David Adedeji Adeleke – universally known as Davido, or affectionately OBO (Omo Baba Olowo, “Son of a Rich Man”) – is far more than a chart-topping star: he is one of the architects who turned Afrobeats from a regional sound into a global cultural movement. Born in Atlanta, raised in Lagos, and rooted in both worlds, he has spent 15 years breaking barriers,

lifting others, and setting new standards for African music everywhere.

From Breakthrough to Icon

• If and Fall (2017) became the first Nigerian songs to spend months on US and UK charts, with Fall becoming one of the longest-charting African tracks ever.
• A Good Time (2019) surpassed 1.2 billion streams globally; its follow-up A Better Time (2020) debuted on the Billboard 200 and featured stars like Nicki Minaj, Lil Baby and Nas.
• Timeless (2023) broke records as the first African album to hit #1 on US iTunes, debuting at #10 on the UK Official Albums Chart and earning him his first Grammy win for Best Global Music Performance with Unavailable.

London: Where the World Took Notice

• In 2019, he became one of the earliest Afrobeats stars to sell out London’s O2 Arena – a feat he repeated in 2022, with both shows drawing crowds of 20,000 and delivering electric, career-spanning sets that brought generations of fans together.
• He has lit up other iconic venues across the capital too, from the O2 Academy Brixton to Wembley Arena, turning every show into a celebration of African culture and unity.
• His upcoming 2026 return to the capital at Crystal Palace Bowl on 14 August is already one of the most anticipated events of the summer – a chance to see him perform against the backdrop of one of London’s most scenic open-air stages, alongside special guests Omah Lay and Black Sherif.

Global Stages, Historic Firsts

• Headlined FIFA’s 2022 World Cup anthem Hayya Hayya (Better Together), uniting billions across continents.
• Sold out major arenas across North America, Europe and Africa, and performed at the Global Citizen Festival, The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
• Won three BET Awards, two MTV EMAs, and in 2024, became the first African artist to claim the Grammy for Best African Music Performance.

More Than Music: Leader & Mentor

What’s Next: 2026 and Beyond

• Released the high-energy single I Know Who I Be in June, teaming up with South African artists Jazzwrld and GL_Ceejay.
• His sixth studio album ORIADE drops 31 July 2026 – a tight 13-track project exploring identity, legacy, and pride.
• He returns to London’s Crystal Palace Bowl on 14 August, before heading out on a worldwide tour through to 2027.

Legacy