s/ |work=Pitchfork |access-date=October 12, 2019 |date=October 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011032035/https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/the-200-best-songs-of-the-2010s/ |archive-date=October 11, 2019 |url-status=live }} Nigerian-born British video director Daps directed the music video for "Fall",{{cite web |last1=Bada |first1=Gbenga |title=5 leading Nigerian music video directors you should know |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/5-leading-nigerian-music-video-directors-you-should-know/2vw9l3v |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=May 18, 2020 |date=August 19, 2019 |archive-date=June 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617135244/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/5-leading-nigerian-music-video-directors-you-should-know/2vw9l3v |url-status=live }} which in November 2023 exceeded 274 million views, becoming the most-viewed video by a Nigerian artist on YouTube.{{cite web |last1=Ohunyon |first1=Ehis |title=Davido's 'Fall' becomes most viewed video by a Nigerian artist on Youtube |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davidos-fall-is-most-viewed-nigerian-music-video-on-youtube/45vhcn1 |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=March 17, 2019 |date=December 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210192106/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davidos-fall-is-most-viewed-nigerian-music-video-on-youtube/45vhcn1 |archive-date=December 10, 2019 |url-status=live }}

On November 10, 2017, Davido released "Fia",{{cite web |title=FIA Single by Davido |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/fia-single/1309765542 |website=Apple Music |access-date=December 15, 2019 |date=November 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215223606/https://music.apple.com/us/album/fia-single/1309765542 |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }} which was produced by Fresh VDM and described as a neo-highlife track.{{cite web |title=Who is Fresh VDM, the producer behind OBO's instant hit 'FIA'? |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-who-is-fresh-vdm-the-producer-behind-obos-instant-hit-fia/gd89l3w |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=December 15, 2019 |date=November 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215225913/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-who-is-fresh-vdm-the-producer-behind-obos-instant-hit-fia/gd89l3w |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title= Best New Music: Davido has something to say about avoiding drama on new track, "Fia"|url=https://thenativemag.com/music/hear-davidos-soulful-new-track-fia/ |website=Native Magazine |access-date=December 15, 2019 |date=November 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215223612/https://thenativemag.com/music/hear-davidos-soulful-new-track-fia/ |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }} In its second verse, Davido addresses his arrest and Caroline Danjuma's role in fueling a rumor he was involved in the death of Tagbo Umenike. A writer for Native magazine praised Davido's songwriting and said "Fia" "manages to reflect some of his recent personal struggles, without directly dishing into sensitive details". Reviewing for Music in Africa, Kayode Faniyi said "Fia" offers an "existential conflict" and that it is "undoubtedly the song of Davido's career—at least till he outdoes himself".{{cite web |author1=Koyode Faniyi |title=FIA is the song of Davido's career |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/fia-song-davido%E2%80%99s-career |website=Music in Africa |access-date=December 15, 2019 |date=January 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215223606/https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/fia-song-davido%25E2%2580%2599s-career |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }} Daniel Orubo of Konbini Channels described "Fia" as a "coherent" track that uses Davido's "croaky voice".{{cite web |author1=Daniel Orubo |title=Watch The Video For Davido's Incredible New Single, 'Fia' |url=https://www.konbini.com/ng/music/davido-manages-to-top-if-fall-with-incredible-new-single-fia |website=Konbini Channels |access-date=December 15, 2019 |date=November 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215225935/https://www.konbini.com/ng/music/davido-manages-to-top-if-fall-with-incredible-new-single-fia |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }} "Fia" was nominated for Best Pop Single and Song of the Year at The Headies 2018. Clarence Peters the song's accompanying music video. The Stefflon Don-assisted remix of "Fia" was released on March 30, 2018.{{cite web |title=FIA (Remix) [feat. Stefflon Don] – Single |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/fia-remix-feat-stefflon-don-single/1364954644 |website=Apple Music |access-date=December 17, 2019 |date=March 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217085651/https://music.apple.com/us/album/fia-remix-feat-stefflon-don-single/1364954644 |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |url-status=live }} The remix retains many elements from the original recording but incorporates a patois-tinged flow.{{cite web |author1=Daniel Orubo |title=Davido Teams Up With Stefflon Don For The Remix Of 'Fia' |url=https://www.konbini.com/ng/entertainment/davido-stefflon-don-fia-remix/ |website=Konbini Channels |access-date=December 17, 2019 |date=April 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217034031/https://www.konbini.com/ng/entertainment/davido-stefflon-don-fia-remix/ |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |url-status=live }} Davido won Best African Act and was one of the Best Worldwide Act recipients at the 2017 MTV Europe Music Awards.{{cite web |author1=Damola Durosomo |title=Davido Wins 'Best African Act' at MTV EMAs, Wizkid Snags 3 AFRIMAs and More |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/davids-wizkid-mtv-emas-afrima-awards/ |website=OkayAfrica |access-date=December 15, 2019 |date=November 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215155715/https://www.okayafrica.com/davids-wizkid-mtv-emas-afrima-awards/ |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Here are your 2017 MTV EMA Winners |url=https://www.mtvema.com/articles/9hglaf/here-are-your-2017-mtv-ema-winners |website=MTV EMA |access-date=December 15, 2019 |date=November 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215155713/https://www.mtvema.com/articles/9hglaf/here-are-your-2017-mtv-ema-winners |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first=Dan |last=Hancox |title=Davido review – Nigerian pop superstar feels the love |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/feb/19/davido-review-brixton-academy-london |access-date=December 15, 2019 |date=February 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215205922/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/feb/19/davido-review-brixton-academy-london |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }} Davido released "Assurance" on April 30, 2018; he dedicated the track to his girlfriend and released it to coincide with her 23rd birthday.{{cite web |author=Ehis Ohunyon |title=Singer's new single, Assurance hits 1M views in 24 hours |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-singers-new-single-assurance-hits-1m-views-in-24-hours/2clgpjv |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=November 24, 2019 |date=May 3, 2018 |archive-date=July 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725004851/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-singers-new-single-assurance-hits-1m-views-in-24-hours/2clgpjv |url-status=live }} Reviewing for Native magazine, Toye Sokunbi said the song "speaks volumes for the importance of clarity in the age of emojis, validation from our loved ones and putting love first, against all odds".{{cite web |author=Toye Sokunbi |title=Best New Music: Davido's "Assurance" Stamps Summer '18 as the Season of Love |url=https://thenativemag.com/music/davido-marks-summer-season-love-assurance/ |work=Native Magazine |access-date=November 24, 2019 |date=May 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018012323/http://thenativemag.com/music/davido-marks-summer-season-love-assurance/ |archive-date=October 18, 2018 |url-status=live }} Davido won Best International Act at the 2018 BET Awards, becoming the first African artist to receive his award on the main stage.{{cite web |author1=Priscilla Ward |title=Interview: Davido on Taking African Music Global |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/davido-interview-nigeria-african-music-global/ |website=OkayAfrica |access-date=January 2, 2020 |date=June 11, 2019 |archive-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102095443/https://www.okayafrica.com/davido-interview-nigeria-african-music-global/ |url-status=live }} In his acceptance speech, he urged patrons and American artists to visit Africa and eat the food.{{cite news |first=Damilola |last=Odutayo |title='Come to Africa,' Nigerian star Davido urges as he lands BET award in LA |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/25/africa/nigerian-singer-davido-wins-bet-award/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=April 18, 2019 |date=June 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418223644/https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/25/africa/nigerian-singer-davido-wins-bet-award/index.html |archive-date=April 18, 2019 |url-status=live }}

