We unravel the layers of Davido’s musical tapestry as we delve into 10 songs you may not have realized were written by other talented artistes.
Throughout his career, Davido has produced numerous hit singles, many of which were originally crafted by other musicians. Yet, his ability to infuse these tunes with his distinct flair and elevate them to chart-topping status highlights his exceptional talent and creativity. Davido’s skill in reimagining these tracks not only shows how successful he is but also proves his versatility. Here are 10 Davido songs that were written by other artistes.
1. Like Dat (Written by Teni)
Davido’s single “Like Dat” from 2017 is often regarded as one of his finest pieces of work. Interestingly, only a few people are aware that the talented Teni penned the song. This fact emerged when Teni herself revealed it in a tweet just before the song was released. In her tweet, Teni credited herself as the songwriter and thanked Davido for the chance to collaborate.
2. Aye (Written by Runtown)
“Aye” stands as one of Davido’s earlier singles, marking a significant point in his career trajectory. It’s worth noting that the original creator of this enduring hit is Runtown, a fact he disclosed in response to a #AskRuntown tweet in 2020. Runtown is also credited as the co-producer.
3. If (Written by Tekno)
“If” stands as one of Davido’s greatest hits to date, a song that has resonated with fans worldwide. Yet, what’s often overlooked is the influential role played by Tekno in crafting this massive hit. Not only did Tekno contribute as a songwriter, but he also served as the producer. This insight emerged from various interviews where Davido openly recognized Tekno’s substantial contribution to the making of “If.”
4. 1 Milli (Written by Adekunle Gold)
On his “A Good Time” album, Davido delivered a heartfelt love offering that serves as a perfect soundtrack to celebrate love and the joy of finding the right person. What makes this track even more intriguing is that it was actually written by Adekunle Gold, an artiste known for his soulful sound. The track’s lyrical depth and emotional resonance earned Adekunle Gold a nomination at the 14th Headies Awards for his exceptional contribution as the songwriter.
5. Fall (Written by KDDO)
“Fall” stands tall as one of the most significant Afrobeats singles, achieving feats previously unheard of in its time. During a live video session featuring Peruzzi and KDDO formerly known as Kiddominant, it was revealed that KDDO not only produced but also wrote this classic hit for Davido. KDDO’s revelation during the live video session provides insight into the collaborative efforts that went into creating this iconic track.
6. Gbagbe Oshi (Written by General Pype)
The single that preceded Davido’s “Son of Mercy” EP is a reggae-infused track with a heavily Jamaican patois influence, a departure from Davido’s usual style. According to reports, Davido discovered the song while General Pype was recording it, and he was so impressed that he decided to acquire it. He paid a generous sum of N1 million for the song, which he then infused with his unique style, resulting in the hit that it is today. This collaboration showcased Davido’s versatility as an artiste, demonstrating his willingness to experiment with different genres and styles to create fresh and appealing music.
7. Pere (Written by Dammy Krane)
In this international collaboration between Rae Sremmurd and Davido, it was Davido who provided the captivating hook for the song. The infectious hook was co-written with Dammy Krane. Interestingly, Davido revealed this through a tweet back in 2017, indicating a flourishing creative partnership at the time. However, their relationship has since soured, with Dammy Krane, the co-writer of the hook, alleging that Davido has yet to compensate him for his valuable contribution to the project.
8. Blow My Mind (Written by WurlD)
In this collaborative single with Chris Brown, Davido’s performance reached new heights, thanks to the unique flow of the song, masterfully composed by WurlD. Interestingly, WurlD initially envisioned Runtown, Mr Eazi, and Wande Coal as potential artistes to lend their voices to the track. However, fate took an intriguing turn when Davido caught wind of it. Not only did he appreciate the composition, but he also decided to take the helm and bring the song to life with his own signature style.
9. Unavailable (Written by Peruzzi)
In a recent freestyle that circulated on the internet, Peruzzi revealed that he had written two songs for Davido, including “Unavailable.” This disclosure highlights the collaborative nature of the music industry, where talented artistes frequently contribute their songwriting skills to craft hit songs for their colleagues.
10. Risky (Written by Peruzzi)
Peruzzi, during the aforementioned freestyle session, also disclosed that he was the creative force behind “Risky,” a track by Davido that initially started as a not-so-promising freestyle but was ultimately transformed into a hit. This disclosure highlights Peruzzi’s songwriting prowess and his pivotal role in the music industry, demonstrating how even an ordinary freestyle can turn into a chart-topping hit in the hands of talented artistes like himself and Davido.
