Davido: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

NPR Music's Tiny Desk series will celebrate Black History Month by featuring four weeks of Tiny Desk (home) concerts and playlists by Black artists spanning different genres and generations each week. The lineup includes both emerging and established artists who will be performing a Tiny Desk concert for the first time. This celebration highlights the beautiful cornucopia of Black music and our special way of presenting it. We hope you enjoy.
Abby O'Neill | February 24, 2021
Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido comes to us from his estate in Lagos with an intimate four-song performance that takes us on a mini-retrospective of his career. He and his band create a sultry vibe with a unique rendition of "Gobe," his smash 2013 single, to open the set.
Davido has long expressed pride in his father's success. He titled his 2012 debut album Omo Baba Olowo, meaning "son of a rich man" in the Yoruba language. In his (home) concert, Davido cites his father as his inspiration in a sweet and tender moment: "A Nigerian American like myself that studied in the States...I went to an HBCU, you know... My dad went to one as well and my dad used to work at Burger King. ... To become what he's become today as a Black man starting off in America has been very, very inspiring to me."
In collaboration with the Alternate Sound band, Davido strips back "Aye," a hit from 2014, with an unfettered rendition showcasing his natural voice devoid of any vocal effects. And the result sounds fantastic.
Like all touring artists, the pandemic forced Davido to spend extended time at his home instead of traveling the world. The last year allowed him to re-center himself in his motherland and inspired his 2020 release, A Better Time. Rounding out this Tiny Desk (home) concert, he concludes with "Jowo," a single from the album that of conjures hope for better times ahead.
SET LIST
"Gobe"
"Aye"
"Risky"
"Jowo"
MUSICIANS
Davido: vocals
Gospel Obi: keyboard
Stanley Unogu: drums
Kenneth Ogueji: bass
Orowo "Roy" Ubiene: keys
Bassey Kenneth: vocals
Sylvia Asuquo: vocals
CREDITS
Video: Legacy Films
Audio: Kelvin Pro Audio
TINY DESK TEAM
Producers: Abby O'Neill
Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Art Director: CJ Riculan
Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Kara Frame, Maia Stern
Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

[@NollyGreatMovies]

Davido on Tiny Desk?! Wow! So glad to see this. We rep Afrobeats, we rep Naija. Beautiful performance all round.

[@hakimcrymes5320]

Burna boy was on here a while ago too

[@NollyGreatMovies]

@@hakimcrymes5320 yep

[@sambeswasiyo8729]

Davido...always hittin them lyrics well well

[@sheshe2329]

@@hakimcrymes5320 who asked ?

[@worldentertainingstreets3376]

They’ll have to pay Wizkid double bag of what burna and david had to even give them 1 song

[@rimun5235]

Whoever is bringing these African artists, please get Sauti Sol.

[@yolandakuc7438]

😭😭 this would be a Lituation!!

[@AbiDibObI]

Trueeeee

[@cosnazkuartxcel583]

True

[@buisiwepokothoane]

Yessss!!

[@morongwawaronamaswabi3935]

Please!

[@lesedi1724]

This guy always seems so passionate when he sings

[@kutloanomothebe6974]

The back up singers sound like me when I'm in the bathroom 💀😂😂 other than that Davido I LOVE YOU!!! ❤️

[@khrissi17]

This comment is such a mess 🤣🤣🤣

[@homodeus8713]

VAYOLENCE and it had to be a southern African anywhere below the Zambian borders.

[@MoAfrika-Afrika]

Please don't be that guy!

[@charlesburleson1050]

Omo na tha frog voice me I love pass...if davido is your goat like this comment

[@swattmorris6836]

Brandon Burleson 😱....

[@leophoenix1452]

😈

[@uyigentle2611]

Burna boy with the Grammy 😆 🔥

[@zizi8562]

Love it 😩

[@ehijieendurance3389]

I hail ooo ❤️

[@Jay_picassa]

Finally afrobeat gets recognition it deserves and during black history month too! 🙌🏾

[@MongoSlade99]

They already had Burna Boy like a year ago and Wizkid was supposed to perform this month but had to cancel because of Covid

[@msmagalie12]

Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage (and I forget who else) have been featured as well.

