Talent manager Asa Asika has opened up about his journey with superstar singer Davido.
In a recent interview, he described the singer as one of the most influential Nigerians under 40, citing his massive social media following and brand influence.
He also likened the singer’s influence to that of a president, which he said he constantly jokes with him about. Asika shared how Davido’s popularity has helped him love past controversies that could have severely affected other public figures.
The talented manager went on to describe Davido as a walking billboard, noting that brands regularly approach him because of his massive influence and visibility.
He disclosed that Davido hasn’t paid a dime for his music videos, as brands have helped fund them. Asa said he has become selective about brand partnerships, preferring natural collaborations.
Asa recalled signing a 10-year deal with a Chinese phone company despite not using its phone.
“Davido is probably the most influential person from Nigeria below the age of 40, in my opinion.
I say to him all the time, “You do know you’re kinda like the President of Nigeria?
There are some things I’ve seen Davido do, and I’d be like, if someone else did this, they would never get back from it. Sometimes I’m like, yeah, it’s over.
I don’t know how we’re going to bounce back from this. And everybody wakes up tomorrow morning, and they’re like, yeah, nothing happened.
I have emails from brands like, “I just want Davido to hold this bottle for 20 minutes or put it in his video.”
He hasn’t paid for music videos with his own money in ages. He had a 10-year deal with a Chinese phone company, but he can’t even unlock their phone. They’d get angry whenever he held an iPhone, so anytime he did, they’d deduct money”.