Afrobeats superstar Davido has revealed the artists who inspired his decision to pursue a career in music, naming some of the biggest figures in Hip Hop and R&B as his earliest influences during a recent appearance at the Grammy Museum.
Davido explained that his childhood playlist was dominated by American urban music. He recalled being drawn to the energy and charisma of several iconic performers:
- The energy of 50 Cent
- The melodies of Nelly
- The charisma of Ludacris
- The smooth vocals of Usher, whose 8701 album, in particular, left a deep impression on him.
According to Davido, these artists collectively inspired his passion for music. He emphasized that his journey was not inspired by one specific album or moment, but by a blend of creative voices that pushed him toward the industry. “I have a couple of inspirations,” he said, noting that different performers contributed to his decision to make music his life’s work.
The Legacy of ‘Aye’
Reflecting on his own catalog, Davido pointed to his 2014 hit Aye as the song he hopes will inspire others the same way his idols inspired him. He described the track as a powerful representation of African culture, praising its rich instrumentation and timeless appeal. Even after nearly a decade, he said Aye remains one of the songs that receives the loudest response at his shows.
Upon release, the music video for Aye quickly dominated YouTube, becoming the most-watched Nigerian video during the first quarter of 2014, and solidifying its place as one of his most influential records.
Davido on the artists that inspired him to pursue music ⤵️
— "When I was younger, I listened to more of Hip Hop, so like 50 Cent, Nelly, Ludacris. Also R&B, Usher" pic.twitter.com/9bo4208HGW
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) December 6, 2025
Source: Africa Publicity
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