If you’re a fan of Nigerian music, then you must have heard of Davido, the superstar who’s been making waves since 2011. From “Dami Duro” to “Fall” and beyond, Davido has consistently delivered hit after hit, both in Nigeria and internationally.
In 2016, he made a major move by signing with Sony Music and later Sony’s RCA Records, which helped push his music to a bigger audience. He also founded Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), where he signed talented artists like Dremo and Mayorkun. To add to his impressive discography, he also released the Son of Mercy EP.
In 2017, Davido set a new record with “Fall,” which became the longest-charting Nigerian song on Billboard. The music video for the song has also amassed a whopping 149 million views on YouTube, making it the most-watched Nigerian music video of all time.
So, we’ve taken the liberty of going through Davido’s extensive catalog to bring you a list of his best tracks. Check out our top picks below.
10. “Fall”
This 2017 jam has been making waves on the international stage and breaking records left and right. Can you believe that its music video is the first Nigerian video to hit a whopping 100 million views on YouTube? It’s the most-watched Nigerian music video ever!
But wait, there’s more! “Fall” has now officially become the longest-charting Nigerian song in Billboard history. It’s been on the charts since 2018 and has even reached a peak position of 29 after staying on the charts for 4 consecutive weeks. This achievement just shows how Nigerian pop music is making its mark in the global music industry.
Although it took a while for the American music industry to recognize the greatness of “Fall”, we’re still glad they finally caught up! This song’s success just proves that good music knows no boundaries. So, let’s all give Davido a round of applause for this epic feat!
9. “Skelewu”
If you were jamming to music in Nigeria, the UK, or even beyond, chances are you would have heard “Skelewu”. This catchy tune had everyone moving to the beat when it was released back in 2013.
To make things even more exciting, fans were invited to participate in a dance competition by uploading videos of themselves dancing to the song. The instructional dance video added more fuel to the fire and helped to spread the track even further.
“Skelewu” was so big that even Major Lazer couldn’t resist its charm. If you haven’t already, it’s time to join in on the fun and start dancing to “Skelewu”.
8. “If”
Let’s talk about Davido’s hit single, “If.” The song made a whopping 30 billion for the account o, and it’s no wonder why – “If” is just downright sexy. The beat is stripped down and has a unique sound that really stands out. This minimalistic approach is refreshing, as it allows the listener to focus on the vocals and the overall vibe of the song.
Tekno, a fellow Nigerian star, produced the slow burner, which showcases Davido’s impressive singing voice. It’s a shame that his raspiness doesn’t get talked about more often, but “If” really gives his voice the space it deserves.
In terms of lyrics, the song seamlessly weaves together Igbo, Hausa, pidgin, and English, which is pretty impressive. It’s cool to appreciate the confluence of these different elements and how they come together to make something cohesive. And let’s not forget the humor that’s sprinkled throughout the song.
All in all, “If” is a must-listen for anyone who’s into sexy, minimalistic music with a good beat. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!
7. “Dami Duro”
Let’s talk about Davido’s hit track “Dami Duro”! This song was a game-changer for Davido when he released it in 2011, following his first notable single “Back When” featuring Naeto C.
Co-produced by Davido and Shizzi, “Dami Duro” became an instant hit, and helped solidify Davido’s position in the Nigerian music industry. This track had people dancing and vibing to its unique blend of afrobeats and pop.
It’s crazy to think that “Dami Duro” was released over a decade ago, but it’s still a popular track that gets people moving. If you haven’t heard it yet, you should definitely check it out and see why it’s still a fan favorite!
6. “FIA”
Davido had an amazing 2017 and he kept the momentum going with his hit single “FIA”. This banger, produced by Fresh, dropped in late 2017 and had everyone grooving on club and dance floors during the festive season. “FIA” is definitely one of those tracks that will get you moving no matter what mood you’re in.
5. “Aye”
“Aye” is a sweet and romantic tune with a catchy beat and gentle guitar melodies, produced by the talented T-Spice.
And if that wasn’t enough to make you swoon, the video directed by Clarence Peters tells a charming love story about a poor farmer (played by Davido) who falls head over heels for a high-class lady, who also happens to be the prince’s love interest.
It’s a heartwarming tale of love crossing social boundaries, and the video perfectly captures the essence of the song.
4. “Assurance”
The video was shot in beautiful Barbados and it was Davido’s idea to do so! He wanted to show his love and dedication to his real-life lover, Chioma, through this song.
Meji Alabi, the director of the video, shared his thoughts with OkayAfrica and said that the love between Davido and Chioma is genuine and it was important to capture that on camera. He mentioned that although video models can create great chemistry on screen, there’s something special about capturing real-life love.
Overall, we think it’s a beautiful dedication to Davido’s love and the video has turned out amazing.
3. “The Sound” ft. Uhuru & DJ Buckz
Let’s talk about Davido’s banger “The Sound” featuring South African collective Uhuru and DJ Buckz. Back in 2015, Davido teamed up with these talented artists to create an awesome music video directed by Sesan.
The video takes us on a trip to Dubai, where we follow Davido as he skydives and races Lambos in the desert. It’s a total adrenaline rush! The track itself is a fusion of Afrobeat and South African house music, and it’s sure to get you up and dancing.
Overall, “The Sound” is a perfect example of how music can bring people from different cultures together to create something amazing.
2. “Gobe”
This catchy tune was released back in 2014 as the lead single of his album “The Baddest.” And guess what? The music video was shot in sunny South Africa!
One of the coolest things about “Gobe” is that it was produced by the talented Shizzi. He really outdid himself with the beats and rhythm, making it a must-listen for any music lover.
If you haven’t seen the music video yet, you’re missing out! The visuals perfectly capture the essence of the song, and the South African scenery is simply breathtaking.
1. “Like Dat”
“Like Dat” is another amazing track produced by the talented Shizzi that you won’t be able to get out of your head.
Seriously, this song is so addictive. Davido’s vocals are on point as usual, and the beat is just so catchy. I can’t help but dance every time I hear it. If you haven’t given it a listen yet, you’re missing out.
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