Nigerian music heavyweight David Adeleke, famously known as Davido, is stepping into a new spotlight—not on stage, but on screen. The multi-award-winning Afrobeat star has announced his intention to delve into the film industry with a string of creative and financial investments planned for 2025.

In a candid conversation with content creator Darryl, Davido shared that filmmaking has always been a personal passion. “If I wasn’t singing, I probably would have been in film,” he said, noting that his background in business marketing laid the foundation for a broader career in entertainment.

“I studied business marketing, so I would have still been in the entertainment space if I wasn’t singing—but probably more behind the scenes,” he added.

From Studio Booth to Film Set

Davido revealed that he is already working on several film-related projects in collaboration with his longtime music video director, Dammy Twitch. Known for his high-energy visuals and cinematic approach to music videos, Twitch will play a key role in shaping Davido’s film ventures.

“I’m investing in a couple of films this year. Shout-out to my director, Dammy Twitch. We have some ideas, series coming,” Davido shared. “The film space in Africa right now is going bankrupt. So, we’re definitely going to tap into that.”

While the details of the upcoming projects remain under wraps, the singer’s entry into the film industry is already generating buzz. With a loyal fan base and proven storytelling flair through music, Davido’s pivot into film could bring a fresh wave of creativity and commercial momentum to Nollywood.

“I Can Act for Real”

Beyond production, Davido isn’t ruling out stepping in front of the camera either. He confidently declared his acting chops, citing appearances in his own music videos such as “Jowo” and “Nwa Baby” as evidence of his screen presence.

“I can also act. I can act for real,” he said. “I acted in my music videos like ‘Jowo’, ‘Nwa Baby’—check them out.”

Given his expressive performance style and natural charisma, the move into acting may feel like a natural progression for the artist, who has spent over a decade commanding stages and screens.

Riding High on Musical Success

The film announcement follows the release of Davido’s fifth studio album, 5ive—a 17-track project that dropped to fanfare last Friday. The album boasts collaborations with an impressive lineup of global and Nigerian stars including Chris Brown, Omah Lay, Victony, Victoria Monét, Becky G, and Shensea.

In the build-up to the album’s release, singles like “Be There Still,” “Funds” (featuring Odumodublvck and Chike), and “Awuke” (featuring YG Marley) set the tone, blending Afrobeat with cross-genre influences.

5ive follows the global success of Davido’s 2023 album, Timeless, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s World Albums Chart and further solidified his place as one of Africa’s most influential music exports.

What’s Next for Davido?

With his eyes now firmly set on conquering film, Davido’s ambition shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it's music, movies, or entrepreneurial moves, the ‘Awuke’ singer is building an entertainment empire—one hit and one frame at a time. As he ventures into Nollywood with the same bold energy that propelled him to musical stardom, the industry—and audiences—will be watching closely.