International Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has spoken candidly about the most painful chapter of his life — the tragic death of his three-year-old son, Ifeanyi Adeleke — describing the experience as “life-changing” and a defining moment in both his personal life and career.
In a deeply personal interview with ABC News’ Rocsi Diaz, the multi-award-winning Nigerian singer reflected on the events of October 2022, when his son drowned in a swimming pool at his Banana Island residence in Lagos. The heartbreaking incident shook fans across the globe, with an outpouring of grief and support from both the entertainment industry and the public.
A Pain That Reshaped His Perspective
Speaking with visible emotion, Davido revealed that the tragedy forced him to reevaluate his priorities, his music career, and the way he approaches life.
“Stepping away after losing my son and being able to look back into my career gave me a refocus of how I wanted to move going forward,” the singer said. “It changed my life.”
The 31-year-old music icon explained that the pain of losing a child is indescribable, but it also gave him a renewed sense of purpose. For Davido, the tragedy became a moment of self-reflection, pushing him to channel his grief into growth and to embrace a deeper appreciation for family, resilience, and legacy.
Pride in Resilience with Chioma
Davido did not shy away from acknowledging the strength of his wife, Chioma Rowland, during their shared grief. He spoke proudly of how they navigated the darkest period of their lives together, refusing to be broken by the weight of the loss.
“I was telling my wife the other day that I’m proud of how we bounced back,” he shared. “Now, we got twins. They are big and shouting everywhere. For us to be able to go through the loss of our son and be able to bounce back in a major way is huge.”
The singer credited their unity and mutual support as the foundation that allowed them to heal, slowly rebuild, and ultimately welcome new life into their family.
Becoming a Source of Inspiration
While the loss was deeply personal, Davido revealed that their ability to endure and recover has unexpectedly inspired many others facing difficult times.
“I know how many people randomly come to me at the airport to tell me how my strength has inspired them in hard times,” he said. “It’s a blessing to know that my story — our story — can give hope to someone else who is hurting.”
According to him, these encounters serve as reminders that even in the depths of despair, resilience can become a beacon for others.
A Global Outpouring of Support
In the aftermath of Ifeanyi’s death, tributes poured in from across the world. Fellow musicians, fans, and even political leaders expressed their condolences, with many praising the couple’s courage in facing the tragedy privately before slowly returning to the public eye.
Davido took an extended break from social media and performing, allowing himself the time and space to grieve. When he eventually returned to the stage, it was with renewed passion and a deeper emotional connection to his music — something fans immediately noticed.
From Loss to Legacy
Davido’s story is not just one of personal tragedy but also one of transformation. Known for his energetic stage performances and hit singles such as Fall, If, and Unavailable, the singer has always been a force in the Afrobeats scene. However, he admits that the experience of losing Ifeanyi has given his music a more profound sense of meaning.
“I don’t just want to make hits; I want to make impact,” Davido hinted, suggesting that his future projects may carry even deeper messages of hope, love, and perseverance.
The Gift of New Beginnings
In 2023, the Adeleke family received what Davido calls “a divine blessing” — the birth of twins. The news was met with overwhelming joy from fans worldwide, many of whom saw it as a beautiful sign of restoration after the loss they had endured.
With a smile, Davido described the vibrant energy of the twins: “They are big and shouting everywhere,” he joked, his tone softening into gratitude. For the singer, their arrival symbolises a fresh chapter — one that does not erase the pain of losing Ifeanyi but offers a renewed sense of purpose and joy.
Life Lessons for Fans and Fellow Parents
Davido’s openness about grief and healing has resonated deeply with people beyond the entertainment industry. His story serves as a reminder that no one, regardless of fame or fortune, is immune to life’s tragedies — and that true strength lies in the ability to confront pain, heal, and move forward.
Many parenting and grief-support advocates have praised Davido for addressing the topic publicly, noting that conversations about child loss are often avoided in African societies due to cultural taboos. His willingness to speak out is helping break that silence, offering comfort to countless families navigating similar grief.
A Message of Hope
While the singer continues to dominate global charts and headline major music festivals, he remains grounded in his personal mission to inspire others through his resilience. His message is clear: life’s most painful moments can either destroy you or redefine you — and the choice lies in how you respond.
Davido and Chioma’s journey from heartbreak to hope is a testament to the power of love, faith, and unity in overcoming life’s harshest challenges. As he continues to evolve as an artist and as a man, Davido’s legacy will not just be measured by his music but by the strength and inspiration he offers to millions around the world.
For fans and admirers alike, his story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, life can still offer new beginnings.
