Afrobeat artiste Adedapo Aderele, popularly known as Daapo, has received the Confirm News Virtual Award (CONVA) for Next Rated Artiste of the Year.
The award was presented on Friday, September 11, 2026, by the Publisher of Confirm News, Adegbola Shehu Tijani, alongside Charles Collins, popularly known as Chaloma, the Rubies Entertainment Manager at Rubies Club, Lagos.
Adeoye Olabiyi, who represented Daapo at the ceremony, received the award on behalf of the artiste, who is currently on a musical tour of the United Kingdom.
Speaking at the presentation, Olabiyi expressed appreciation to Confirm News and the Nigerian media for their support of Daapo's career.
It is a privilege to receive this award on behalf of my artiste. Daapo is currently on tour in the United Kingdom. We appreciate the love and support from the management of Confirm News and the Nigerian media.
This award is a motivation for us to work harder. Our team will continue to push forward as we prepare for the release of a new EP. We are optimistic about the project and look forward to sharing it with his fans, Olabiyi said.
Other recipients at the event included the CEO of Rubies, Damola Taiwo, who received the Best Club Owner of the Year award. Adetola Lau Lau Babatunde was also recognised with the Club Manager of the Year award.
Lau Lau has been associated with Rubies Club for nearly six years. Before joining the club, he worked with Club Royal, The Place and West End Club.
Daapo is a Nigerian-born Afrobeat artiste whose music combines soulful vocals with contemporary African sounds. His style incorporates elements of Afrobeats, pop, acoustic music, house and other modern influences.
The artiste began his musical career in Lagos in 2021 under the stage name Sir Derick. In January 2022, he released his debut four-track EP, In the Beginning. The project featured relatable songwriting and introduced listeners to his musical style, with Victory Song gaining attention among listeners.
Following the release of the EP, Daapo appeared on Nigerian television and radio platforms, including TVC, Max FM and Top Radio. These appearances helped introduce his music to a wider audience.
He continued to develop his sound and released more music over the following years. His body of work includes several singles, the solo EP Transcendence and the collaborative EP Synchro, recorded with Rrichy.
In November 2025, Daapo released his album Adedapo, which featured Nigerian artistes Lhilfrosh and Rrichy. The project added to his growing catalogue and further established his musical identity.
In July 2025, he officially changed his stage name from Sir Derick to Daapo. According to the artiste, the new name reflects a more personal identity and his growth as a musician.
As an independent artiste, Daapo continues to work on new music while building his audience in Nigeria and beyond. His songs explore different moods, ranging from emotional and soulful records to upbeat tracks designed for a wider audience.
With his sights set on an international audience, Daapo is focused on developing a sound that connects African musical influences with contemporary global styles. His recent CONVA recognition adds another milestone to his growing career as he continues to pursue his ambitions in the music industry.