In August and September 2018, Davido performed at House of Blues in Boston as part of his "The Locked Up Tour", which commenced in August and ended in September.{{cite web |author1=Ehis Ohunyon |title=Popstar to embark on tour of the United States tagged, 'The Locked Up Tour' |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-popstar-to-embark-on-tour-of-the-united-states-tagged-the-locked-up-tour/b68ksnq |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=December 15, 2019 |date=August 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215182803/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-popstar-to-embark-on-tour-of-the-united-states-tagged-the-locked-up-tour/b68ksnq |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }} In September, following this tour, he performed alongside Meek Mill, Post Malone and Fat Joe at the Made in America Festival.{{cite web |author1=Ehis Ohunyon |title=Singer performs with Meek Mill, Post Malone at Made In America concert [Photos] |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-singer-performs-with-meek-mill-post-malone-at-made-in-america-concert-photos/6d5nld1 |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=December 15, 2019 |date=September 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215182800/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-singer-performs-with-meek-mill-post-malone-at-made-in-america-concert-photos/6d5nld1 |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }}

File:Davido performing at the Lagos city Marathon gala 2020.jpeg

In January 2019, Davido sold out The O2 Arena in London, becoming the first solo African artist to do so after Wizkid in 2018.{{cite web |last1=Linora |first1=jj |title=Davido Talks About Being The 1st African Artiste To Sell Out O2 Arena & What It Cost Him |url=https://notjustok.com/article/interviews/davido-talks-about-being-the-1st-african-artiste-to-sell-out-o2-what-it-cost-him/ |website=Notjustok.com |date=March 2019 |access-date=August 23, 2021 |archive-date=August 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823065845/https://notjustok.com/article/interviews/davido-talks-about-being-the-1st-african-artiste-to-sell-out-o2-what-it-cost-him/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first=Kathleen |last=Johnston |title=Davido: 'Ten years ago it wasn't cool to be African, but now it's all changed' |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/davido-interview-2019 |newspaper=GQ Magazine |access-date=December 16, 2019 |date=December 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216011724/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/davido-interview-2019 |archive-date=December 16, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |author1=Kam Tambini |title=Watch Davido Shut Down London's O2 Arena |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/davido-london-02-arena-video-concert-show/ |website=OkayAfrica |access-date=December 15, 2019 |date=January 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924074443/https://www.okayafrica.com/davido-london-02-arena-video-concert-show/ |archive-date=September 24, 2019 |url-status=live }} He was introduced on stage by Idris Elba and performed several of his hit singles with the backing band The Compozers. Writing for The Guardian Caroline Sullivan gave the concert four stars out of five, calling Davido an "alpha" and saying; "many of his mannerisms are influenced by the American rappers with whom he has worked, including Young Thug and Swae Lee".{{cite web |author1=Caroline Sullivan |title=Davido review – Afrobeats' alpha male takes Nigeria to the world |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jan/28/davido-review-o2-arena-london |website=The Guardian |access-date=December 15, 2019 |date=January 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215190629/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jan/28/davido-review-o2-arena-london |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }}