[@chrisoghenetegamaloney5799]

You be mumu is Davido first on tiny?

[@chrisoghenetegamaloney5799]

@@msmagalie12 wurld

[@MonicaB2]

@@MongoSlade99 still not enough

[@chiamakanweke7311]

OBO voice is just too unique....and he started with the legendary GOBE that made me fall in love with AFROBEAT

[@missb9831]

The backing singers were doing their own separate concert

[@bigsleekayi12345]

😂

[@philippanful1660]

Adey die🥲🥲😹😹😹😹

[@abideentowobola4842]

Aswearrr

[@nmg1909]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 put their Jarases to the lyrics.

[@lesedi1724]

Now that you mention it I can’t unsee it 😂😂😂

[@yongchung5358]

This Guy Is Great , His Voice Is One Of A Kind ; Something Uncommon

[@rayobiezu132]

No Dey deceive yourself 😂🤣🤣

[@AmaechiLarge]

@@rayobiezu132 how is he deceiving himself?

[@dakokevin5188]

@@rayobiezu132 fr Fr 😂😂😂😂😂

[@rayobiezu132]

Henry Large which voice Davido get 😂🤣🤣🤣

[@boltd8801]

😂😂😂😂

[@pameliasirleaf2185]

I'm here for Davido love from Liberia 🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷

[@abundanceemmanuel313]

I'm not crying, his old songs just hit different chords in my heart😭😭. The Davido of then felt more heartwarming ❤️❤️. This video really shows people have been hating on his voice for no apparent reason🤦🏽‍♂️.

[@seundele2399]

Exactlyyyyy!!!

[@sophiatravis1489]

Correct 👌

[@sophiatravis1489]

Coz what else is supposed to be a perfect live performance if not this 💁🏻‍♂️ Not like he went off the beats or key People just want excuses to validate their bitterness I pray they find peace ✌️

[@abundanceemmanuel313]

@@sophiatravis1489 Amen Sis, Amen🤦🏽‍♂️.

[@leahmay1506]

I didn’t even know people hate on his voice, smh

[@adeboboluwatife1650]

This gives a different perspective about davido, man so good 💯💯💯📌 vocal texture 💯💯💯👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 he deserves all he has attained

[@azeezlayomi8334]

OBO voice >>>>>> Abi make I tattoo davido for my Kidney 😂🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

[@khulanicephasmziba6748]

Bro lol

[@olayelebaguelbaguel7947]

Then Go ahead 😂😂😂😂

[@gordonsman]

𝙒𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙖 😮

[@yongchung5358]

His voice is unreplicable

[@omorjay]

Words can't express how happy I feel, this was so beautiful Davido, happy black Month history ❤️🇳🇬

[@nevinthekitchen6999]

It was awesome!❤❤

[@queenv4340]

❤❤

[@santiagochilla5547]

I’m a Liberian, I’m a big fan of Davido. I can’t wait to see OBO. Thanks for this great performance.

[@pitakaune7891]

Would really like to See Sauti sol Perform at the Tiny Desk.

[@zintlemvana7955]

🇿🇦 South Africa here to support

[@tebogomodiba1994]

Hullo Zintle 🤗🤗🤗 fellow 🇿🇦 here

[@bodisereozakeme4935]

I feel like crying 😭😭😹 God this is wonderful Tell me why I no go stan Davido😍❤️♥️

[@RicardoMoralesMassin]

I did not know who Davido was. But now I know. Today is a good day!

[@RicardoMoralesMassin]

@Nayara Sil. Obrigado, gracias. Voy a escuchar más Afrobeat.

[@davidcurtis8429]

Hello 👋

[@TonyRomeNewMoney]

Great to see Davido. I had tickets to see him in Houston but the concert was canceled or postponed due to Covid. I hope he comes back soon.

[@Entergalactic]

Thanks❤️

[@darrionedangerfield8637]

Yesssssss!!!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 TINY DESK DONE DID IT AGAINNNNN!!!

[@anuoluwapoemmanuel3987]

The backup vocalist were planted to set Davido up. They are off key most times. Thumbs up Davido

[@angelonons]

😂😂😂😂 yeah they were having their own concert.

