Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, shared insights about his youth and his relationship with his father, billionaire Dr. Deji Adeleke, on the Bag Fuel Brigade podcast.
Davido revealed he lived alone with his father in a 16-bedroom mansion, as his siblings were in the U.S. Initially, his father disapproved of his music ambitions, prompting Davido to secretly build a studio in the mansion where he created music.
He later fled to London to pursue his music career, a move that upset his father, who mobilized Nigerian security forces, including the army and immigration, to track him down during his six-month stay.
Davido recounted the emotional reunion, explaining to his father that he ran away to focus on music but struggled to communicate his passion earlier.
He said, When I returned to Nigeria, I wasn’t planning to go home. I landed at the airport intending to go to a friend’s place, but the moment I stepped out, an army officer walked up to me and escorted me outside. The whole army was outside, like 20 of them, and then I saw my dad and hugged him. He was like, Why did you run away? I said I wanted to do music. I just didn’t know how to tell you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Davido’s revelations on Bag Fuel Brigade provide a rich narrative that transcends a simple celebrity anecdote. They offer insight into the complexities of family dynamics, the pursuit of passion in the face of opposition, and the cultural and generational shifts shaping modern Nigeria.
His story is one of rebellion, reconciliation, and triumph, reflecting both personal growth and the broader evolution of Afrobeats as a global cultural force.
By sharing these experiences, Davido inspires others to pursue their dreams, even when the path is fraught with challenges.
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