The Chris Brown-assisted track "Blow My Mind" was released on July 26, 2019.{{cite web |title=Blow My Mind – Single by Davido |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/blow-my-mind-single/1473507415 |website=Apple Music |access-date=November 24, 2019 |date=July 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172746/https://music.apple.com/us/album/blow-my-mind-single/1473507415 |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }} It was produced by Shizzi and was initially intended to be released as the album's lead single.{{cite web |title=Davido And Chris Brown Release New Single "Blow My Mind" |work=RCA Records |url=https://www.rcarecords.com/news/davido-and-chris-brown-release-new-single-blow-my-mind/ |publisher=RCA Records |access-date=November 24, 2019 |date=July 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172805/https://www.rcarecords.com/news/davido-and-chris-brown-release-new-single-blow-my-mind/ |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live |last1=Zimmerman |first1=Amanda }} The song's music video amassed one million views in 11 hours, exceeding Wizkid's "Fever" and "Come Closer" to become the Nigerian music video to achieve this feat most quickly.{{cite web |author=Adewojumi Aderemi |title=Davido's Video For 'Blow My Mind' Breaks Two YouTube Records In A Day |url=https://www.konbini.com/ng/music/davido-set-yet-another-record-with-blow-my-mind |publisher=Konbini Channels |access-date=November 24, 2019 |date=August 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172746/https://www.konbini.com/ng/music/davido-set-yet-another-record-with-blow-my-mind |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |url-status=live }} It also became the Nigerian music video to gain the most views within the first 24 hours of its release. "Risky" was released on October 23, 2019.{{cite web |author=Evan Minsker |title=Davido and Popcaan Share New Song "Risky": Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/davido-and-popcaan-share-new-song-risky-listen/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=November 24, 2019 |date=October 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025230510/https://pitchfork.com/news/davido-and-popcaan-share-new-song-risky-listen/ |archive-date=October 25, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |author=Michael Saponara |title=Davido & Popcaan Get Framed in 'Top Boy'-Inspired 'Risky' Video |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8540155/davido-popcaan-risky-video-watch |magazine=Billboard |access-date=November 24, 2019 |date=October 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129195953/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8540155/davido-popcaan-risky-video-watch |archive-date=November 29, 2019 |url-status=live }} It features guest vocals from Jamaican singer Popcaan, who asked Davido to appear on his 2018 single "Dun Rich". The music video for "Risky" was directed by Meji Alabi and pays homage to the crime-drama television series Top Boy. In the video, a female member of Davido's and Popcaan's crew informs upon them to police.

Davido's second studio album A Good Time was released on November 22, 2019;{{cite web |author1=Evan Minsker |title=Davido and Popcaan Share New Song "Risky": Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/davido-and-popcaan-share-new-song-risky-listen/ |publisher=Pitchfork |access-date=October 25, 2019 |date=October 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025230510/https://pitchfork.com/news/davido-and-popcaan-share-new-song-risky-listen/ |archive-date=October 25, 2019 |url-status=live }} it includes the previously released singles "If", "Fall", "Assurance", "Blow My Mind" and "Risky". Davido recorded A Good Time in Atlanta;{{cite web |author=Jesse Bernard |title=Davido's Enjoying The Best Of Both Worlds |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/10/davido-interview |work=Complex |access-date=November 3, 2019 |date=October 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025230508/https://www.complex.com/music/2019/10/davido-interview |archive-date=October 25, 2019 |url-status=live }} he told Vibe magazine he wanted to record in a new environment.{{cite web |author=Stacy-Ann Ellis |title=20 Minutes With Davido: The Afrobeats Giant Talks Confidence, Timing And Strong Foundations |url=https://www.vibe.com/2019/10/davido-interview |work=Vibe |date=October 15, 2019 |access-date=December 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128020032/https://www.vibe.com/2019/10/davido-interview |archive-date=November 28, 2019 |url-status=live }} Davido described the album as a body of work for everybody and said it would predominantly consist of Afrobeats but would incorporate elements of other genres. Davido announced the album's title during an event held in Lagos in September 2019 and said it would be released the following month.{{cite web |author=Motolani Alake |title=Davido's new album, 'A Good Time' set for October release |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davidos-new-album-a-good-time-set-for-october-release/krxhhxf |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=November 3, 2019 |date=September 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915054018/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davidos-new-album-a-good-time-set-for-october-release/krxhhxf |archive-date=September 15, 2019 |url-status=live }} He also unveiled excerpts of four songs from the album during the event. In July 2020, A Good Time surpassed 1 billion streams across various digital platforms.{{cite web |author1=Jayne Augoye |title=Davido's 'A Good Time' album hits 1 billion streams |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/405832-davidos-a-good-time-album-hits-1-billion-streams.html?tztc=1 |website=Premium Times |access-date=February 5, 2023 |date=July 29, 2020 |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205171135/https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/405832-davidos-a-good-time-album-hits-1-billion-streams.html?tztc=1 |url-status=live }}