[@truce6390]

Any Musician that does not know his back up singers is fool.

[@ZoeBredan]

You must not know anything about music

[@alukpeomoihoge5304]

The backup singers gave me a beautiful thrill made me miss church

[@janetb6413]

They backup saved him actually . Often times they went off tone but he wasn’t really singing the songs , he’s like leading it and then they sing the rest

[@jacksonfosu201]

Obviously, people hating on OBO's voice are very dormant musically. Such a wonderful voice...

[@chieblack]

😂🤣😂

[@fisayooluwagbemi1578]

Lol

[@ohikhenavictory6286]

When it comes to African music DAvido nor mate 🤩🤩

[@gklef7714]

Afrobeat King 👑

[@hadesBOLT]

Faxx

[@raynecisse678]

You can say that again !

[@dennisdeji6417]

Fact!!!

[@omolay8146]

She said to me ; her favorite artist is Davido ... aye!!!!!!!!!!! ❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥 Best performance so far

[@chukwudaniel2561]

Nobody does it better than the African King DaVido🔥💯✅

[@raynecisse678]

His voice is so unique OMG 🔥😍

[@ikennaosai3211]

You gat people already disliking the video before it even dropped But naah DAVIDO always rises above the hate

[@nevinthekitchen6999]

I love Davido and all of his music!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@princeogebe156]

The king of Afrobeat in Africa,the 🐐🐐🐐🐐

[@OMjosh123]

Man.... Davido’s voice is pure and raw! No offence but he did not need the back up singers at all.

[@bigazTV]

man he cant sing. ya do all this run around talking about his voice is raw this and that. dude cant sing

[@nicemadu4664]

@@bigazTV pls shut up

[@softlife__01]

@@bigazTV but he tried

[@pameliasirleaf2185]

Is voice is one of a kind, as soon as you hear it you know its Davido

[@sundayayomide692]

Wow davida one love brother man

[@ayodejiomoniyi9524]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one! Big ups Davido, the backup singers and Alternate Sounds band!!!

[@nevinthekitchen6999]

Totally!!

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Gobe* (2:29) 3:07 - *Aye* 6:14 - *Risky* 8:42 - *Jowo* [12:00 - Tiny Desk team]

[@scael]

OMO! I dey get goosebumps for Davido oh. The way he blends R&B with Afrobeats... Only Davido can.

[@faroukmohammed4642]

My love for Davido keeps increasing daily mehn!!!

[@KwandaJean]

The backers are not communicating

[@kwekuosei-adu2480]

I keep telling people we have good musicians but not a lot of good vocalists

[@preyeyinkore7238]

You don't say...

[@mrsrockbison]

Yeah they are no 'friends' here. Kinda ruined some songs 🤦🏾‍♀️ Davido still killed it though 🔥🔥🔥

[@nollywoodcatalunya5823]

Yeah I thought as much

[@fortuneadegoke6031]

Exactly, he could use just one either the guy/girl

[@walkntour]

The bassist will make heaven❤️❤️❤️❤️.. see the grove of "Aye" 100% Bless us Davido. Been stuck with you forever

[@litaninja]

Bruh

[@solacelivie5312]

His delivery was lovely as well as the instrumentalists That being said, the vocalists harmonizing in parts were a bit all over the place and off. It was hard to miss as they filled up a bunch of gaps that sounded off pitch and busy. Guess I’m insinuating it would have sounded more intimate if they weren’t singing so much.

[@OfficiallNana]

I agree with this, the vocalists were a bit off

[@josephmboya1385]

You gat sense mhen ,correction with intelligence

[@tundapatience6608]

They honestly just misplaced their voices although they individually have great voices. Just that they overdid whatever it is that they were trying to do. Sometimes its good to pay attention when u singing in order to actually sound good rather than just singing because you can you know? But Davido did exceptionally well🙌🏼🙌🏼and also my favorite african band Alternate sound😍🔥they never disappoint.

