Daso wants to inspire listeners with his feel-good music

Surrounded by young talents, Daso’s decision to fully pursue a music career became clear. The energy and passion of those around him supercharged his creativity, inspiring the release of his first single, ‘Jara’.

Daso was born in America but relocated to Nigeria when he was two. Much of his secondary school experience was spent in a boarding house, where he joined the school choir and got into drama and stage acting. Later, he moved to New York to pursue a business degree while simultaneously attending acting school.

“In New York, I was friends with several DJs, producers, photographers, so there was a strong collaborative and creative energy there that fueled my passion for music,” he recalls.

Since returning to Nigeria, Daso has embraced the spirit of his environment, maintaining his affinity for community. His latest single, ‘Lekki’ is a tribute to the South-Western part of Lagos where he resides. The single, his second, is an Afropop track produced by XtremetheProducer.

Following the release of ‘Lekki’, we caught up with Daso to speak on his journey so far.

Your artist name “Daso” is unique. What was the inspiration behind choosing this name?

It's a mix of my first and last names. My first name is David, and my last name starts with ‘So,’ so I took the first two letters of each name and combined them. I wanted something that felt authentic to me and would stay relevant over time.

Growing up, what were some of the most influential songs or artists that shaped your love for music?

Akon, MI, Wande Coal, Lagbaja, African China, Lauryn Hill, Olamide, Asa, Michael Jackson, Adele, Kanye West, and Drake. I also really enjoyed the Mo Hits era.

How did you first get into music?

Music has always been a huge part of my life. Growing up, there was always music playing at home—different genres and eras nonstop. I also loved watching music videos as a kid and seeing how artists told stories through them. That early passion for music stuck with me. In secondary school, I joined the choir and it helped me develop my voice. When I moved to New York for university, being surrounded by young creatives was a major boost for my creativity.

I ended up working on a song with a producer friend, and it was an amazing experience. It made me realize that music was more than just a hobby— it was something I could seriously do and make a career out of. After graduating, I moved back to Lagos and decided to try making my first song, so I scheduled a studio session with XtremeTheProducer, and that day, we made my first single 'Jara'.

How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as feel-good. My music right now is super energetic, smooth, and fun. I’ve always wanted to spread joy and positivity through my music.

Who are the artists that have had the most influence on your music style and career?

The first person that comes to mind right now is Akon because he was able to make classic pop songs on a global level as an African man. I would love for my songs to have that effect on the world one day.

Wande Coal is another artist who impacted my music style. He’s one of my favorite Afrobeats artists of all time. I admire his vocal range and versatility. I also want to make an album as iconic and respected as Mushin 2 Mohits.

Apart from music, I would say Maya Angelou, Virgil Abloh, CR7, & LBJ. I guess you could say I’m inspired by a mix of creativity, discipline, and excellence.

What is your creative process?

It varies. I can write lyrics on the spot as the beat plays. Sometimes I come up with lyrics in my head and work with a producer to find the right beat for it. Other times, I get a beat from a producer, write lyrics to the music, and come back to record.

Apart from singing, do you play any musical instruments or produce?

I learned to play the recorder, clarinet, and violin as a child, but I don’t play any of those instruments anymore.

Sometimes I co-produce…when building a song in my head, I know what I want it to sound like, and work closely with a producer to bring that to life. I do want to learn how to engineer though, I think it’s a useful skill.

What is the story behind your new single 'Lekki'?

I live in Lekki and spend a lot of time in the neighborhood. It’s a lively, up-and-coming area full of creative and ambitious people. There’s a real energy here—a real hustle and bustle that captures the go-getter spirit perfectly. I think Lekki describes where I am in life right now, I am coming into my own.

I feel more focused and confident in myself and my abilities, and I know I can achieve incredible things; I just need to do the work each day. With this song, I wanted to tell that story and represent a community that I think embodies that message as well.

What’s your vision for your career?

Success for me would be having my music reach people at a global level and having a positive impact on people’s lives. Being in a position to significantly help and give back to others. Inspiring and motivating people to achieve their goals and dreams. Having consistency and longevity in this industry.

What challenges have you faced in the music industry and how have they shaped your growth?

One of the biggest challenges is just getting people’s attention. There’s so much content out there these days, so it can be tough to get people’s interest and build an audience. Promoting my work is another challenge, especially since I’m independent and self-funding. Finding the right people to work with can be a bit of a hit-or-miss process.

Who is your dream artist to work with, and why?

If we’re talking about dream collaborations, I have a few in mind. I would say Swae Lee because he has a great voice and I think our music styles would complement each other well. This might be a little far-fetched, but I’d love to do something with Adele. She is genuinely one of my favorite artists.

In terms of Nigerian artists, I would say Simi. I’m a big fan of her music. I love the way she tells stories with her music videos. I would also have to say Olamide. He’s hands down one of the best artists Nigeria has had, and he’s one of my personal favorites. 

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