In May 2020, Davido was featured alongside Mr Eazi and Tiwa Savage in Billboard magazine's cover story titled "Africa Now".{{cite magazine |author1=Gail Mitchell |title='This Isn't a Fad': Three of Africa's Biggest Stars on Making the Industry Come to Them |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/tiwa-savage-davido-mr-eazi-billboard-cover-story-interview-2020-9387009/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=February 18, 2023 |date=May 21, 2020 |archive-date=February 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218154813/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/tiwa-savage-davido-mr-eazi-billboard-cover-story-interview-2020-9387009/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Davido, Tiwa Savage and Mr Eazi Cover Billboard Magazine |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/billboard-africa-now-davido-tiwa-savage-mr-eazi-cover/ |website=OkayAfrica |access-date=February 18, 2023 |date=May 21, 2020 |archive-date=February 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218154814/https://www.okayafrica.com/billboard-africa-now-davido-tiwa-savage-mr-eazi-cover/ |url-status=live }} The interview was conducted over a video conference call; the artists addressed several topics, including life under quarantine and afrobeats as a category.

On Twitter, Davido announced plans to release his third studio album A Better Time. He said he had recorded 11 tracks for the album and announced the record would feature "Tiwa Savage" and that he and everyone who worked on the album assembled the tracks in 14 days.{{cite web|url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/2020/05/09/davidos-getting-set-for-a-better-time-with-nicki-minaj/|title=Davido's Getting Set for a Better Time with Nicki Minaj|work=This Day|last=Ekechukwu|first=Ferdinand|date=May 9, 2020|access-date=September 6, 2020|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414212418/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/05/09/davidos-getting-set-for-a-better-time-with-nicki-minaj/amp/|url-status=live}} In July 2020, Davido appeared on Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform a medley of his songs "D&G" and "Fall" from the album A Good Time.{{cite web |author1=Allison Hussey |author2=Jazz Monroe |title=Watch Davido Perform "D&G/Fall" Medley on Fallon |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-davido-perform-d-and-g-fall-medley-on-fallon/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=February 5, 2023 |date=July 15, 2020 |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205171134/https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-davido-perform-d-and-g-fall-medley-on-fallon/ |url-status=live }} On August 28, 2020, the Grammy Museum announced Davido as a special guest in its Mentorship Monday series. He participated in the museum's Instagram Live event, which was held three days later.{{cite web |title=Davido Set For GRAMMY Museum Mentorship Monday Instagram Live Event |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/davido-set-grammy-museum-mentorship-monday-instagram-live-event |website=Grammy.com |access-date=February 5, 2023 |date=August 28, 2020 |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205171134/https://www.grammy.com/news/davido-set-grammy-museum-mentorship-monday-instagram-live-event |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-chats-with-the-grammys-on-instagram-live/65jgydx.amp|title=Twitter goes wild as Davido chats with The Grammys on Instagram Live after 3-month social media hiatus|work=Pulse Nigeria|date=September 1, 2020|access-date=September 6, 2020|archive-date=September 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908010556/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-chats-with-the-grammys-on-instagram-live/65jgydx.amp|url-status=live}} On September 10, 2020, he released the Dammy Twitch-produced single "FEM", along with its music video.{{Cite web |last=Youngtoff|title=Nigerian singer, Davido drops the official music video for his new singer "FEM" » Olori Media Hub|url=https://olorinews.com/davido-fem-official-video/|access-date=November 3, 2020|website=Olori Media Hub|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926062939/https://olorinews.com/davido-fem-official-video/|url-status=live}}

A Better Time was released on November 13, 2020.{{cite news|url=https://thenationonlineng.net/davido-completes-work-on-third-album/amp/|title=Davido completes work on third album|work=The Nation|date=September 2, 2020|access-date=September 6, 2020|archive-date=September 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903004155/https://thenationonlineng.net/davido-completes-work-on-third-album/amp/|url-status=live}} It includes guest appearances from Lil Baby, Nicki Minaj, Nas, Chris Brown, and Young Thug, among others.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-davidos-new-album-a-better-time-featuring-nicki-minaj-nas-young-thug-and-more/|title=Listen to Davido's New Album A Better Time, Featuring Nicki Minaj, Nas, Young Thug, and More|work=Pitchfork|date=November 13, 2020|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113011458/https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-davidos-new-album-a-better-time-featuring-nicki-minaj-nas-young-thug-and-more/|url-status=live}} Davido recorded the album after canceling his 2019 North American tour as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |author1=Michael Bamidele |title=Stream: Davido Releases New Album Album "A Better Time" |url=https://guardian.ng/life/stream-davido-releases-new-album-a-better-time/ |website=Guardian Life |access-date=February 5, 2023 |date=November 13, 2020 |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205171134/https://guardian.ng/life/stream-davido-releases-new-album-a-better-time/ |url-status=live }} On November 17, 2021, Davido asked his colleagues and fans to send him one million naira, and said those who did not send him money should no longer associate with him.{{Cite web|last=Adeyinka Odutuyo|date=November 19, 2021|title=I've Been Lifting Others Up, Davido Says As He Challenges His Friends to Send Him N1m Each|url=https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1443895-davido-challnegs-friend-send-n1-million-bank-account|access-date=November 21, 2021|website=Legit|language=en|archive-date=November 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120231741/https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1443895-davido-challnegs-friend-send-n1-million-bank-account/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Okonofua |first=Odion |date=November 17, 2021 |title=Davido raises over N50M in less than an hour on Twitter after tweeting his account details |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/davido-raises-over-n50m-in-less-than-an-hour-on-twitter-after-tweeting-his-account/d3xekmy |access-date=May 13, 2022 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en |archive-date=May 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513180343/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/davido-raises-over-n50m-in-less-than-an-hour-on-twitter-after-tweeting-his-account/d3xekmy |url-status=live }} He raised 200 million naira and added 50 million naira of his money, all of which he donated to orphanage homes in Nigeria.{{Cite news |title=Davido tok wetin e go use N200,000,000 e get from birthday fundraiser take do |work=BBC News Pidgin |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-59355182 |access-date=May 13, 2022 |archive-date=May 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513180347/https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-59355182 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |author=Jeevan Ravindran |title=Nigerian musician Davido says he will give $600,000 to charity after online appeal |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/20/africa/davido-nigeria-money-million-crowdfunding-online-scli-intl/index.html |access-date=May 13, 2022 |website=CNN |date=November 20, 2021 |archive-date=May 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513180343/https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/20/africa/davido-nigeria-money-million-crowdfunding-online-scli-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}

