Nigerian Afrobeats star reflects on his early fan experience with 50 Cent—and how fame eventually brought them together as collaborators
LAGOS, Nigeria — April 9, 2025 – Nigerian Afrobeats sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has shared a candid and lighthearted memory of being turned down for a photo by American rap icon 50 Cent long before his own rise to global stardom. Speaking during a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, the Fem hitmaker revealed that the G-Unit rapper once refused to take a picture with him during a family trip to Las Vegas when he was just 14 years old.
According to Davido, the encounter left a lasting impression on him—not out of bitterness, but as a reminder of how much life has changed.
“He Said ‘No’ and Walked Off”
“The first time I ever saw 50 Cent, I was a kid in Vegas,” Davido recounted. “I was like, ‘Can I have a picture?’ He said, ‘No.’”
At the time, Davido was accompanying his family to Las Vegas to celebrate his elder brother’s 21st birthday. While his siblings and cousins enjoyed the city’s vibrant nightlife, he was too young to join in, leaving him to explore the hotel lobby on his own.
“I was 14, so I couldn’t do nothing,” he said. “They were doing the whole thing. I was just sitting in the lobby.”
As a teenager, Davido said he idolized rapper Lloyd Banks, a member of G-Unit alongside 50 Cent. When he spotted Banks, he didn’t hesitate to ask for a photo—and was thrilled when the rapper obliged. But when he spotted 50 Cent moments later and excitedly approached him, the interaction took a very different turn.
“I saw 50 Cent and I said in a Nigerian accent, ‘Wow! 50 Cent, I love you. Can I have a picture?’” Davido recalled. “He said, ‘No,’ and just walked off.”
Reconnecting as Colleagues
Years later, after making a name for himself as one of Africa’s most successful music exports, Davido met 50 Cent again—this time, as a fellow headliner.
“I told him about the incident years later when we met as colleagues,” he said with a laugh. “He said, ‘You’re here now, right?’”
The anecdote highlights the dramatic shift in Davido’s journey—from a fan hoping to capture a moment with a celebrity to a global performer collaborating with those very same stars.
In a full-circle moment, 50 Cent invited Davido to perform as a surprise guest during his sold-out show at Madison Square Garden in New York in 2023. The high-energy performance marked a pivotal moment in Davido’s growing presence in the U.S. market and cemented the mutual respect between the two artists.
From Vegas Lobby to Global Stage
Davido’s story has often been framed as a tale of grit, global ambition, and musical excellence. Born into one of Nigeria’s wealthiest families, the singer famously chose music over a traditional business path, forging his own identity in an industry where he has since become a dominant force.
With multiple platinum records, international awards, and sold-out arena tours to his name, Davido is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Afrobeats’ global expansion. His Timeless album, released in 2023, set streaming records and earned a Grammy nomination, while his collaborations with artists such as Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, and now 50 Cent, continue to bridge African music with Western audiences.
Upcoming Concert with 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige
Further showcasing their evolved relationship, Davido and 50 Cent are set to co-headline a major concert in London later this year alongside R&B legend Mary J. Blige. The star-studded lineup is expected to draw fans from across continents, with many seeing it as a celebration of musical evolution and international unity.
“This is what Afrobeats was always meant to be,” one fan posted on social media following the announcement. “From asking for pictures to selling out arenas. Davido is the blueprint.”
A Reminder of Humble Beginnings
For Davido, the encounter with 50 Cent is more than just a funny story—it’s a symbol of how much can change with perseverance, talent, and time.
“I don’t take it personally,” he said during the interview. “It’s just funny to think about. At the time, I was just a kid. Now, we’re on the same stage.”
This attitude reflects Davido’s broader philosophy, one that champions growth, gratitude, and resilience. Despite being born into wealth, he has often spoken of the unique challenges he faced in earning credibility in the Nigerian music scene and internationally.
Social Media Reactions
Fans across platforms have praised the singer’s humility in sharing the story, with many noting how it humanizes even the most successful stars.
“Davido’s story just proves you never know who someone is going to become,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Always be kind—even if they’re a 14-year-old kid asking for a photo.”
Others joked about 50 Cent’s no-nonsense attitude, which has long been part of his brand, while applauding the two artists for coming full circle.
Looking Ahead
As Davido gears up for his upcoming performances in Europe and the United States, his reflections continue to inspire a new generation of African artists. With the global music industry paying increased attention to the Afrobeats genre, artists like Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid have become more than entertainers—they are cultural ambassadors.
And while Davido may not have gotten that photo in Vegas all those years ago, his story today is one of global recognition, artistic mastery, and poetic justice.
