Veteran Nollywood actress Toyin Adewale has opened up about how her son, Nigerian singer Mayorkun, first connected with Davido, leading to a record deal that launched his music career.
The Viral Cover That Started It All
Mayorkun gained national attention after recording a cover of Davido's song, "The Money." The cover later opened the door to his signing with Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), where he remained from 2016 to 2021.
Speaking during an interview on Talk To B, Adewale said Davido first contacted Mayorkun through social media after seeing the viral cover. According to her, the family did not immediately believe the message was genuine, as they suspected someone might have been impersonating the singer.
Initial Skepticism and the Phone Call
"After the cover he did went viral, he was with his brother when Davido sent a message, but we thought it was a scammer. Davido later said he would call. I was there when Davido called him, and he was so excited he almost went crazy," she said.
"When he called, Davido told him he liked the cover. He also said he was not in town but would return the following week, and that Mayorkun should send his measurements. When Davido returned, Mayowa and his brother went to meet him, and he gave them a full box of gifts and money. At the time, I was scared because I did not know who Davido was."
The Recording of 'Eleko' and Moving In
"The next day, they went back, and that was when they recorded 'Eleko.' It was easy for Mayorkun because he had always loved writing poems and was in the choir. After the recording, he and his brother moved in with Davido."
Adewale added: "After some time, I went to see where they were staying, and when I got there, Davido was very pleasant and respectful."
Launching a Music Career
Adewale said the meeting marked the start of Mayorkun's relationship with Davido and helped launch his music career. Mayorkun later left DMW in 2021 and released his second album, Back In Office, under Sony Music West Africa.
