Davido Talks Atlanta Roots, Afrobeat Dominance, and Studio Sessions with Chris Brown

Global superstar Davido brought nothing but energy and insight during his appearance on The Baller Alert Show with hosts Ferrari Simmons and BT. The Nigerian hitmaker, fresh off a flight from Lagos, gave fans an exclusive look into his life, career, and the impact of African music on the world stage.

Atlanta Roots and African Identity
Although widely known as one of Nigeria’s biggest stars, Davido has deep ties to Atlanta, Georgia. “A lot of people don’t correlate that I’m from Atlanta,” Davido shared. “I was born here—Northside Hospital, man! My mom went to Clark Atlanta University.” Despite his Atlanta roots, Davido explained that his Nigerian heritage takes precedence in his culture. “You’re from where your parents are from,” he said, acknowledging the duality of his identity.

Collaborating with Chris Brown
Davido didn’t shy away from talking about his creative process with R&B icon Chris Brown. Recalling their studio sessions, Davido revealed they often create multiple tracks before deciding which ones to keep. “Chris really pushed for the song Sensational,” he explained, adding that while he initially leaned toward another track, Brown’s instincts proved right when the song became a hit. The pair has over ten unreleased songs, some of which will appear on Davido’s upcoming album.

New Music and Staying Connected to Africa
With an album set to drop early next year, Davido is giving fans plenty to look forward to. His recent single, Feel, has already gained traction, and he plans to release Funds soon, featuring Nigerian rappers Odumodu and CH. Davido is committed to showcasing African talent and bridging the gap between the continent and the global music scene. “Why run away from home when everyone’s running there now?” he asked.

Afrobeat’s Global Dominance
Davido highlighted the unique global appeal of African music, contrasting it with the U.S. market. “When music comes out of Africa, it goes global,” he said. He attributed this to the authenticity and diversity of the sound, which is often created from scratch. Davido’s influence has brought African artists to new heights, and his dedication to giving back was evident in his plans for his birthday bash—a platform to showcase African artists to American audiences.

The Puma Partnership
Another highlight of the interview was Davido’s groundbreaking deal with Puma. Starting as a simple campaign, the partnership evolved into a full-blown collaboration, including a clothing line and sneakers. “No African artist has ever had their own shoe with Puma,” Davido proudly stated, adding that the collection sold out in just eight hours globally.

Balancing Fame and Family
Davido also gave fans a glimpse into his personal life, shouting out his wife, Chioma, and their twins. Married in July after over a decade together, Davido expressed gratitude for her unwavering support. “I love you for life,” he said in a heartfelt moment.

Bringing Africa to the World
The artist concluded the interview by emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself. “I stayed true to my culture, and that became a success for me,” Davido said. He’s passionate about helping African artists gain exposure in the U.S. and beyond, creating opportunities for collaboration and performance.