Mp3bullet.ng presents Significant events that have shaped Davido’s career.
The release of Davido’s fourth album, Timeless and the acceptance it has gotten has us reflecting on the many Significant events that have shaped Davido’s career.
Unquestionably, Davido has established himself as one of the most important musical figures of his generation. The longevity of his success—more than 10 years—is a testament to both the power of his music and his steadiness.
While his career has suffered some scandals and the loss of loved ones, Davido has managed to weather the storm and held on to the principles that make him who is.
Recently, Davido is a trending topic thanks to his return and the release of his fourth album, “Timeless”. The 17-tracks album has been receiving favourable reviews since it dropped.
To celebrate another landmark moment in OBO’s life Mp3bullet.ng compiled 7 Significant events that have shaped Davido’s career.
Dami Duro
It only makes sense to begin this list with the event that best represents Davido’s entry into the Nigerian music scene: the release of his smash hit, Dami Duro. It was released as the second single from his debut album, Omo Baba Olowo.
At the time, Davido was hardly a household name. But, it was his cheerful singing and vivacious excitement that drew people’s attention and effectively cemented him as a rising star. The song was released in October 2011, and Clarence Peters’ video was released a few months later.
Davido had previously released a number of songs before Dami Duro.
His debut single, Back When, which featured Naeto C, received a good amount of radio play and national recognition. Yet his second song’s popularity was what helped him break into the industry.
Some Nigerian celebrities, including Wizkid, who was another up-and-coming talent at that time, also made appearances in the video. It enhanced the overall impact of the song and the accompanying visuals and undoubtedly gave him the boost he required to launch a successful career.
His Deal with Sony Music
Davido signed a contract with Sony Music Entertainment’s African division in 2016. The label claimed that Davido was the ideal candidate to assist them in establishing their presence in Africa due to his influence, constantly expanding fan base, and his extensive collection of hit songs with high development potential.
This entailed improved distribution, a larger audience, and Davido’s exposure to a foreign music scene that he would follow for the remainder of his career. The agreement required Davido to take a stand for his unique afrobeat style in the face of a rising trend among international musicians to change their sound to appeal to a western audience.
The Establishment of DMW
Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), the proverbial gift that keeps on giving, is one of the most significant markings on his career.
The label was home to artists like Mayorkun, Dremo, and Peruzzi and now it has expanded by including several others.
In addition to creating a group that has had a significant impact on Nigerian music and popular culture, the record company evolved into a hit-making business that has expanded quickly over time.
2017
His status as one of the most recognisable performers in Nigerian history was cemented in 2017—possibly one of the most significant years in terms of music in the country. IF, Fall, Like Dat, and FIA were just a few of his outstanding singles released that year. It was expected that he would receive a MOBO award among other honours given to him that year given the strength of his résumé.
But, it was not all joy and enjoyable music. That same year, he was significantly embroiled in the drama surrounding the death of an acquaintance, Tagbo. The topic was then taken up by disgruntled members of the public, the police, and actress Caroline Danjuma. It hung over Davido like a heavy cloud.
However, he overcame the situation, which led to the release of FIA, a slow-moving but resolute song in which he conveyed his pain. That became another major smash for him, demonstrating his claim to having the Midas touch.
Finally, Davido staged his annual end-of-year event, which featured performances from a number of well-known artists. Although being a spectacle in and of itself, the concert shifted when he introduced Wizkid, the first of two on-stage introductions between the two artists.
Fem and EndSars
When Davido released FEM, the opening and lead single off his A Better Time album, he probably had no idea the environment in which the song would take on a life of its own.
Nigeria’s young collectively voiced their complaints in the latter half of 2020, sparking a national campaign that became known as the #ENDSARS movement.
Davido aggressively campaigned against police violence in addition to his song’s contribution to the movement’s youthful inspiration and essential togetherness. He even joined the marching throng in person to secure the release of some unarmed protestors.
He then got down with senior police officers to talk about the demands of the movement and how to respond to them.
Coming to America
Coming 2 America, a much-awaited follow-up to 1988 original, starred Davido as himself in 2021. This was a particularly noteworthy accomplishment given the new audience it introduced him to and the film’s current relevance.
First off, the cast of the movie was mostly made up of well-known musicians and actors. Second, it highlighted his standing as a leading advocate for African music.
Secondly, seeing Davido perform Assurance made Nigerians proud more than they could expect.
The release of Timeless
When the death of Ifeanyi hit the airwaves, the country was thrown into mourning and this left many anxious about the singer’s mental health.
Davido took a break from music to mourn in private until recent times when he returned to social media and while the singer is still reluctant to open up about the incident, he didn’t return empty-handed.
He sent the whole nation talking after announcing his fourth album, “Timeless” and even hackers leaking the project before its scheduled release didn’t damper anticipation from fans.