Nigerian music star Davido recently shared more about the start of his career and the important role his father played in it. The story came up when industry figure Tosin Ashafa posted about Davido’s first official music contract. Ashafa explained, “I signed @davido to his 1st official contract under Black Diamond Promotions with Cecil Hammond and another silent partner. We hired @GodwinTom to manage him. Dr. Adeleke realized David was really serious about his music, reached out to us, and bought us out.”
I signed @davido to his 1st Offical contract under black diamond promotions with Cecil Hammond/another silent partner, we hired @GodwinTom to manage him .Dr Adeleke realized David was really serious with pushing his music without him , reached out to us and bought us out . https://t.co/gjUohVW4kR
— B.T.A (@TosinAshafa) December 27, 2019
Responding to the post, Davido expressed his respect and gratitude, saying, “Lmao I remember this day. So much respect to you guys for allowing me to walk!! Just know you were part of something that turned out to be phenomenal!!” He added, “My daddy wanted me to have 100 percent of whatever I’m doing,” showing how his father’s support gave him control over his career.
Lmao I remember this day 😂 https://t.co/I8H1nuxoAe
— Davido 🇧🇪 (@davido) January 14, 2025
No I signed the contract in 2011 … was a good contract not bad ! But daddy wanted me to have 100 percent of whatever I was doing ! Especially after I played him first cut of Dami duro video in his office ! He knew it was game time!!! https://t.co/9HgSZ3D0Cv
— Davido 🇧🇪 (@davido) January 14, 2025
Davido’s journey started with his debut single “Back When” in 2011, followed by the hit “Dami Duro,” which made him famous. His first album, Omo Baba Olowo (OBO), mixed Afrobeats with other music styles, setting him apart from others. Over the years, he has released many hit songs like “If,” “Fall,” and “Fem,” worked with global stars like Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj, and won awards from BET, MTV, and more.
In 2016, Davido launched his record label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), to support new artists. This label has helped artists like Mayorkun and Peruzzi grow their careers.
At first, Davido’s father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, hoped his son would choose a different path. But when he saw how serious Davido was about music, he stepped in to support him, even buying out his first contract so Davido could fully control his work. This decision was key to Davido’s success.
Today, Davido is one of Africa’s biggest music stars, selling out large venues like London’s O2 Arena and inspiring other young artists across the continent. His story shows how passion, hard work, and the right support can lead to great success.
