From Sir Derick to Daapo: new chapter driven by originality, creativity, global ambition

If there’s one word Daapo would use to describe himself, it’s “creative.” But behind this simple description is an artist with a clear vision, rooted in originality, his background, a distinct musical identity and an ambition to bring his sound to listeners around the world.

Formerly known as Sir Derick, the artist has recently embraced the name Daapo, marking what he sees as an important new chapter in his musical journey.

According to him, the decision was driven by a desire for more originality and a stronger connection to his roots. “I wanted more originality and to stay in touch with my background,” he explains. For Daapo, the name change didn’t just mean adopting a new stage name.

As his career continues to progress, he believes his identity, brand and sound must evolve with it. The move to Daapo has always been part of his bigger plan: to become more original and build an identity that truly represents the artist he is becoming.

A SOUND INSPIRED BY THE GREATS, BUT STILL HIS OWN Daapo draws inspiration from some of Nigeria’s biggest and most influential music stars, including Olamide, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido and D’banj. When it comes to the sound he’s building, he also points to artists like Asake and Seyi Vibez as important influences. What particularly inspires him is their ability to embrace indigenous sounds, rhythms and languages ​​while remaining connected to audiences around the world.

For Daapo, their success is proof that an artist doesn’t have to abandon their roots to think globally. Music can be versatile. Different languages, genres and sounds can blend together while still creating something capable of traveling beyond borders.

However, despite these influences, Daapo is determined to maintain his own identity. While he admits that the artists he listens to have inspired aspects of his music, he believes he still has a distinct sound and unparalleled creativity. He also listens to foreign music and incorporates elements of different sounds into his creative process, continuing to explore new possibilities as he develops his own musical direction.

THE PERSONAL CONNECTION BEHIND “HIGHER” Daapo has released several songs that he considers his favorites, but if he had to choose just one, his choice would be “Higher,” the introduction to ADEDAPO The Album. The reason is deeply personal. His mother’s vocals appear on the song, making it more than just another track in his catalog. It’s a record that holds an emotional connection and a piece of his personal history, something that makes Higher particularly meaningful to him.

DREAMING BIG Daapo’s ambitions are as bold as the artists he hopes to work with one day. When asked about his dream collaborations, he mentions several names, including Olamide, Asake, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Tems. There’s also one producer he’d particularly like to share a studio session with: Pheelz. And when it comes to performing, Daapo has his sights set on some of the biggest stages in the world. One of the venues high on his list is the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, another reflection of his desire to take his music far beyond familiar territory. MORE THAN JUST MUSIC Away from the studio, there is another side to Daapo that many of his fans may not know. The artist says he can cook several dishes that would probably surprise his supporters.

But while there may be hidden talents outside of music, his greatest motivation remains firmly connected to his goals. Daapo wants his music to be heard globally, build a strong and loyal fan base, do something meaningful with his talent and, in his own words, do “a lot of Kaluba.”

As 2026 continues, his mission is clear: to reach more listeners around the world and establish a strong fan base that will grow along with his career. The change from Sir Derick to Daapo represents more than a new name. It represents an artist taking his originality a step further, embracing his background and honing a sound that he hopes will ultimately connect with audiences around the world. For Daapo it is not simply a rebranding. It’s the beginning of a bigger story.