When you think of Davido, you think of sold-out arenas, chart-topping hits, and a global Afrobeats phenomenon. But behind the glitz and glamour lies a story of family intervention, tough love, and a pivotal decision that changed the course of his career forever. In a recent interview with BET, the Nigerian superstar opened up about how his father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, played a crucial role in shaping his journey to stardom—by pulling him out of his very first record deal.
Davido’s rise to fame began early. At just 17, he scored his breakout hit “Dami Duro,” captivating audiences across Nigeria and beyond. The buzz around the young artist was electric, and it wasn’t long before a record label came knocking, offering a tempting $200,000 contract. For any teenager, such a sum would be life-changing. For Davido, it felt like validation—a ticket to the big leagues.
But his father saw things differently. Dr. Adeleke, a billionaire businessman and philanthropist, was determined to protect his son from the pitfalls that have trapped many young artists. When he discovered the deal, he acted swiftly and decisively.
“My Dad found out someone gave me $200K for a contract, he called them, gave them back their money and cancelled the contract,” Davido recalled in the interview. At the time, Davido admits, he was frustrated. “I was feeling like you’re a whole billionaire and you don’t want to give me money, so I had to go find my way.” The young artist wanted to chase his dreams on his own terms, but his father’s intervention forced him to pause and reconsider.
Looking back now, Davido is grateful for that tough love. “Thank God he did (cancel the contract) because I would have just been getting off the contract like two years ago,” he said. The contract, it turns out, could have kept him tied down for years, potentially stifling his creative freedom and career growth.
This story was later confirmed by Tosin Ashafa, one of the original investors behind the contract. Ashafa took to X (formerly Twitter) to share how Dr. Adeleke bought out the agreement, ensuring Davido’s independence.
The experience wasn’t without its challenges. Balancing his burgeoning music career with university was tough, especially under the watchful eyes of a family that valued education and stability. But the episode taught Davido resilience, independence, and the importance of making wise business decisions—lessons that would serve him well as he navigated the complexities of the music industry.
Today, Davido stands as one of Africa’s most influential artists, with multiple Grammy nominations, international tours, and a string of hit albums, including his latest, “5ive.” His story is a testament to the power of family, foresight, and the courage to make difficult choices.
As Davido embarks on his “5 Alive” tour, headlining iconic venues and sharing his music with fans worldwide, he carries with him the lessons of his early days, a reminder that sometimes, the best way forward is a step back, guided by those who truly have your best interests at heart.
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#"5Five"
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