Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has claimed that he had a close relationship with British-Nigerian producer Maleek Berry before the music producer became widely associated with fellow Afrobeats star Wizkid.
Davido made the revelation during an appearance on the +44 Podcast, where he spoke about his early days in London and his journey into the music industry.
The singer, in a video that surfaced online on Friday, said Maleek Berry was among the first people he connected with when he moved to London as a young aspiring artiste.
“The first place I came to when I ran away from home is London. I was with Maleek Berry. Ask him, I’m the first person to know Maleek Berry,” Davido said.
The comment has sparked fresh conversations among Afrobeats fans, coming amid the long-running rivalry between Davido and Wizkid, two of Africa’s biggest music exports.
Maleek Berry’s role in Afrobeats and Wizkid connection
Maleek Berry, whose real name is Maleek Shoyebi, rose to prominence as one of the producers behind some of the biggest Afrobeats sounds of the 2010s.
He gained widespread recognition after working with Wizkid and contributing to several projects that helped shape the modern Afrobeats movement.
The producer was part of the creative circle around Wizkid during the period when the singer was expanding his influence internationally, particularly after the success of collaborations that introduced Afrobeats to a global audience.
However, Davido’s latest comments highlight that his relationship with Maleek Berry dates back to the early stages of their careers before either artiste reached international superstardom.
The revelation has added another layer to the ongoing debate among fans of both Davido and Wizkid, whose rivalry has dominated Afrobeats discussions for over a decade.
Both artistes have played significant roles in taking Nigerian music to the global stage, with Davido known for global hits such as Fall and If, while Wizkid achieved international recognition through songs including Ojuelegba and his Grammy-winning collaboration with Tems on Essence.
Despite their individual achievements, comparisons between the two singers have continued to fuel debates online, with their fan bases — the 30BG and Wizkid FC communities — frequently clashing over their contributions to African music.
Davido’s statement, however, appeared focused more on his personal history with Maleek Berry rather than a direct attack on Wizkid, as he reflected on his early struggles and relationships before becoming one of Afrobeats’ biggest names.
