# Kwate

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**David Cross Idukomose** (born 2 August 1982), known professionally as **Kwate**, is a Nigerian hip-hop artist and Afrobeats musician. His 2025 single “[Usain Bolt](/source/Usain_Bolt)” reached number 1 on Top 200 Nigerian [Shazam chart](/source/Shazam_(music_app)).[1]

Kwate is recognized for his singles and musical style, which blends traditional and modern elements. Kwate emphasizes consistency, innovation, and cultural resonance in his music.[2]

## Early life and education

David Cross Idukomose was born on 2 August 1982, in [Lagos State](/source/Lagos_State), [Nigeria](/source/Nigeria). He spent his early years in [Ilorin](/source/Ilorin), [Kwara State](/source/Kwara_State), and [Benin City](/source/Benin_City).[3] He attended Oko Erin Primary School, Immaculate Conception College, [Ekiadolor College of Education](/source/Federal_College_of_Education_Technical,_Ekiadolor), and the [University of Benin](/source/University_of_Benin_(Nigeria)) where he studied computer science.[3] Despite his academic pursuits, music remained his primary interest. Inspired by [The Remedies](/source/The_Remedies) and [Plantashun Boiz](/source/Plantashun_Boiz) shows in 2003 and 2004, respectively, he decided to pursue music as a career.[3]

Kwate was exposed to various musical genres, from traditional Nigerian sounds to international influences. His parents encouraged his early interest in music.[3] He developed his vocal skills in church choirs and local talent shows.[3]

## Career

Kwate's musical journey began in Edo State, and continued after relocating to Lagos, in 1998.[4] His career gained momentum in 2010 with the release of "Party Dey Here," featuring Side One, which received significant airplay across Nigeria.[4] He followed this with "Baby Give Me More," featuring [Jaywon](/source/Jaywon) in 2011.[4]

In the second half of the 2010s, Kwate released several tracks, including "I Don’t Know," "Love," "OvbokhanMven," "Halla," and "Enjoy Yourself."[5] His single "On Ground," featuring Black IQ, achieved commercial success on digital platforms.[6]

Kwate received nominations for the [Mnet Asian Music Awards](/source/MAMA_Awards) (MAMA) and African Entertainment Awards Malaysia in 2010/2011.[3] He has performed in over 100 countries, including in Moscow, India, and Botswana, and was the first Nigerian artist to perform at the "Longest Dinner Table in the World."[3]

His 2024 single “Shout out to my Ex” debuted on [Apple Music](/source/Apple_Music) Top 100s in [Kenya](/source/Kenya), [Nigeria](/source/Nigeria) and [Ghana](/source/Ghana) reaching numbers 11, 32, and 80 respectively and gained notable traction across social media platforms including [TikTok](/source/TikTok).[7]The following year, his 2025 single “Usain Bolt” reached number 1 on Top 200 [Shazam](/source/Shazam_(music_app)) Nigeria chart.[8][9]

In the same year, Kwate performed at the [Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory](/source/Toyota_Music_Factory) in [Dallas](/source/Dallas) and at the [Toyota Center](/source/Toyota_Center) in Houston respectively at Davido’s [5ive](/source/5ive_(Davido_album)) Alive Tour alongside [Victony](/source/Victony), [Odumodublvck](/source/Odumodublvck), [Morravey](/source/Morravey), [Bracket](/source/Bracket_(duo)) amongst others. He also performed alongside [Davido](/source/Davido) in [Atlanta](/source/Atlanta), [Georgia](/source/Georgia_(U.S._state)) last year.[10]

In November 2025, Kwate won Entertainer of the Year at the 2025 GADA Awards in [Houston, Texas](/source/Houston,_Texas). Few days later in the same month he won African Creative Impact Leader of the Year at the African Entrepreneurship & Business Awards of 2025. The same month he performed at the [Davido](/source/Davido) last *[5ive Alive](/source/5ive_(Davido_album))* North American Tour at the [State Farm Arena](/source/State_Farm_Arena) in Atlanta, Georgia.[11][12][13]

## Musical style and influences

Kwate's music blends traditional Nigerian sounds with contemporary influences, addressing social issues, love, and self-empowerment.[14] His role models include [Fela Kuti](/source/Fela_Kuti), [Victor Uwaifo](/source/Victor_Uwaifo), [Felix Lebarty](/source/Felix_Lebarty), [King Sunny Ade](/source/King_Sunny_Ade), [2Face Idibia](/source/2Face_Idibia), [Eedris Abdulkareem](/source/Eedris_Abdulkareem), [50 Cent](/source/50_Cent) and [Beenie Man](/source/Beenie_Man).[15]

Kwate has collaborated with producers like Sheyman, O’ Black, Fliptyce Beats, Spanky, and [Terry G](/source/Terry_G).[4] His music has been featured on playlists such as Spotify's Afrobeat Classics and Apple Music's African A-List.[3]