In March 2022, Davido was featured on the single "Hayya Hayya (Better Together)" alongside American singer Trinidad Cardona and Qatari singer Aisha. The song first appeared on the compilation album FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Official Soundtrack (2022).{{cite web |title=Hayya Hayya (Better Together) {{!}} Trinidad Cardona, Davido & Aisha |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/hayya-hayya-better-together-is-the-first-of-a-selection-of-singles-to-be#:~:text=Hayya%20Hayya%20(Better%20Together)%20%7C%20Trinidad%20Cardona%2C%20Davido%20%26%20Aisha&text=Hayya%20Hayya%20(Better%20Together)%20is,Qatar%202022%E2%84%A2%20Official%20Soundtrack. |website=Fifa.com |access-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205171134/https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/hayya-hayya-better-together-is-the-first-of-a-selection-of-singles-to-be#:~:text=Hayya%20Hayya%20(Better%20Together)%20%7C%20Trinidad%20Cardona%2C%20Davido%20%26%20Aisha&text=Hayya%20Hayya%20(Better%20Together)%20is,Qatar%202022%E2%84%A2%20Official%20Soundtrack. |url-status=live }} In May 2022, Davido released the Pheelz-produced track "Stand Strong", which was his first solo release of the year and includes vocals by the Sunday Service Choir.{{cite web |author1=Chibuzo Emmanuel |title=Davido releases his debut single, "Stand Strong" |url=https://thenativemag.com/davido-debut-single-stand-strong/ |access-date=February 5, 2023 |date=May 13, 2020 |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205171133/https://thenativemag.com/davido-debut-single-stand-strong/ |url-status=live }} In September 2022, Davido announced his first annual Are We African Yet (A.W.A.Y) music festival, which was held at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 18, 2022, and also included performances by Kizz Daniel, Pheelz, Lojay and BNXN.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/davido-inaugural-are-we-african-yeta-w-a-y-festival-1235141394/ | title=Davido Announces Inaugural Are We African Yet?(A.W.A.Y) Festival | magazine=Billboard | access-date=October 1, 2022 | archive-date=October 1, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001133914/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/davido-inaugural-are-we-african-yeta-w-a-y-festival-1235141394/ | url-status=live }}