[@daniellegrant226]

I was thinking the same

[@victoralonge7750]

Just enjoy the music...... 😊😊😊

[@CanalRafaelOliveira]

Wow! Great! Congrats from Rio de Janeiro

[@luckenzo9295]

Davido voice be giving me goosebumps

[@peteraghaulor9177]

I love my band, Alternate Sound

[@muhumuzasamuel3659]

I Love Davido Omg 😩😍😩 Love From Uganda

[@ibehfutune3122]

What a backup who doesn't listen to themselves, a backup who has gotten to this level without knowing you dont have to sing on part at all times.

[@gerald9992]

His rapsy voice 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@brianweety3478]

Would listen to Davido sing all day.. There's just something about his voice 🔥! And I've just realised it's the Alternative Sounds guys doing the live performance with him. Amazing!!

[@phemelokibane7233]

Nah the backup vocalists weren't syncing

[@noirlily3413]

Despite both having Beautiful voices! X

[@princeamoakwa4057]

Could be the mic controls in the mixer or both of them singing like they want to show off instead of complimenting each other.

[@george-kagwe]

It's a sound mixing issue.

[@bloodycivilian3736]

@princeamoakwa they were definitely tryna impress

[@lolopop12345]

@@george-kagwe how do u know?

[@shaiawo8738]

I can’t unsee him wearing sandals, it’s the sandals for me 😂😂😅... good performance though

[@jadoresophya]

😂

[@donnaokafor]

Habbbb I was thinking the same no be small matter 😅😅🤣🤣

[@katehans2492]

I thought it was just me oo

[@lscott9550]

I didn't see it. Now I can't unsee it. Thanks.😏🤣

[@jamesayodeji797]

I just pray he perform aye , risky , fem and holy ground

[@jamesayodeji797]

And d two performance was just too 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@chrisoghenetegamaloney5799]

@chocolate42069 hater can you sing 🎵

[@marieeats744]

Here for it tiny desk 🇬🇭

[@teejay2580]

Yasssss Afrobeats!!! This popped up while I was watching Tiwa Savage's Tiny desk and, I love it.

[@HitlerLaughed]

I felt it all.... Clear road joor.... I think I need a dose of this performance thrice a day to be healthy

[@user-zs8nz7gt4c]

This gonna be goooood

[@peterayimien6425]

His vocal is of the heaven

[@TheEyesisHazel]

The backup singers??? They did not have it this go round! Davido you were on point in my opinion. No expert here, but I do know what sounds out of tune

[@queenbella8948]

Did you guys heard him saying Davido “that’s me “”❤️😂

[@mimid.8346]

His last album is 🔥

[@emmanuelfelixchinonyerem9500]

A better time ABT

[@ayoola717]

Cap 🧢

[@DeadshotYT2]

@@ayoola717 shut up

[@ayoola717]

@@DeadshotYT2 Get a job

[@femisuccess124]

Check out the new album 😊

[@manlystezzy]

Davido is like small gods in west Africa We worship him daily here

[@sophiaamuzie2409]

You worship him.

[@manlystezzy]

@@sophiaamuzie2409 and you too

[@zee2674]

@@sophiaamuzie2409 🙄 he's talented but he is not a god!!!!!!

[@knuckleshots968]

@@zee2674 you too dey serious

[@NA6075]

You worship him. You alone.

[@avidinphinite]

They have very much diversified their artist selection and I am here for it. Hopefully they feature more Afrobeat artists especially since it’s Black History Month.

[@codishaa]

Something bout these Nigerian artists 😍😍😍. Loving this.

[@damiiaros4352]

Great performance from Davido even though these Backup singers were doing too much.

[@Entergalactic]

I swear the back up singers wey over shadowing it no sync

[@wireconnect9440]

Please say the truth

[@chrisoghenetegamaloney5799]

You talking nonsense, you want to be one of them?

