By Emmanuel Nicholas
David Adeleke, universally revered by his illustrious stage name Davido, has charted a course through the tempestuous seas of the music industry with a mercurial fervor and relentless tenacity that defy even the loftiest of aspirations.
Though born into the lap of luxury, his ascent has been neither serendipitous nor complacent; rather, it stands as a resplendent testament to his unwavering dedication and extraordinary work ethic.
Each landmark in his illustrious career has been adorned with unprecedented triumphs, earning him a legion of ardent admirers and, regrettably, a chorus of disparaging voices from those unable to fathom the meteoric brilliance of his rise.
Rooted deeply in the rich cultural tapestry of the Igbo people, though a Yoruba by birth, Davido’s lineage is steeped in industriousness and resilience. His paternal grandmother was an Igbo woman, and his mother, too, hailed from this enterprising tribe, renowned for its tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit.
This heritage, coursing like a vibrant river through his veins, instilled within him an innate drive to carve his path, to build something enduring and authentic beyond the imposing shadows cast by his family’s considerable wealth.
Davido’s career unfolds as a relentless odyssey, devoid of respite. When he is not traversing continents, electrifying audiences with his dynamic performances, he is ensconced within the sanctum of the recording studio, meticulously crafting the next anthem destined to define a generation.
Beyond the realm of sound, he commands the camera’s gaze, breathing life into his musical visions through compelling and evocative visuals.
This tireless commitment paints the portrait of a consummate workaholic
a man resolutely intent on etching an indelible mark upon the soundscape of his era.
His prudent lifestyle, marked by discipline, focus, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence, reflects a profound understanding that true legacy is earned through perseverance and passion, not inherited fortune. In every endeavor, Davido exemplifies the spirit of a self-made artist, determined to shine by his light and to inspire countless others to do the same.
Allow me to continue this empirical exploration of Davido’s career as the Afrobeat King, having last paused upon his single “Omo Baba Olowo.”
On a fateful day, February 25, 2013, the music world was set ablaze as Davido unleashed upon the airwaves the electrifying track “Gobe,” masterfully crafted by the renowned producer Shizzi.
This anthem did not merely enter the charts; it stormed them, securing the illustrious second spot on Premium Times’ coveted list of the Top 10 songs of 2013. Infectious in its rhythm and jubilant in its spirit, each play of “Gobe” declared a celebration that exuded unbridled joy from start to finish.
The visual spectacle accompanying “Gobe” was no less grandiose; Godfather Productions journeyed to the vibrant landscapes of South Africa to capture a music video pulsating with life, culture, and color.
Amidst this whirlwind of creativity, Davido took to Twitter to herald the impending release of his next masterpiece, “One of a Kind,” another track blessed by Shizzi’s deft touch.
The video, brought to life under the visionary eye of Tebza from Godfather Productions, painted a breathtaking tableau of a united Africa, rich in heritage and musical splendor.
Yet, the saga did not end there. On August 13, 2013, the world was introduced to “Skelewu,” a song destined to carve its legendary path, earning the fifth spot on Premium Times’ Top 10 songs of the year.
The excitement crescendoed as, just five days later, Davido ignited a frenzy by releasing an instructional dance video on YouTube, inviting fans worldwide to partake in the “Skelewu” dance competition—a clarion call that united dancers far and wide in joyous celebration.
Behind the scenes, however, drama brewed. The first music video, directed by Sesan and released on October 15, 2013, mysteriously surfaced on YouTube via a parody account.
This unauthorized release was a dagger to Davido’s trust, prompting him to reveal a tale of betrayal and vow to craft a new visual masterpiece with Moe Musa, a distinguished UK-based director.
The controversy deepened as Sesan publicly challenged Davido and his management’s narrative, sparking a heated exchange. Ultimately, Moe Musa’s vision triumphed, culminating in the official “Skelewu” video, filmed in London and unveiled to the world in October 2013.
The dawn of 2014 heralded yet another chapter in Davido’s meteoric rise. On February 1, he released “Aye,” a soulful creation produced by T-Spize that resonated deeply with audiences.
The accompanying music video, directed by the illustrious Clarence Peters and released a mere six days later, wove a poignant tale of love and longing. In it, Davido portrayed a humble farmer whose heart dared to reach for the prince’s fiancée, a narrative rich with emotion and cinematic flair.
Spring blossomed with collaboration as Davido joined forces with South African sensation Mafikizolo to birth “Tchelete (Goodlife),” released on April 30, 2014. Crafted by the legendary producers Oskido and Shizzi and propelled by MTN’s Play and Callertunez platforms, the track was a celebration of cross-continental unity and musical excellence.
Their alliance had been forged months earlier at MTN Nigeria’s Elite Night in December 2013, a meeting of minds destined to echo through the industry. The music video, a visual feast directed by Twenty Twenty Media, featured cameo appearances by Oskido and Uhuru, further cementing the song’s status as a cultural milestone.
Thus, through triumphs and trials, collaborations and controversies, Davido’s journey from 2013 to 2014 was nothing short of legendary—a saga of passion, artistry, and unyielding spirit that continues to captivate the hearts of millions to this very day.