Davido reveals the artists who inspired his journey into music

Davido Reveals the Musical Icons Who Inspired His Rise to Stardom

Afrobeats superstar Davido has opened up about the artists who shaped his decision to pursue a career in music, crediting some of Hip Hop and R&B’s biggest names as his earliest creative influences.

Speaking during an appearance at the Grammy Museum, Davido explained that his childhood soundtrack was filled with American urban music. He grew up fascinated by the raw energy of 50 Cent, the melodic swagger of Nelly, the infectious charisma of Ludacris, and the silky vocals of Usher. Among all the records he admired, Usher’s classic 8701 album left one of the deepest impressions on him.

Davido noted that his journey into music was never sparked by a single defining moment. Instead, it was a collective blend of creative voices that slowly pulled him toward the industry.

“I have a couple of inspirations,” he said, acknowledging that different performers played a role in shaping his path.

“Aye” Remains Davido’s Own Inspirational Masterpiece

Reflecting on his own legacy, Davido highlighted his 2014 hit “Aye” as the song he hopes will inspire others the same way his musical idols inspired him. He described the track as a rich celebration of African culture, powered by traditional instrumentation and timeless melodies.

Nearly a decade after its release, “Aye” remains one of the most beloved songs in his catalog, consistently drawing some of the loudest reactions from fans during live performances.

Upon release, the “Aye” music video quickly dominated YouTube, becoming the most-watched Nigerian video in the first quarter of 2014 and further solidifying its status as one of Davido’s most influential records.

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