[@wireconnect9440]

@@chrisoghenetegamaloney5799 Oga shut up and say the truth

[@JohnsonKayla12]

I was hoping someone would say this. The female singer especially sounded like she was coming in late with a shaky voice but they both... 🤦🏾‍♀️ I kept wishing I could only hear Davido, specifically on Risky. But he did practice with them & apparently thought it sounded good so 🥴

[@franciscaohaeri336]

Davido is 🔥🔥🔥😎 I am so proud to be a stan Love you kinggg Keep taking African sound higher

[@tomas5376]

Oh the joy of discovering incredible new talent on TinyDesk. Gracias👍✌️😊🙏🏼🎵🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶👏👏👏👏

[@babitang5440]

The fact that Davido remains consistent and hardworking…impressive delivery!

[@everblazing6658]

Very good performance, we wanted more though😭😭😭😭

[@MlleNnCo]

Hope he will give us Aye!

[@Princess-kk]

he diddd

[@itzswitboi7258]

What I really like about this guy is the way he uses his voice men it's mad Too much love to Davido, 30BG

[@kwameansah8426]

Living legend already, DAVIDO is one of Africa’s greatest musician ever.

[@olayemititie3152]

As usual HE ATE!! Left no crumbs 🔥😻

[@MabelOko]

Can't wait 💃, I hope he performs Aye

[@hansontheophilus7949]

He surely will

[@hooklynee5851]

He did!!

[@felixisamah]

Thank You Tiny Desk. DAVIDO Thank you for making Nigeria Proud. 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

[@akpochaemmanuel3080]

The king is learning music everyday and everyday he's becoming better 9ja to Africa Africa to the world the best afro representative

[@tinabaygboe6879]

DAVIDO I love you. Africa to the world 🌎 💕💕🥰🙏🏾

[@montanaprime]

Always here for a davido live performance

[@nicholasonuche4192]

This guy is truly a GOAT!!!

[@chimangomanduwi]

the melodies on risky are something out of this world 😍

[@ibrahimbabanla5927]

Where is my 30bg fans 😍😍😍😍😍

[@jerryuke274]

Amazing performance, clean vocals. Those instrumentalists too 🔥🔥🔥

[@sameerah1405]

everyone talking about the vocalist and I can’t really hear the bad vocals but I think the girl would’ve been better by herself. The guy vocalist is ruining it 😭😭😭

[@hellojello8513]

Exactly what I thought

[@fefemac9272]

Exactly they were great ❤

[@akinwandedamilola4739]

The guy was the one who has the better voice to back David's own

[@allankonga5169]

now we need Sauti sol on the tiny desk 🤲♥️ such a band a vibe

[@okonjilucky8958]

Baddest 🤴, can’t wait

[@amandaferreira2556]

Awnn... Finally here!!!

[@patriciapeoples5667]

Congratulations on all of your hits. Love always Patricia ❤😊

[@lemonchappie4685]

Davido is just the best, no story

[@chizimuzovalentinebryanume7590]

Awwwwn my Daviddd🥺

[@preciousokafor5512]

Always a pleasure to watch Davido do HIS thing 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

[@hopephiri]

LOVE LOVE that he starts with Gobe, Davido's music is Gold ✨

[@joelogbu5880]

Omo this sound dey sweet me. 😍💕♥️♥️💕💯💯🙌🏾

[@hadesBOLT]

Tule!!! O.B.O the 🐐EST.

[@denilsonrunner]

20% happy for Davido 80% happy for Alternate Sound!!

[@tervinsmusic7676]

Wahala😅

[@generalodubeatvlog7034]

Wow Tiny desk brought the biggest artist out of Africa,the indomitable and undisputed king of Afrobeat Davido 🙌🙌

[@sandrannadi967]

na real praise and worship moment.... this vocalists ehhhh....hahahahahaaa... comedians are going to have a swell time with this.... we love Davido las las

[@karojoshua2307]

Davido 🔥🔥🔥

[@good9124]

Best performance so far by Davido❤️

[@chincity]

Aye Live! Can't unhear it! Love it

[@kushalabi5409]

Davido took us to church... Hallelujah somebody

[@yacintaphiri4199]

Niice one Davido🔥🔥 keep representing Africa

[@faith-can-braid9518]

This is what a king sounds like❤❤

[@Truth-Reality.]

My boy davido your talent is raw The haters ain't got nothing on you

[@shayolekan2387]

Anytime I miss Davido concert I do come here to make myself feel at home 🥰