In June 2022, Davido told Rolling Stone magazine his fourth studio album Timeless was nearly complete.{{cite magazine |author1=Mankaprr Conteh |title=Davido Details Upcoming Album Timeless |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/davido-timeless-album-details-1234700983/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=March 21, 2023 |date=March 21, 2023}} On March 21, 2023, he announced on Instagram the album would be released on March 31.{{cite web |author1=Henry Mamo |title=Davido Announces Fourth Studio Album Timeless |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/davido-new-album-timeless-announcement-1235290679/ |publisher=Billboard |access-date=March 21, 2023 |date=March 21, 2023 |archive-date=March 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322083631/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/davido-new-album-timeless-announcement-1235290679/ |url-status=live }} A theatrical trailer composed of tour footage accompanied the announcement.{{cite web |author1=Alex Gonzalez |title=Davido Announced His New Album 'Timeless' With A Message Thanking Fans For Always Supporting Him |url=https://uproxx.com/music/davido-timeless-release-date-trailer/ |publisher=Uproxx |access-date=March 21, 2023 |date=March 21, 2023 |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321184614/https://uproxx.com/music/davido-timeless-release-date-trailer/ |url-status=live }} Timeless was Davido's first album in three years.{{cite web |author1=Alex Gonzalez |title=Davido Delivered An Energetic Performance Of 'Timeless' Standouts 'Feel' And 'Unavailable' On 'Colbert' |url=https://uproxx.com/music/davido-feel-unavailable-colbert-late-show/ |publisher=Uproxx |access-date=April 5, 2023 |date=April 4, 2023}} He told CNN the album's title, which record producer Don Jazzy suggested to him, is a manifestation of his goal for the album to be remembered for decades as a classic.{{cite web |author1=Aisha Salaudeen |author2=Larry Madowo |title='I'm ready to get back': Afrobeats superstar Davido drops new album 'Timeless' |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/31/africa/davido-timeless-album-release-spc-intl/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=April 5, 2023 |date=March 31, 2023}}{{cite web |title=Don Jazzy suggested I name my album Timeless – Davido |url=https://dailypost.ng/2023/04/01/don-jazzy-suggested-i-name-my-album-timeless-davido/ |publisher=Daily Post |access-date=April 5, 2023 |date=April 1, 2023}} He also told the news channel the album went through three phases before its final version. The 17-track album includes collaborations with Skepta, Angelique Kidjo, Asake, Focalistic, The Cavemen and others.{{cite web |title=Asake, Fave, Skepta, Angelique Kidjo, The Cavemen – Davido's "Timeless" is Star-Studded|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2023/03/davido-timeless-tracklist-album/ |website=Bellanaija |access-date=March 30, 2023 |date=March 29, 2023}} Its production was handled by Magicsticks, Rage, Darmie, Blaisebeatz, 1da Banton, Caltonic SA, Young Alpha and others.{{cite web |author1=Emmanuel Daraloye |author2=Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku |title=Davido completes his trilogy with a triumphant return on 'Timeless' LP|url=https://www.afrocritik.com/davido-completes-his-trilogy-with-a-triumphant-return-on-timeless-lp/ |publisher=Afrocritik |access-date=April 5, 2023 |date=April 1, 2023}} Primarily an amapiano record, Timeless explores musical styles such as dancehall, ragga, konto, highlife and Afropop.{{cite web |author1=Adeayo Adebiyi |title=Davido delivers his most musically accomplished album yet with 'Timeless' [Pulse Album Review] |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/pulse-album-review-davido-makes-his-most-musically-accomplished-album-yet-with/wtc0w36 |publisher=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=April 5, 2023 |date=April 1, 2023}} The album's cover art features an image of Davido's head, two enclosed elephants, and a pathway that leads to a large hourglass. The second single from the album "Unavailable" gained traction and charted across the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Netherlands and Suriname, where it reached the top 5.{{Citation |title=Davido - UNAVAILABLE (Official Video) ft. Musa Keys | date=April 11, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSBan_sH_b8 |access-date=June 29, 2023 |language=en}} On August 18, 2023, Davido released the remix of "Unavailable", which includes a verse by American rapper Latto.{{Cite web |date=August 18, 2023 |title=Nigerians react to the remix of 'Unavailable' by Davido featuring Latto |url=https://notjustok.com/news/reactions-remix-of-unavailable-by-davido-latto/ |access-date=August 20, 2023 |website=NotjustOk |language=en-US}}

Davido received three nominations at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, including Best Global Music Album for Timeless and Best African Music Performance for "Unavailable".{{cite web |last1=Enos |first1=Morgan |title=Meet The First-Time Nominee: Davido On The Rise Of African Music & Making 'Timeless' Songs |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/davido-timeless-interview-2024-grammys-meet-first-time-nominee |publisher=Grammy |access-date=17 February 2024 |date=January 31, 2024}} 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.{{Cite magazine |last=Zellner |first=Xander |date=2024-01-29 |title=Hot 100 First-Timers: Afrobeats Artists Davido & Lojay Debut With Features on Chris Brown's 'Sensational' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/davido-lojay-hot-100-debut-chris-brown-sensational-1235591900/ |access-date=2024-03-15 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} In January 2024, Davido received three nominations at the 55th NAACP Image Awards.{{Cite web |last=Orimemi |first=Victor |date=January 26, 2024 |title=FULL LIST: Burna Boy, Davido, 'Mami Wata' nominated for 2024 NAACP Awards |url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/full-list-burna-boy-davido-mami-wata-nominated-for-2024-naacp-awards/#:~:text=Davido%20followed%20closely%20with%20four,and%20'Outstanding%20Male%20Artiste'. |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=The Cable Lifestyle}} In April 2024, Davido established his record company, Nine+ Records, in collaboration with UnitedMasters.{{cite web |author1=Thania Garcia |title=Music Industry Moves: Davido Launches Record Label in Partnership With UnitedMasters |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/musicares-volunteer-the-day-that-music-cares-1235972600/ |publisher=Variety |access-date=15 February 2025 |date=April 19, 2024}} In December 2024, he told Rolling Stone magazine that his fifth studio album, 5ive, would be released in March 2025. He also announced "Funds", which features rapper Odumodublvck and singer Chike, as the album's second single. The song samples Brenda Fassie's 1997 single "Vuli Ndlela".{{cite web |author1=Mankaprr Conteh |title=Davido Announces New Album '5ive' With Single 'Funds': 'Isn't Just About Money' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/davido-announces-album-5ive-2025-funds-odumodublvck-1235193852/ |publisher=Rolling Stone |access-date=19 December 2024 |date=5 December 2024}}

