DON NAZ: Davido: From MMR to Superstar on Saturday

Davido: From MMR to Superstar

A Platform For Discovering Talents And Building Stars- Davido Says Music Meets Runway Is A Great Platform.

Davido, real name David Adeleke was born in Atlanta GA, USA on November 21st to his parents Mr. and Mrs. Adeleke and did his early education at The British International School, Lagos.

While growing up, Davido traveled between the United States, United Kingdom and Nigeria and this made him experience different cultures though he still remains true to his Nigerian roots.
 
Davido, who is currently studying Business Administrations at the Babcock University in Nigeria actually started music professionally in 2011 even though he had been performing and making music since he was 11 years old. Now 18, he has set up a record label called HKN Music, co owned by himself and his older brother Ade.

In just a year, Davido has developed a huge fan base in Nigeria, the United States and the United Kingdom, the young talent first came onto the Nigerian entertainment scene with his hit single “Back When” featuring Naeto C, that was first performed for a live audience at the inaugural edition of MUSIC MEETS RUNWAY (MMR) in 2011 which was held at the Expo Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.

As you know, MMR now in its second year, aims to promote talents in the Music and Fashion industries by fusing performances by some of the most outstanding artists in the Nigerian Music industry and with a runway showcase featuring some of the most creative designs by up-and-coming designers Nigeria has to offer, from Pret-a-Porter to Couture Fashion.

Davido was one of nine other talents that performed at MMR 2011, giving him an opportunity and a platform to build his music career on, as MMR is a Platform for discovering talents and building stars such as Davido.

Since MMR 2011 Davido has been catapulted to success as his hit single “Back When” went on to receive a massive media attention and airplay online, on radio and on television. With this reception, the singer took us by storm again when he released another single “Dami Duro”, which has been said to be one of Nigerians top hits ever made.

Davido performing at MMR 2011

 

Davido has done collaborations with some of Nigeria’s entertainment heavy weights including Naeto C, Shank, Lynxxx and popular UK artiste, Dotstar. He has also performed along side other internationally recognised artists such as T-Pain, Fabulous, Keith Sweat, Cabo Snoop, D'Banj and more.

The young singer also collaborated with Konvict Music boss, international multi-talented Senegalese singer and producer Akon, on the remix of his popular song “Dami Duro”.

He has also put up amazing performances at shows such as the Koko concert, Rhythm Unplugged, Echo, Access Bank and the Sahara Energy End of year concerts, P Square Invasion Concert and Album launch, “This is Lynxxx” Campus Tour, Vivendi Fashion Show, Clan by Deola Sagoe,     Loud on Sound Concert, Koko Concert London, Elite Model Look and many more.

Davido has had major brand endorsements including the Face of MTN Pulse, one that has taken him on a world-wide tour to various cities including Malaysia.

The last July, 2012, Davido held the most anticipated concert to launch his new tagged  “Omo Baba Olowo (O.B.O)– The Genesis” at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The highly anticipated event brought all of Davido’s and from far and wide and he did not disappoint as he gave a thrilling performance.

The O.B.O album launch drew together some of Nigeria’s celebrities in the entertainment and film industry including D’banj, Ikechukwu, Naeto C, Munachi, Sasha, Mo’Cheddah, DJ Xclusive, May D, Dayo Ephraim, Funke Akindele-Oloyede and many more.

“The richest man in Africa”, Alhaji Aliko Dangote was also in attendance plus other notable dignitaries such as Chief Olusegun Agagu, the Oba of Ede and Dele Momodu and many others.

In the meantime, we hope he continues to make good music and perform on big stages around the country. It is too early to feel the public’s response to his 14 track album. We also hope he manages the (inevitable) controversies which he, like any other artis, has encountered. He will also have his hands full fending off other young singers in his genre like Olamide, Wizkid. There are also talks of him going into movies. Fingers are also crossed on how his partnership with D-banj’s record label plays out and affects his music. In a nutshell, the most interesting part of the HKN’s career has only just begun.

Enjoy our short interview with the star!

You released your first single in April 2011 and performed on MMR in July of the same year when you were new in the Nigeria music scene, how did appearing on MMR 2011 change your life?
It was my first major performance so it was a stepping stone and a great platform. Shout out to the MMR team for the chance.
What do you think of MMR and the whole idea of supporting new talents?
It’s great, without that kind of platform for upcoming designers and musicians, some of us may not be where we are today.                                                                                                            
Can you share a behind-the-scenes story from MMR 2011?
I just remember being backstage nervous, before I hit the stage.
Any plans to perform in the upcoming MMR 2012?
It would be a great feeling, if they want me, they know what to do…
If you could perform with any artist, who would it be?
Drake
Why all the tattoos?
My old roommate at college in the states was a tattooist and it started with one, the rest is history. Each tattoo means something.
You obviously have your own style, do you wear designs from any Nigerian labels? Yes I do, my favourites are the Okunoren twins and Grey.
Are you working on any new projects?Any new tour dates coming up?
Yep, loads of performances, one of the biggest will be the concert with Dbanj in London on the 27th August at Hammersmith Apollo.
Apart from music, what else are you passionate about?
Music is my main passion, I am still young so I am still discovering what the other passions are but I love films, being around those close to me and to travel when I am not working which has been practically impossible in the last year.
We are sure your female fans will like to know if you are in a relationship?
No, I am young, free and single. I am in a relationship with my career right now. I am never in one place for long enough to conduct a proper relationship besides I am only 19, too young to settle down.

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