Davido At 30: OBO stands strong a decade later with these 7 major achievements [Pulse List]

The singer, who turns 30 years old today (November 21), has earned honors that many people his age can only imagine, and based on current indications, it is clear that the “Elemi 9+” is genuinely a cat and won’t be thrown aside any time soon because his career stands strong.

As the superstar clocks in at 30 years old, we think it’s appropriate to list some of his most noteworthy accomplishments from the beginning of his career:

The first Afrobeats artist to feature on the FIFA World Cup official theme song

Singer Davido is the first Afrobeats musician to ever appear on the FIFA World Cup theme song in 2022. RedOne’s production, ‘Hayya Hayya’ (Better Together), served as the official music for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and featured vocal contributions by Trinidad Cardona, Davido, and Aisha.

The artist revealed a brand-new clothing partnership with the German multinational company PUMA for 2022. Being the brand ambassador for the international company, the Afrobeats star walked the runway during New York Fashion Week and has continued the trend with the new Africanized line.

Getting featured in international movies

Davido’s accomplishments extend beyond music and into film, as his songs have broken down industry barriers. His songs have been featured in international movies like ‘Queen of Katwe’ (2016) and ‘Coming to America II’ (2020), in which he also made a cameo and performed the song ‘Assurance.’

The first African artist to receive an award on the main stage of the BET Awards

Davido won Best International Act at the 2018 BET Awards, becoming the first African artist to receive his award on the main stage. He went viral for his acceptance speech, where he urged patrons and American artists to visit Africa and eat African food.

Made Forbes and TIME’s lists

Davido was included on the Forbes Africa list of under-30s who are making waves in their fields throughout the continent in 2018. He was ranked first on Forbes’ list of African icons in 2021. Throughout his career, he has also been featured in numerous foreign publications, and TIME Magazine added him to its Influential 100 Next List for 2021.

The first African to perform at the MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin)

On November 30, 2017, Davido became the first African act to perform live at the MOBO Awards and went on to win the award for ‘Best African Act.’ Maleek Berry, Tekno, Mr. Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, and Wizkid, among others, were also up for the award.

The first young artist to sell out the 02 Arena

In January 2019, 26-year-old Davido became the youngest African artist to sell out the world’s busiest music arena, the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena. The much-anticipated concert was exactly as he had envisioned it, if not better: Davido not only sold out the O2 Arena, but he also left his imprint on the historic British venue.

BONUS: His other notable achievements include: