Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido and billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote have a relationship that extends beyond their professional lives. Davido, born David Adedeji Adeleke, comes from a prominent Nigerian business family, with his father, Adedeji Adeleke, being a billionaire businessman and founder of Pacific Holdings. Dangote has known Davido since childhood and has maintained a close relationship with the Adeleke family.
The bond between Davido and Dangote was on full display in New York on September 22, 2026, when Davido joined Dangote at Times Square for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals' Initial Public Offering. During their interaction, Davido asked Dangote why Nigerians should buy shares in the refinery. Dangote explained that wider ownership would help spread prosperity and wealth across Africa.
Davido has referred to Dangote as his 'godfather' and has shared a video of himself and Dangote seated together on a bus, with the caption, "Get your IPOs if you want to get rich like us." The singer also invested in the Dangote refinery before its shares were opened to the public and had shared an investment form on social media, which he later deleted.
According to Davido, Dangote has given him valuable advice over the years, particularly about money. Dangote has repeatedly advised Davido to save his money, a lesson that has stuck with him as his music career has grown into a global business. Their relationship has spanned different stages of Davido's life, from his childhood connection with Dangote to his emergence as an international music star and entrepreneur.
During their appearance in New York, Davido and Dangote's interaction was showcased on a massive Nasdaq digital billboard in Times Square. Dangote expressed his vision for wider ownership of his businesses, stating that it is essential for spreading prosperity and wealth throughout Africa. He also mentioned plans to list other businesses, including fertilizer, on the stock exchange.
Davido's connection to Dangote predates his interest in the refinery and his emergence as a music star. The singer has recalled how close Dangote was to his family, revealing that Dangote drove his mother home from the hospital after she gave birth to him. This history has given their relationship a personal dimension that extends beyond their respective businesses and public profiles.
The longstanding relationship between Davido and Dangote has brought attention to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals' Initial Public Offering. Their latest public appearance showcased their bond on a global stage, highlighting the intersection of business, music, and personal relationships in Nigeria.
Key points
- Davido and Dangote's relationship extends beyond business and celebrity circles.
- Dangote has advised Davido on the importance of saving money.
- The duo's relationship has spanned different stages of Davido's life.
