Davido has credited Don Jazzy and D’banj as the inspirations behind his decision to take up music full-time.

In a recent interview with Streetz Atlanta, the ‘Unavailable’ hitmaker revealed how the two Nigerian music heavyweights showed him that it was possible to make a successful career out of African music.

The 32-year-old Grammy-nominated singer said he first met Don Jazzy and D’banj when he was 14 years old in Atlanta, United States.

Davido said at the time, the duo was working with international artistes like Kanye West and Snoop Dogg.

He also recalled being impressed by their success and the fact that they were making a name for themselves in the global music industry.

“They were African artistes, the label was actually Don Jazzy and D’banj. It was a producer and artiste duo. The producer is still the biggest producer in Africa right now, he has Rema, Ayra Starr and others. But they were like the first people to show me that you can make something off African music,” he said.

“I picked them up from the airport when I was 14 years old in Atlanta. They came from Nigeria, they had a show and a video shoot. These were Nigerian artistes from Africa and at the time, I think it was Kanye West that got a wind of them and they did something with him. I was like you’re in the studio with Kanye West? Off African music?

“And they came another time, this time they were going to LA to shoot a video with Snoop Dogg. I checked up at the strip club and they spent like $20,000 and this was in 2008. After seeing that, I was doing music with my cousins and we were leaning towards R&B, Afro R&B, and pretty boy swag.

“But when I saw that, that weekend alone I was like I am going home. Even artistes who had not crossed over to the international space were doing big things, selling out stadiums. I was like ‘Dad I am going back to Nigeria’ and that is how I did it.”

Kanayo O Kanayo, the actor, and rapper Ruggedman have come out in support of Davido who has faced criticism for his remarks about Nigeria’s economy.

The ‘Assurance’ hitmaker had advised black Americans against relocating to Nigeria, citing bad leadership, a high exchange rate, and skyrocketing oil prices.

Davido’s comments sparked outrage, with some Nigerians, including actors and TV presenters, accusing him of tarnishing the country’s image.

However, in an Instagram post, Kanayo defended Davido’s right to freedom of speech, stating that the singer’s opinion should be respected.

He argued that Davido expressed his views “in good faith” and urged the government to focus on improving the nation.

He said Davido should not apologize for his comments, adding that they reflect the struggles of many Nigerians who cannot voice their concerns.

“Make una leave Davido alone over the comment he made. It is freedom of speech and he made the statement in good faith It is left for those in power to work harder to give us a better Nigeria,” he said.

“Some people say he should apologize, for what? Those who criticize us want the best out of us. Davido speaks for other Nigerians who cannot feed.”

Rugedman also weighed in on the controversy, describing the criticism of Davido’s comment as “barking”. He urged the government to do better to avoid similar remarks in the future.

“Ok Davido has said what he said, moving forward the government should fix Nigeria so nobody will say such again,” he wrote via X.

“All this barking all over the place is not fixing the nation. The hardship is too much.”

Paulo Okoye, the showbiz promoter, has criticised Deji Adeyanju, the lawyer, for linking Burna Boy to Speed Darlington’s recent arrest.

Deji had announced on social media that his client was arrested by police officers in Owerri, Imo state capital, on November 26.

He also alleged that Burna Boy was responsible for the “harassment” of his client.

In his reaction, Paulo slammed Deji for involving Burna Boy in the incident, accusing the lawyer of being “unprofessional and spreading misinformation”.

The showbiz promoter further demanded that Deji handle his clients more responsibly.

“Lawyer Deji or what ever they call you!!!! Can you put respect on Burna Boy’s Name Why are you even mentioning Burna Boy’s name?? Smh You’re nothing more than a social media lawyer! Lawyer my A** Get your facts right before you open your gutter mouth Control your client,” he wrote.

Deji has not responded to Paulo’s remarks.

Darlington was first arrested in October after posting a video making unsubstantiated claims about Burna Boy.

In the video, Darlington alleged that Burna Boy’s success in the international music scene, including his Grammy win for the album ‘Twice As Tall’ (executively produced by Diddy, the US rapper), was due to an alleged sexual relationship between the two.

Darlington was released on bail on October 9 after spending five days in detention.