Davido is a reigning king in the Nigerian music scene.
Since breaking out in 2011 with “Dami Duro” and the subsequent release of his debut album Omo Baba Olowo, the singer, born David Adedeji Adeleke, has been a well-oiled hit machine.
Davido’s racked up an impressive amount of massive singles and collaborated with just about everyone in the game—from Ice Prince to Meek Mill, 2Face Idibia, Sarkodie, Mafikizolo, Olamide, and many more.
He’s also got his own label as he and his brother are co-owners of HKN Music, home to Dremo, Deekay, Sina Rambo and other acts.
Early in 2016, Davido announced his signing to Sony Music—a deal that many saw as a move towards a bigger international push for his yet-to-be-released sophomore album The Baddest, a record he first announced back in 2014.
On top of a number of singles that have already dropped, the long-awaited The Baddest is rumored to have additional colalborations with P-Square, Trey Songz, Don Jazzy, Timaya, Naeto C, Runtown and more.
While we wait on The Baddest, we thought we’d sort through the hits and compile Davido’s best tracks to date.
Check out our list of the Top 10 Davido Songs below, in no particular order.
“Skelewu”
Released in 2013, “Skelewu” lit up airwaves from Nigeria to the UK and beyond. It was promoted along with an instructional dance video and competition that asked fans to upload videos of themselves dancing to the single, which further spread the track like wildfire. Even Major Lazer got in on the massive tune.
“Dami Duro”
The one that really started it all. Davido dropped “Dami Duro” in 2011 as a follow-up to his first notable single “Back When” with Naeto C. The track was co-produced by Davido and Shizzi.
“Aye”
The T-Spice-produced “Aye” is a romantic track that builds on a shuffling beat and light guitars. Its Clarence Peters-directed video “tells a tale of love between different classes [in which] Davido plays a poor farmer who falls in love with the prince’s love interest.”
“Gobe”
“Gobe” was released in 2014 as the lead single of his (still upcoming) album The Baddest. The music video for this Shizzi-produced jam was shot in South Africa.
“The Sound” feat. Uhuru & DJ Buckz
Davido connected with South African collective Uhuru and DJ Buckz for 2015’s “The Sound.” The Sesan-directed music video for the single follow Davido to Dubai, where he skydives and drives Lambos in the desert.
“The Money” feat. Olamide
2015’s “The Money” saw the singer link up with another Nigerian star, Olamide, for a more material dance floor anthem. That beat bangs though.
“Tchelete (Goodlife)” feat. Mafikizolo
In another West-meets-South collaboration, Davido and South African house duo Mafikizolo got together for 2014’s “Tchelete,” a pure celebration of the good life.
“Naughty” feat. DJ Arafat
Davido teamed up with Ivorian star DJ Arafat for the addictive “Naughty,” a fusion of afro-pop beats and Arafat’s signature coupé décalé sound.
“Fans Mi” feat. Meek Mill
Davido’s most high-profile collaboration in the American market saw him joined by Meek Mill for “Fans Mi.” The singer described the track’s Sesan-directed visual as “the biggest video of his career.” They follow Davido and the Maybach Music rapper engaging in what very much look like illegal activities, but turn out to be prep work for pounded yam.
“Dodo”
The Kiddominant-produced “Dodo” was released in 2015 as another single from the long-awaited The Baddest. “If you’re fortunate for your crush to fall in love with you. Your best crush in life is called Dodo,” its description reads.