Davido attributes his passion for music to his mother, and grew up listening to rappers Ja Rule and 50 Cent.{{cite web |title=Davido - Up Close and Personal for A Good Time |url=https://www.flaunt.com/blog/davido-up-close-personal#:~:text=%E2%80%9CI%20was%20a%20big%20Ja,a%20sound%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20says. |publisher=Flaunt Magazine |access-date=26 January 2025}} According to Flaunt magazine, his artistry spans the divide between Afrobeats, hip hop and R&B. In an interview with Numéro, Davido said he was a member of a hip-hop ensemble before switching to R&B and then Afrobeats.{{cite web |author1=Delphine Roche. |title=Davido: ambassador of afrobeats |url=https://numero.com/en/culture/davido-ambassador-of-afrobeats-2/ |publisher=Numero |access-date=26 January 2025 |date=4 March 2021}} According to The New York Times writer Jon Pareles, Davido's music has focused on whimsical subjects like romance, ambition, and optimistic thinking.{{cite web |author1=Jon Pareles |title=The Afrobeats Star Davido, an Upbeat Voice in a Turbulent Time |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/11/arts/music/davido-a-better-time.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=26 January 2025 |date=November 11, 2020}} Despite being criticized for having a "hazy and husky voice", Emmanuel Daraloye commended Davido's vocal performance on Timeless.{{cite web |author1=Seun Adeuyi |title=Davido: I've Been Struggling With My Voice |url=https://dailytrust.com/davido-ive-been-struggling-with-my-voice/ |publisher=Daily Trust |access-date=26 January 2025 |date=11 June 2023}}{{cite web |author1=Emmanuel Daraloye |author2=Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku |title=Davido Completes His Trilogy with a Triumphant Return on "Timeless" LP |url=https://www.afrocritik.com/davido-completes-his-trilogy-with-a-triumphant-return-on-timeless-lp/ |publisher=Afrocritik |access-date=26 January 2025 |date=April 1, 2023}} In particular, Daraloye gave him credit for going "toe-to-toe" with Fave on "Kante" and contributing a "laid-back lower register" on the song "For the Road".

On April 6, 2012, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported Davido had signed a ₦30 million endorsement deal with MTN. Under the deal, Davido became the face of MTN Pulse, a marketing campaign aimed at Nigerian youth.{{cite web|title=Davido bags N30m deal as MTN 'Ambassador'|url=https://thenet.ng/davido-bags-n30m-deal-as-mtn-ambassador/|work=Nigerian Entertainment Today|author=Osagie Alonge|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=April 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926095743/http://thenet.ng/2012/04/davido-bags-n30m-deal-as-mtn-ambassador/|archive-date=September 26, 2017|url-status=live}} On October 24, 2013, Pulse Nigeria reported that Guinness Nigeria had signed Davido for an endorsement deal.{{cite web|title=Olamide, Wizkid & Davido Sign Endorsement Deals With Guinness Nigeria|url=http://pulse.ng/music/olamide-wizkid-davido-sign-endorsement-deals-with-guiness-nigeria-id2522182.html|author=Joey Akan|publisher=Pulse|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=October 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417085922/http://pulse.ng/music/olamide-wizkid-davido-sign-endorsement-deals-with-guiness-nigeria-id2522182.html|archive-date=April 17, 2016|url-status=live}} As part of the deal, he performed at the Guinness World of More Concert alongside artists including P-Square, D'banj, Wizkid, Ice Prince, Burna Boy, Olamide, Phyno, Chidinma, Waje and Tiwa Savage.{{cite web|title=Nigeria: P-Square, Davido, Others Ignite Guinness World of More Concert|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201311010364.html|work=Vanguard|publisher=AllAfrica.com|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=November 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701182132/http://allafrica.com/stories/201311010364.html|archive-date=July 1, 2015|url-status=live}}

In May 2018, Davido signed an endorsement deal with Infinix Mobile, a Hong Kong-based smartphone manufacturer.{{Cite web|url=https://guardian.ng/life/davido-bags-endorsement-deal-with-infinix/|title=Davido Bags Endorsement Deal With Infinix |website=guardian.ng|date=May 9, 2018|language=en-US|access-date=December 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815111007/http://guardian.ng/life/davido-bags-endorsement-deal-with-infinix/|archive-date=August 15, 2018|url-status=live}} In May 2021, he became an official brand ambassador for the sports-betting brand 1xBet.{{Cite web|last=Reporter|first=Raphael|date=May 7, 2021|title=Bobo Ajudua's BFA & Co. Legal Closes New 1xBet, Davido Deal|url=https://www.sunnewsonline.com/bobo-ajuduas-bfa-co-legal-closes-new-1xbet-davido-deal/|website=The Sun (Nigeria)|language=en|access-date=October 6, 2022|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007110052/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/bobo-ajuduas-bfa-co-legal-closes-new-1xbet-davido-deal/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=May 18, 2021|title=1xBet announced Davido as the newest brand ambassador in Africa|url=https://editor.guardian.ng/features/1xbet-announcs-davido-as-the-newest-brand-ambassador-in-africa/|access-date=September 17, 2021|website=The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News|language=en-US|archive-date=February 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222040218/https://editor.guardian.ng/sport/1xbet-announcs-davido-as-the-newest-brand-ambassador-in-africa/|url-status=live}} In October 2021, the cognac brand Martell announced him as its new ambassador.{{cite web|date=June 13, 2021|title=Martell cognac launches 'be the standout swift' campaign with Davido|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/10/martell-cognac-launches-be-the-standout-swift-campaign-with-davido/|website=Vanguar Nigeria|language=en|access-date=July 18, 2022|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208023219/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/10/martell-cognac-launches-be-the-standout-swift-campaign-with-davido/|url-status=live}} In December 2021, Davido signed a long-term agreement with footwear manufacturer Puma and became a global brand ambassador for the company.

