Who Is Shoday? Meet the Rising Star Davido and Fireboy Can’t Stop Talking About

When Davido, arguably one of the greatest artists to come out of Africa, calls a name in the sea of rising talents and tags them as next up, it’s no small deal. When Fireboy echoes the same sentiment, it becomes a full-blown moment. That name? Shoday.

At first, I didn’t pay much attention. I had heard Caution by Shoday in passing. It was a good jam, smooth, vibey, catchy. But like many songs that flood the Afrobeats scene, it came and went in my mind. Or so I thought.

Fast forward to 2024, and something changed. I stumbled on Something, a song that hit different. Then came Queen & More, Casablanca, Zendaya, Kolorado, Blessings, Screaming Beauty, and now, unforgettable new jam, Hey Jago, a track that refuses to leave my head no matter how many times I replay it. Every song felt deliberate. Emotional. Layered. The more I listened, the more I realized: Shoday isn’t just another up-and-coming artist. He’s the real deal. A silent storm gathering momentum, ready to take over.

Shoday, born Shodade Solomon Segun, is an Afrobeats singer-songwriter currently based in Lagos, Nigeria. Originally from Ogun State, he began his journey not in studios, but in front of cameras, as a content creator. But as time passed, he found a deeper voice through music. It was there, in lyrics and melody, that he discovered how to tell his story. His artistic expression took a bold turn, and he hasn’t looked back since.

His first wave of recognition came with the viral success of Caution in 2022, a song that quickly moved from streets to playlists to radio spins. The remix featuring Skiibii only added fuel to the fire. But unlike many viral sensations, Shoday followed up with substance. Throughout 2023, he dropped a string of singles that showcased his versatility and vocal growth, songs like My Baby, You, Melanin, Self Respect, and Maradona painted the picture of an artist who knew who he was and what he wanted his sound to be.

Then came 2024. Shoday entered the year with intent. Girls Hostel opened the year with a mellow, melodic ride into romance and longing. Then came his debut solo project, the Brkfst EP, a carefully curated blend of lyrical honesty and Afro-fusion rhythm. On that project, Billion Boy featuring Bella Shmurda stood out as a certified street anthem—a song that underscored his place among the new generation of Afrobeats giants.

Even last year, Apple Music officially recognized his talent. He was announced as the featured artist in the prestigious ‘Up Next’ programme in Nigeria, a spotlight reserved for emerging artists with the potential to shake the global scene. It’s a nod to his growing influence and a testament to the wave he’s creating.

And if his catalog is anything to go by, that dream is already materializing. With over 1.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, a growing global audience, and co-signs from Afrobeats royalty, Shoday is no longer a name you hear and forget, he’s a sound you feel, a presence you remember.

From the humble streets of Lagos to the international playlists of Apple Music, from content creation to crafting hits, Shoday is walking his path with purpose. And if you haven’t paid attention yet, now is the time.

Because the world isn’t just watching, they’re listening.