Nigerian Afrobeats Star Davido Raises $600,000 Via Social Media For Orphanages Across Nigeria

Afrobeats artist Davido took to his Twitter platform on Nov. 17 to make a bold financial request of his social media followers that would cement a new tradition for the “Fall” singer to celebrate his birthday.

“If u know I’ve given you a hit song .. send me money,” he said via Twitter.

The newly turned 29-year-old followed the tweet by sharing his Wema bank account information and jokingly telling his supporters he would need 100 million Nigerian naira (USD 243,000) to clear his Rolls-Royce from a port.

Within minutes, the Nigerian-American artist had racked in over USD 15,000 and he made sure to keep fans and his peers updated with screenshots of incoming transactions. The amount would soon climb to 200 million Nigerian naira (over $487,000 USD) shattering Davido’s expectations.

Then, Davido shared with his audience of 22 million users on his Instagram that he plans to donate the funds to orphanages across Nigeria and to the Paroche foundation, which informs youth of the complications of substance abuse and addiction.

To ensure the funds are properly distributed, Davido established a Distribution Committee composed of five individuals: Mrs. Titi Adebayo (chairman of the committee), Professor Jonathan Nwosu (secretary to the committee), Processor Yahana Joel Asabe of the Northern Nigeria Seventh Day Adventist Union Conference, Pastor (Dr) Oyalabu of Spring Time Development Foundation, and Professor Uloma Onuoha. By the agreement, the five-person committee will be responsible for creating a list of orphanages and accessing their needs to ensure funds are divided accordingly.

According to the post, Davido will also place a donation of 50 million Nigerian naira (USD 120,000) bringing the total contribution to 250,000,000 Nigerian Naira (over USD 600,000).

“My goal is to do this fundraising every year to celebrate my birthday and give back to people in need. I hope that my friends, fans, colleagues in the industry, and the public will continue to support me as I drive this cause,” Davido shared in a statement posted on his Instagram.