Davido Like the President of Nigeria: Manager Asa Asika Opens Up on Singer’s Massive Influence
Talent manager Asa Asika has made a striking comparison about the scale of his client’s influence, saying Afrobeats star Davido is “like the president of Nigeria.” Asika made the remarks during an interview in which he opened up about managing the singer’s career, brand deals and public image.
“Kind of Like the President of Nigeria”
Asika said he often reminds Davido of just how much attention and influence he commands. He recalled telling the singer, “You do know you’re kind of like the president of Nigeria.” According to Asika, Davido is probably the most influential person from Nigeria below the age of 40, a claim he says is his own opinion rather than an official ranking.
Surviving Controversy
One theme Asika returned to repeatedly is Davido’s ability to move past controversies that would sink other public figures. He said there have been moments where he thought a situation was over for Davido, only for the public to move on by the next morning as if nothing happened. He described this resilience as central to what sets Davido apart from his peers.
A Walking Billboard for Brands
Asika described Davido as a walking billboard, saying brands regularly approach him because of his visibility and reach. He said he receives emails from companies asking for nothing more than for Davido to hold a bottle for 20 minutes or feature it briefly in a video, illustrating how much value brands place on the singer’s image alone.
The 10-Year Phone Deal
Among the specific deals Asika highlighted was a 10-year partnership with a Chinese phone company, despite Davido reportedly not using the brand’s phone personally. He joked that the company would get upset whenever Davido was seen holding an iPhone, and would deduct money from the deal whenever that happened. Asika said the partnership also saw Davido’s image displayed on major billboards in African cities including Abidjan, Mauritius and Tanzania.
Selective About Partnerships
Despite the constant stream of offers, Asika said he has become selective about which brand deals to pursue, preferring collaborations that feel natural to Davido’s identity. He said nothing about the deals they take on is random, and that every partnership is chosen to align with who Davido is as an artist and public figure.
Music Videos Without Personal Spend
Asika also said Davido has not paid for music videos with his own money in years, a claim intended to underline how thoroughly brand deals and sponsorships now cover the costs behind his output.
Context: A Long-Running Talking Point
This is not the first time Asika has made bold claims about Davido’s standing. About a year earlier, he had already described the singer as the most influential person in Africa. The latest comments build on that narrative, reinforcing the image Asika has cultivated of Davido as a singular cultural and commercial force in Nigeria.
A Notable Moment at the UN
The comments also come shortly after Davido made headlines for his reaction when Ghanaian President John Mahama introduced himself during an address at the United Nations General Assembly, a moment that added to the wider conversation about the singer’s public profile and how he is perceived on the global stage.
What It Means
Whether or not the “president” comparison is taken literally, Asika’s remarks reflect the scale of the commercial machine built around Davido and the deliberate strategy behind his brand deals. As Afrobeats continues to grow globally, managers like Asika are increasingly candid about the business side of celebrity influence, offering a rare look into how deals are made and protected behind the scenes.
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