Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is set to make a significant impact beyond the music industry by tackling the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Nigeria. The multi-award-winning artist, who has risen to international fame with chart-topping hits and electrifying performances, is now venturing into the transportation sector with a new ride-hailing service.
Davido, who burst onto the music scene in 2011, has since become one of Africa’s most prominent musical exports. His influence spans continents, with his songs dominating music charts not just in Nigeria, but also in the United Kingdom and the United States. With four studio albums to his name and performances at some of the world’s most renowned venues, such as New York’s Irving Plaza, Davido has solidified his place as a global music icon. His social media presence is equally impressive, boasting over 30 million followers across platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Afrobeats, the genre that propelled Davido to fame, has its roots in West Africa and has gained massive popularity, particularly among Nigerian and Ghanaian artists. The genre is a fusion of various musical elements, including jazz, reggae, pop, hip-hop, and traditional African rhythms. Davido’s success is closely tied to the rise of Afrobeats on the global stage, a movement he has witnessed firsthand.
“I can remember when it wasn’t cool to be from Africa—people would lie and say they were Jamaican,” Davido shared in an interview with Forbes. “Now we have our own Billboard charts in the US and UK—that shows how serious the Western world is taking our music.”
Now, Davido is channeling his influence into a new venture aimed at addressing the high levels of unemployment among Nigeria’s youth. Teaming up with CIG Motors, the African promoter of Chinese automobile company GAC Motors, Davido plans to launch a ride-hailing service in Nigeria. The initiative is designed to empower young, licensed drivers by providing them with vehicles, thereby creating job opportunities in a country grappling with economic challenges.
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“I own GAC cars. I bought the utility vehicles in the past. I already know there’s a brand that’s durable and strong. We’re planning to do a Davido-Uber kind of thing. Give the cars out to the young people that don’t have jobs. Obviously, they’re licensed drivers. They’re responsible. They can get jobs. They can get paid,” Davido explained to Forbes Africa and CNBC Africa.
The vehicles for the ride-hailing service will be branded with Davido’s signature style and are expected to be ready within a couple of months. This move aligns with Davido’s broader approach to leveraging his brand for social good, while simultaneously expanding his business ventures.
Despite his entrepreneurial ambitions, Davido assures fans that his focus on music remains unwavering. He hinted at upcoming projects, including potential collaborations with international artists. “Shout-out to my brother Chris [Brown], we have a lot of songs together now. Joint album maybe next year sometime. I’m going to drop songs anytime this year. Maybe after that one then,” he teased.
With this new initiative, Davido is not only expanding his empire but also making a tangible contribution to alleviating youth unemployment in Nigeria. His ride-hailing service represents a fusion of his passion for business and commitment to social impact, promising to leave a lasting legacy both in and out of the music world.