Davido has six children; three girls and three boys (one of whom is now deceased).{{Cite web|last=Sare|first=Watimagbo|date=2023|title=Davido, Chioma Leave Hospital With Twins|url=https://punchng.com/davido-chioma-leave-hospital-with-twins/?amp|access-date=November 11, 2023|website=punch.ng}}{{cite web |author1=Odion Okonofua |date=August 7, 2022 |title=Davido spotted with 4th child for first time in public. |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/davido-spotted-with-4th-child-for-first-time-in-public/y4rd2z3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312153850/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/davido-spotted-with-4th-child-for-first-time-in-public/y4rd2z3 |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |access-date=March 12, 2023 |publisher=Pulse Nigeria}}

On October 31, 2022, Peoples Gazette newspaper reported the death of Davido's oldest son and third child David Ifeanyi Adeleke Jr., who drowned in a swimming pool at his father's Banana Island residence; he was three years old at the time of his death.{{Cite web |author=Deborah Ejemeka |date=October 31, 2022 |title=Davido's son Ifeanyi drowns in Lagos swimming pool |url=https://gazettengr.com/just-in-davidos-son-ifeanyi-drowns-in-lagos-swimming-pool/ |access-date=November 1, 2022 |website=Peoples Gazette |language=en |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031221951/https://gazettengr.com/just-in-davidos-son-ifeanyi-drowns-in-lagos-swimming-pool/ |url-status=live }} Police questioned members of Davido's household staff.{{cite web |first=Nicole |last=Vassell |title=Ifeanyi Adeleke Death: Davido's three year old son drowns, household staff questioned by the police |access-date=November 2, 2022 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/davido-son-dead-ifeanyi-adeleke-cause-arrests-b2214985.html |website=Independent.co.uk |date=November 2022 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101202522/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/davido-son-dead-ifeanyi-adeleke-cause-arrests-b2214985.html |url-status=live }} Eight domestic workers were invited to the police station for questioning after one had reported the drowning accident to the police station. Following the police investigation, six workers were released and two remained in detention.{{cite web |title=Davido son death: Police say they invite eight domestic workers over Davido son death |access-date=November 2, 2022 |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/c51589j8wl5o |website=BBC.com |date=November 2022 |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102015224/https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/c51589j8wl5o |url-status=live }}

In March 2023, Davido confirmed being married to his long-time partner, Chioma Rowland.{{cite web |title=Davido Confirms He & Chioma are Officially Married! |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2023/03/davido-is-married/ |publisher=Bellanaija |access-date=March 31, 2023 |date=March 30, 2023}} On June 25, 2024, he held a wedding ceremony at Harbour Point in Victoria Island, Lagos.{{Cite web |last=Wangethi |first=Isaac |date=2023-12-12 |title=Who is Davido's wife? Get to know more about Chioma Rowland |url=https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/biographies/1567822-who-davidos-wife-chioma-rowland/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Legit.ng - Nigeria news. |language=en}} The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Olusegun Obasanjo and Babajide Sanwo-Olu.{{Cite web |last=Adeyemi |first=Segun |date=2024-06-25 |title=Obasanjo and other Nigerian politicians spotted at Davido's wedding |url=https://www.pulse.ng/news/nigerian-politicians-spotted-a-davidos-wedding/80k9d6h |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en}} Davido was styled by Deangelictouchstylist, Lucky Enemuo, and Ugo Monye.{{cite web | url=https://newtelegraphng.com/de-angelic-touch-stylist-styles-davidos-glamorous-wedding/|title=IDe Angelic Touch Stylist Styles Davido's Glamorous Wedding| date=23 July 2024|website=The Sun|publisher=Editorial| access-date=10 July 2024}}

{{main|Davido discography}}

;Studio albums

• Omo Baba Olowo (2012)
• A Good Time (2019)
• A Better Time (2020)
• Timeless (2023)
• 5ive (2025)

• A Good Time North America Tour (2019–2020)
• WRBLO Tour (2022)
• Timeless North America Tour (2023)

• List of awards and nominations received by Davido
• List of Yoruba people
• List of Nigerian musicians

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website|https://www.iamdavido.com/}}
• {{allMusic}}

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{{succession box|title=Next Rated Award|before=Wizkid (2011)|after=Sean Tizzle (2013)|years=2012}}

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{{Navboxes

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{{The Headies Award for Next Rated}}

{{BET Award for Best International Act}}

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{{MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act}}

{{MTV Europe Music Award for Best Worldwide Act}}

{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Duo or Group}}

{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Music Video}}

{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Song}}

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{{Portal bar|Africa|Biography|Music|Nigeria}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1992 births

Category:Living people

Category:Adeleke family

Category:Afrobeats musicians

Category:American people of Yoruba descent

Category:Babcock University alumni

Category:Musicians from Atlanta

Category:Nigerian male pop singers

Category:Nigerian male singer-songwriters

Category:Nigerian record producers

Category:Nigerian singer-songwriters

Category:Oakwood University alumni

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Category:The Headies winners

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Category:Yoruba musicians

Category:21st-century American male musicians

Category:21st-century Nigerian male singers

Category:American musicians of Nigerian descent

Category:The Headies Award for Next Rated

Category:Musicians from Lagos

Category:Nigerian emigrants to the United Kingdom