Davido at 32: Rivalry with Wizkid, charity, legacy… highlight of music star’s career

David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, one of Nigeria’s brightest music stars, turns 32.

With over a decade of experience in the Nigerian music industry, his career has been defined by chart-topping hits, philanthropy, and a high-profile rivalry with Wizkid.

Here’s what to know about Afrobeats “001,” as his 30BG fans call him:

Davido’s career highlights

Davido is one of Nigeria’s most influential music stars, and has had a career filled with remarkable milestones that have shaped the global Afrobeats movement both locally and international.

Davido burst onto the Nigerian music scene with Dami Duro, a track that became a nationwide anthem. The song’s success helped establish him as a household name and showcased his unique fusion of Afrobeats with hip-hop influences.

17th July, 2012 he released his debut album Omo Baba Olowo which solidified his position as a leading artist. The album featured hits like Ekuro and All of You and it won several awards.

He got international recognition with the release of Fall in 2017, as the song became the first Afrobeats song to be certified gold in the U.S. and Canada, garnering millions of streams worldwide. Similarly, If became a chart-topping hit, expanding his reach into international markets.

In 2019, Davido released A Good Time which became one of the most streamed African albums, featuring hits like Blow My Mind (with Chris Brown). He went on to release a better and 2023, his album Timeless featuring the song Unavailable broke multiple streaming records, surpassing over a billion streams in less than six months, further cementing his status as a global star.

Davido has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, including the O2 Arena in London, which he sold out multiple times. He has headlined major festivals and collaborated with global stars like Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, and Summer Walker.

Over the years, Davido has won numerous awards, including BET Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and multiple Nigerian Headies awards. He is also a multiple Grammy nominee. His contributions to music have been recognised globally, earning him accolades as one of Africa’s greatest musicians.

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Davido’s Charity

Beyond music, Davido is known for his generosity. In 2021, he donated ₦250 million from his birthday fundraiser to 292 orphanages across Nigeria in commemoration of his 29th birthday.

In July 2023, the musician also donated ₦237 million to over 400 orphanages in Nigeria. On Monday, 18th November, 2024, Davido announced a ₦300 million donation via X, saying, “Once again, my birthday this year, we are donating to orphanages and a charity that helps young people stay away from drug abuse and addiction. This year, it’s ₦300m. Details to follow soon.”

His philanthropic work extends to education, healthcare, and social empowerment projects.

Rivalry with Wizkid: A Decade of Drama

Davido and Wizkid’s relationship has been a mix of competition and collaboration since their early rise. The rivalry intensified with public exchanges, social media subtweets, and fan-fueled debates, culminating in a 2024 Twitter spat where Wizkid called Davido “talentless.” Despite moments of reconciliation, their feud reflects their dominance in Nigerian music and continues to divide fans into passionate camps: “30BG” versus “Wizkid FC”.

Musical Legacy

Davido’s work has been instrumental in popularising Afrobeats worldwide. From his collaborations with international artists to his global tours, he has paved the way for African music to gain mainstream recognition.

Davido’s catalog of hits—from “Dami Duro” to “Fall”—has set records and opened doors for Afrobeats globally. In 2023, his album Timeless broke streaming records and cemented his place as a genre pioneer. His ability to blend traditional African sounds with contemporary beats keeps him relevant, while his sold-out global tours prove his immense appeal.

Through his record label, DMW, Davido has mentored a generation of Nigerian artists, including Mayorkun, Peruzzi, and Dremo. His leadership has significantly influenced the growth of the Afrobeats genre.