DAVIDO'S CAREER TIMELINE FROM 2011 TO 2025

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Below is Davido's career timeline from 2011 – 2025

Davido's Beginning – (2011)

Davido began his full-time music career in 2011 after he returned to Nigeria from the U.S. to pursue music.

His debut single, "Back When", which featured Naeto C, was released; it was a single which was produced by Davido himself.

Though the song gained good attention, however, it was his song titled “Dami Duro” that was the hit and made him a superstar later that year.

"Dami Duro" became an instant hit and went viral across Nigeria and Africa, making known to the people his energetic sound and the now-iconic persona "OBO".

Davido's Debut Album – (2012)

Davido released his first studio album titled "Omo Baba Olowo (OBO)", which, in the English language translation, means "Child of a Rich Man".

The album had, altogether, major hit songs released, such as Dami Duro, Ekuro, Overseas, All of You, and Feel Alright.

And that brought him to winning several awards, including The Headies “Next Rated”.

And gave rise to his reputation as a new Afrobeats leader alongside Wizkid.

National Domination – (2013)

Davido, with his energetic and vibrant nature, continued releasing chart-topping singles such as Gobe, Skelewu, Aye, and Tchelete (Goodlife) ft. Mafikizolo.

Entertaining the people with good songs, his dance-driven songs became cultural trends (especially Skelewu, which had its own dance challenge).

Davido began touring countries in Africa and started building his continental fanbase.

Davido's Expansion & Recognition – (2014–2015)

Davido at the MTV Africa Music Awards won the Best African Act. 

He collaborated with African star musicians and performed internationally, making him known at the international level.

Davido being focused and loving his art with dedication made him one of Nigeria’s most streamed artists through his consistent hit streak.

Hit songs like "Owo Ni Koko", "Fans Mi" ft. Meek Mill, and "The Money" ft. Olamide were released by him.

He alsosigned endorsement deals with Pepsi, Guinness, and MTN.

Sony Deal & DMW – (2016)

Davido signed his first major global label partnership, a record deal with Sony Music.

He later created Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) under Sony Africa, his own record label.

Under his record label, he signed rising artists like Mayorkun, Dremo, Peruzzi, and Liya.

He released his EP "Son of Mercy", featuring Gbagbe Oshi and Coolest Kid in Africa.

Davido's Musical Global Breakthrough – (2017)

Davido, in 2017, made a higher push in his music career; he released mega-hits “If” and “Fall”, both produced by Tekno.

“Fall”, in the Billboard history, became the longest-charting Nigerian song; it went gold in the U.S. and Canada and was performed across Europe and America, spreading globally the Afrobeats.

Making many impacts across the world with his music, he won multiple awards, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act.

Worldwide Fame – (2018)

Davido, being the consistent vibrant persona, continued his dominance and made hit songs "Assurance" (which was dedicated to Chioma Rowland), Nwa Baby, Wonder Woman, and Flora My Flawa.

He became a trending topic for gifting Chioma a Porsche and releasing the song “Assurance”.

And Davido became the first Nigerian artist to sell out O2 Arena in London.

Davido's Album – (2019)

Davido, in 2019, released his second major studio album, "A Good Time".

This album contained hit tracks like "Blow My Mind" ft. Chris Brown, "Risky" ft. Popcaan, Sweet in the Middle, 1 Milli, and Assurance.

The album, across platforms, was streamed over 1 billion times and performed in over 20 countries on his “A Good Time Tour”.

Davido's Album (2020)

Davido released "A Better Time" featuring global stars "Nicki Minaj", Lil Baby, Nas, Tiwa Savage, and Mayorkun.

In 2020, he made major hit songs such as FEM, Jowo, La La, and So Crazy.

The song “FEM”, during Nigeria’s #EndSARS protests, became an anthem for the people, symbolizing youth empowerment.

Davido's Trials & Hiatus – (2021–2022)

2021–2022was a very sad and sober period for the music star. During this period, Davido lost his close associates and later his 3-year-old son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, in 2022, which made Davido take time off after for a while.

Despite personal challenges andsymbolising worries, Davido remained a respected persona globally.

In 2021, he notably donated ₦250 million to Nigerian orphanages as a means of supporting the humanitarian causes.

Davido's Album "Timeless" – (2023)

After the 2-year period of mourning and break, Davido made a powerful comeback with the album "Timeless", which was released on the 31st of March, 2023. In this album, artists such as Asake, Focalistic, The Cavemen, Morravey, and Logos Olori were featured. The album as well contained the following hit tracks: "Unavailable", "Feel", "Kante", and "No Competition".

"Unavailable" earned him multiple nominations as it became a viral and trending global dance. He has also performed headline concerts in Lagos, London, and New York and at major global festivals.

Davido's Continued Legacy – (2024)

Davido continued making good music, touring and expanding Afrobeats' influence globally, and winning Best Afrobeats Act at the 2024 BET Awards.

In 2024, Davido signed new DMW 2.0 artists like Logos Olori and Morravey, and he collaborated on high-profile projects with Burna Boy, Rema, and Chris Brown.

Davido's 5ive Album and His Global Recognition – (2025)

Davido, in 2025, released his fifth studio album, "5ive". Putting together melodious Afrobeats, amapiano, and pop.

He collaborated with international artists such as Wizkid, Drake, and Angelique Kidjo.

He continued his world tour across Europe, North America, and Africa and got recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Africans Under 40 in 2025 by Forbes Africa. 

His ambassadorial deals for global Afrobeats culture, philanthropy, and youth empowerment remained.