Davido: Star with a magical aura

By Emmanuel Nicholas

When Davido first emerged into the limelight in 2011, expectations for him were modest at best; he did not possess an exceptionally melodious or harmonious voice. However, music is not merely a contest of how sweet or pleasant one’s voice sounds, but rather a demonstration of the ability to skillfully utilize one’s vocal talents to create compelling and impactful songs—songs that have the potential to become anthems embraced worldwide.

Davido embarked upon the ambitious journey of crafting his debut studio album, titled “Omo Baba Olowo”. This project was an intricate fusion of Afrobeats and hip hop, and it became an instance hit, that ravaged the global stage.

Like a celestial being born under an otherworldly aura, destined to shine with an unstoppable brilliance, Davido emerged onto the music scene as a force beyond ordinary comprehension.

His debut album, a masterpiece that resonated deeply within the industry, did not merely attract attention—it commanded it.

At The Headies 2013, this seminal work was crowned Best R&B/Pop Album, a testament to its artistic excellence and cultural impact.

Moreover, it earned a coveted nomination for Album of the Year at the same prestigious ceremony, while also securing a nod for Best Album of the Year at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards, further solidifying Davido’s rising stature.

From that pivotal moment onward, Davido’s career unfolded like a mystical saga, imbued with an almost magical quality that defied conventional explanation.

Each release was a triumph, a hit that cascaded into the next, propelling him from a national sensation to a global icon. His music transcended borders, transforming into anthems that echoed across continents, uniting diverse audiences in shared rhythm and emotion.

Among these landmark achievements was the single “Dami Duro,” unleashed upon the world on the 30th of October, 2011. Like a bolt of lightning cleaving the night sky, the song electrified listeners, its infectious energy streaming over seven million times on Spotify by June 26, 2025.

This track did not merely entertain; it dominated. It clinched the title of Hottest Single of the Year at the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards, while its vibrant music video garnered accolades of its own, winning Most Gifted Newcomer Video of the Year at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards.

Furthermore, “Dami Duro” earned Davido the honour of Best Video by a New Artiste at the 2012 Nigeria Music Video Awards, cementing his place as a visionary artist whose creative brilliance was impossible to ignore.

Thus, the tale of Davido is one of destiny fulfilled—a luminous star whose journey from enigmatic newcomer to international superstar continues to inspire and captivate, a living testament to the power of talent, perseverance, and the magic woven into the very fabric of his music.

With the velocity of a blazing comet streaking across the midnight sky, Davido unleashed his third single, sending shockwaves through the very core of Nigeria’s music industry. In that electrifying moment, he transformed the skeptics—the doubting Thomases who questioned his resolve—into ardent believers, proving beyond doubt that he was not merely playing a fleeting game but forging an immortal legacy. His artistry was destined to echo through the corridors of time, etching itself indelibly into the collective memory of generations yet unborn.

Then came “Ekuro,” a luminous gem unveiled on the 25th of January, 2012. Its music video, a visual symphony of elegance and flair, was meticulously crafted under the discerning eye of director Antwan Smith amidst the sun-kissed vistas of Miami.

The polished aesthetic of the video mirrored the sophistication of the song itself, elevating Davido’s artistry to unprecedented heights.

This young luminary, a pillar of musical innovation, mesmerized the world with his intoxicating rhythms and heartfelt melodies. He captured the hearts of millions across continents, igniting fervent stampedes at his concerts, where the air was thick with passion and exhilaration. Women, swept away by the pulsating Afrobeat, threw their inhibitions, and their undergarments, into the fervent night, fueling a cultural renaissance that set the world ablaze with the vibrant spirit of Afrobeat.

Davido is no longer just a musician; he is a phenomenon, a force of nature whose impact would resonate through the ages.

In the grand theater of the music world, he emerged like a seasoned general entering the battlefield, armed not with weapons but with an unparalleled mastery of his craft—a veritable maestro commanding a master class in sonic warfare. With relentless fervor, he stormed into the studio, unleashing a barrage of firepower in rapid succession: his fourth and fifth singles, each a devastating strike measuring four and five feet in metaphorical reach, crashing down upon the industry with overwhelming force.

This audacious offensive sent shockwaves through the ranks of established artists, forcing many seasoned veterans to retreat to their creative war rooms, poring over their blueprints and strategies, desperate to recalibrate their approach in the face of this new, formidable adversary.

Those who had once underestimated his musical prowess found themselves forced to swallow their pride and silence their doubts as he launched a global campaign of sonic domination. On May 6, 2012, his fourth single, “Overseas,” detonated across the airwaves like a precision-guided missile, followed swiftly by the fifth, “All of You,” each track a strategic strike that reshaped the battlefield and redefined the rules of engagement in the war for musical supremacy.

Thus, through a series of carefully crafted singles and collaborations, *Omo Baba Olowo* marked the emergence of Davido as a formidable force in the Nigerian music scene, laying the foundation for his future successes.

Nicholas is the author of the book titled “The Crying Ghost and the Battle of Gods.” He also serves as a Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. I will be writing a series on Davido for five consecutive weeks.