## Personal life

Kwate balances his music career with other activities.[15] He owns a healthcare business and a coffee company.[14]

## Discography

### Selected singles

- "Party Dey Here" (2010) featuring Side One[4]
- "Baby Give Me More" (2011) featuring Jaywon[4]
- "On Ground" (2024) featuring Black IQ[6]

## Awards and nominations

- Nominated for [Mnet Asian Music Awards](/source/MAMA_Awards) (MAMA) (2010/2011)[3]
- Nominated for African Entertainment Awards Malaysia (2010/2011)[3]

## References

1. ["Kwate lands first-ever No. 1 on Nigeria’s Shazam Chart"](https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/07/28/kwate-lands-first-ever-no-1-on-nigerias-shazam-chart/). *[P.M. News](/source/P.M._News)*. Retrieved 2025-08-01.

1. Telegraph-Admin, New (24 May 2024). ["With On Ground, Kwate, Climbing Successful Ladder"](https://newtelegraphng.com/with-on-ground-kwate-climbing-successful-ladder/). *[New Telegraph](/source/New_Telegraph)*. Retrieved 2 October 2024.

1. Okanlawon, Taiwo (1 January 2024). ["The Afrobeats Maestro: King Kwate's Rise to Stardom"](https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2024/01/01/the-afrobeats-maestro-king-kwates-rise-to-stardom/). *[P.M. News](/source/P.M._News)*. Retrieved 2 October 2024.

1. Telegraph-Admin, New (24 May 2024). ["With On Ground, Kwate, Climbing Successful Ladder"](https://newtelegraphng.com/with-on-ground-kwate-climbing-successful-ladder/). *[New Telegraph](/source/New_Telegraph)*. Retrieved 2 October 2024.

1. Adetoye, Seye (3 October 2021). ["Kwate Makes Mark With String of Singles"](https://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2021/10/03/kwate-makes-mark-with-string-of-singles/). *The NEWS*. Retrieved 2 October 2024.

1. Online, Tribune (27 September 2024). ["Kwate shows mastery with new single ‘On Ground’"](https://tribuneonlineng.com/kwate-shows-mastery-with-new-single-on-ground/). *[Nigerian Tribune](/source/Nigerian_Tribune)*. Retrieved 2 October 2024.

1. Okanlawon, Taiwo. ["Kwate’s “Shout Out to My Ex” climbs Apple Music charts across Africa, sparks online buzz"](https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2024/12/15/kwates-shout-out-to-my-ex-climbs-apple-music-charts-across-africa-sparks-online-buzz/). *[P.M. News](/source/P.M._News)*. Retrieved 2025-07-14.

1. Online, Tribune (2025-07-11). ["Kwate’s “Usain Bolt” sprints onto the charts, as he gears up for Davido’s 5Ive Alive Tour"](https://tribuneonlineng.com/kwates-usain-bolt-sprints-onto-the-charts-as-he-gears-up-for-davidos-5ive-alive-tour/). *[Nigerian Tribune](/source/Nigerian_Tribune)*. Retrieved 2025-07-14.

1. ["Top 200 Nigeria"](https://www.shazam.com/charts/top-200/nigeria). *Shazam*. Retrieved 2025-07-15.

1. Richards, 'Sola (2025-07-10). ["Kwate to join Davido on stage in Dallas, Houston for 5ive Alive Tour"](https://guardian.ng/?p=2635288). *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian_(Nigeria))*. Retrieved 2025-07-14.

1. ["Instagram"](https://www.instagram.com/p/DRCfb1pjUnM/?igsh=bnJtdGZ2Ym1qOTM0). *www.instagram.com*. Retrieved 2025-11-27.

1. ["Kwate wins Entertainer of the Year at the 2025 GADA Awards"](https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/11/08/kwate-wins-entertainer-of-the-year-at-the-2025-gada-awards/). *[P.M. News](/source/P.M._News)*. Retrieved 2025-11-27.

1. Olawoyin, Seun (15 November 2025). ["Kwate is African Creative Impact Leader of the Year"](https://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2025/11/15/%E2%80%8Ekwate-is-african-creative-impact-leader-of-the-year/#google_vignette). *TheNews magazine*

1. Azeez, Kareem (24 June 2020). ["Cross Idukomose David: Melding Tradition and Modernity in Afrobeats"](https://guardian.ng/life/whatsnew-entertainment-celebrity-gist-and-so-on/cross-idukomose-david-melding-tradition-and-modernity-in-afrobeats/). *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian_(Nigeria))*. Retrieved 2 October 2024.

1. Emmanson, Jerry (29 February 2020). ["Kwate's Musical Prowess Over The Years"](https://leadership.ng/kwates-musical-prowess-over-the-years/). *[Leadership](/source/Leadership_(newspaper))*. Retrieved 2 October 2024.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Kwate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwate) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwate?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.