Afrobeats loves a billionaire flex! Here are 12 songs that name-drop Adedeji Adeleke, the business mogul and father of Davido.
When it comes to name-dropping in Afrobeats, few things make a statement quite like referencing a billionaire. We’ve already explored how Aliko Dangote’s name has become lyrical gold in Afrobeats, but today, let’s talk about another moneyed mogul who keeps popping up in songs—Adedeji Adeleke.
The Nigerian business magnate and father of global superstar Davido isn’t just famous for his wealth; his surname has become a symbol of affluence, ambition, and success in Nigerian pop culture. In a genre obsessed with status and riches, it’s no surprise that the Adeleke name carries serious weight in lyrics.
Now, before we dive in, a quick disclaimer: not every Adeleke mention is about Adedeji. Sometimes, Davido is simply flexing his last name. But hey, whether they’re talking about the father or the son, one thing is clear—being an Adeleke means you’ve made it.
Here are 12 Afrobeats lyrics that name-drop Adedeji Adeleke.
1. Case – Teni
“Cause my papa no be Dangote, or Adeleke.”
Not every Afrobeats artist name-drops Adedeji Adeleke to flex about wealth—just ask Teni. In her 2018 hit Case, she flips the script, using Adeleke’s name not as a symbol of riches she has, but of riches she doesn’t. She assures her love interest that even though she isn’t rolling in billionaire cash—her dad isn’t Dangote or Adeleke—they’ll still be just fine. It’s a refreshing take in a genre where money usually talks the loudest.
2. Dangote – Burna Boy
“Adeleke dey find money o!”
Burna Boy’s Dangote isn’t just a song—it’s a masterclass in motivation. In the track off his African Giant album, he drops some real talk: if billionaires like Dangote and Adedeji Adeleke are still out here chasing the bag, what excuse does an everyday hustler have? It’s a humbling reality check wrapped in a banger.
3. Confirm – Patoranking ft. Davido
“Adeleke money confirm, too confirmed!”
In his collaboration with Davido, Patoranking lays down silky vocals over bouncy drums, declaring his ambition to “make this money.” But it’s Davido who takes it a step further, proudly name-dropping Adeleke—his father—both as a symbol of undeniable wealth and a testament to just how deep the family fortune runs. It’s the ultimate flex, blending aspiration with affirmation.
4. Rara – Tekno
“Loke loke oh baba Adeleke oh… International something.”
Tekno’s Rara isn’t just another Afrobeats jam—it’s one of his rare forays into activism. In this socially conscious anthem, he takes on Nigeria’s societal struggles, but he still finds room for a little flex. With a clever twist, he name-drops “Baba Adeleke,” not as a reference to Davido’s father per se, but as a shorthand for the kind of luxury and status he aspires to. Because in Afrobeats, wealth isn’t just a goal—it’s a whole identity.
5. Odun – Cheque
“Make I get money pass Adeleke.”
In Odun, Cheque isn’t just caught up in romance—he’s dreaming big, really big. While he’s mesmerized by a woman, his lyrics make it clear that love and luxury go hand in hand. But unlike other artists who name-drop Adeleke as a symbol of wealth they aspire to, Cheque takes it a step further—he wants to surpass him. Now that’s some serious ambition!
6. Bambiala – Danagog ft. Mayorkun & Davido
“She say she want Mr Adeleke, Daddy Imade, she be bambiala.”
Featuring Mayorkun and Davido, the banner boys of DMW as of 2017, Danagog sings about women and his neediness for a particular one, which turns him into a bambiala (a term used to describe a beggar). He name-drops Adeleke, but it’s not Davido’s father this time; it’s Davido himself. Still, an Adeleke is an Adeleke.
7. Set Awon – Headgurl ft. Davido, Don Coleone
“Set awon Adeleke.”
Set Awon, released in 2021, is all about elite circles and the crème de la crème of wealth. Headgurl doesn’t just name-drop casually—she lines up a power list, from billionaire businesswoman Folorunso Alakija to the ever-glamorous Kylie Jenner and, of course, the mighty Adeleke.
8. Lowo Lowo – May D ft. Davido
“Adeleke lo owo lowo baddest.”
May D and Davido bring the best of both worlds in this track—blending traditional Yoruba melodies with modern Afrobeats vibes for the ultimate high-life anthem. But beyond the infectious rhythm, Davido takes a moment to flex some serious generational wealth, proudly declaring, “My papa don dey spend money since 1964.” It’s not just a brag—it’s a statement of legacy!
9. Apala Interlude – Seyi Vibez
“001 Adeleke (disco o)“
Seyi Vibez taps deep into his roots on this track, going full Apala mode with a heavy Fuji influence, creating a rich Yoruba-culture-infused sound. And what’s a proper money-inspired anthem without name-dropping some of Nigeria’s biggest moguls? From Tony Elumelu to Obi Cubana—and, of course, Adeleke—Seyi Vibez makes it clear that he’s aligning himself with the heavyweights.
10. Go Outside – Nonso Amadi ft. Mr Eazi
“I dey hustle, no dey fit dance like Adeleke.”
Mr. Eazi keeps it raw and relatable, as always. In this line, “I dey hustle, no dey fit dance like Adeleke,” he drops what might just be one of the realest lyrics ever. The message? The grind is real, and the pursuit of wealth doesn’t always leave room for carefree moves on the dance floor. It’s a clever nod to both the hustle culture and the privilege that comes with having generational wealth.
11. Get Better – Zlatan & FOLA
“Dangote still striking deals… Adeleke just buy new private jet.”
In this smooth and mellow tune, Zlatan and Fola keep the focus on one thing—wealth. Though Zlatan has toned down his usual high-energy delivery in recent years, his music still carries the same punch. And what better way to emphasize riches than by name-dropping Adeleke?
12. Nek Unek – MC Galaxy ft. Davido
“E money nek unek, a e e e e e e, Chief Deji Adeleke, Dangote nek unek.”
Released in 2013, Nek Unek was one of the biggest hits that year. MC Galaxy teams up with Davido on this track, highlighting Calabar roots. Davido, unsurprisingly, delivers the most appealing verse, though MC Galaxy’s singing in Ibibio is equally captivating.
