Davido Reveals How His Friendship With Zlatan Started

Davido just traced one of Afrobeats’ most talked-about friendships back to its origin. The megastar opened up about how he and Zlatan Ibile became close. AfrobeatsGlobal breaks down the full story behind their bond.

Speaking on Kiss Xtra FM, Davido explained that their connection started with a simple dance video. He was in Angola for a show when Street Hop was becoming huge back in Nigeria. “I just love their style because it was fresh and natural,” he said of the movement led by Zlatan and others.

How the Davido-Zlatan Ibile Friendship Began

Davido and his DJ E Cool recorded a video dancing to Zlatan‘s breakout hit, “My Body,” featuring Olamide. He posted the clip on Instagram, and it quickly went viral. “I think it was my first one million views on Instagram,” he recalled. That single moment sparked what would become a lasting friendship.

Once back in Nigeria, Davido linked up with Zlatan, and the two began making music together. “We just became friends. One day, I just woke up, and I was like, “Damn, we are close,” he said. He described Zlatan as his real brother, someone he can spend hours on the phone with outside of music entirely.

Years Of Collaboration Between The Two Stars

Over the years, the pair has delivered several hit records together. Their collaborations include “Sweet in the Middle” in 2019 and “Money” in 2021. More recently, Davido appeared on “Hip-Hop Messiah,” from Zlatan‘s 2025 album, Symbol of Hope. Additionally, both artists delivered guest verses on South African group TxC’s hit single “Nakupenda.”

Davido revealed that he recorded his verse at Zlatan‘s studio during that same session. According to him, Zlatan dropped a freestyle so good it had to be included in the final song. This kind of easy creative chemistry has defined their partnership for years. Fans continue to point to their bond as one of the industry’s most genuine friendships.

In the same interview, Davido teased his upcoming album, described as a return to his musical roots. The project, titled ORIADE, features thirteen tracks and is scheduled for a July 31 release. Therefore, fans can expect this friendship story to resurface again once the album drops. Their history together adds even more anticipation to what comes next.

What’s your favorite Davido and Zlatan collab? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Share this post with every Afrobeats fan you know. Follow AfrobeatsGlobal for daily updates on the music you love. Check out our previous blog post on Apple Music Names EKENE Its Africa Rising Cover Star.

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