Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido has ignited fresh controversy with lyrics from his newly released album 5ive, where he claims to have started life in a one-room apartment commonly known in Nigeria as a “face-me-I-face-you” public compound. The statement, made on the track CFMF, has sparked skepticism among fans and critics alike, especially considering Davido’s well-known status as the son of Nigerian billionaire businessman, Deji Adeleke.
The song, released Friday as part of his fifth studio project, features lyrics that suggest Davido rose from poverty to opulence through divine intervention. “Take a step and walk into my life… Started all the way from face me I face you… And now, I am living real large all thanks to Jesu,” Davido sings on the track.
While the album has received attention for its production and collaborations, the claims in CFMF have dominated online discourse, as social media users question the authenticity of Davido’s narrative.
Public Reaction: Mixed Feelings and Memes
Fans on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram have reacted with a mix of humor, disbelief, and criticism. Many highlighted Davido’s privileged upbringing and early access to luxury, questioning how someone from a billionaire family could claim to have started in a communal housing setting typically associated with Nigeria’s lower-income earners.
“Make it make sense. How did a billionaire’s son start in face-me-I-face-you? Even for artistic license, this is a stretch,” one user posted on X.
Another tweeted sarcastically, “Davido must be talking about a movie role he once played, because this can’t be his real life.”
Yet some fans defended the singer, suggesting he may have lived outside his family mansion at some point or was referring to symbolic hardship rather than literal poverty. “Maybe it’s a metaphor. People grow through struggles that aren’t always financial,” one fan commented.
Not the First Time: A History of Grass-to-Grace Themes
This isn’t the first time Davido has attempted to present a narrative of rising from hardship. On his debut single Back When featuring Naeto C, released in 2011, he rapped about women ignoring him before he became rich and famous. However, that song faced similar scrutiny, with listeners questioning its credibility due to Davido’s well-documented affluent background.
Critics argue that Davido’s attempts to claim humble beginnings conflict with his public image and lifestyle, which included access to elite education, early luxury cars, and international travel even before he entered the music industry.
In contrast, his breakthrough hit Dami Duro in 2012 struck a different chord. On that track, Davido openly embraced his wealthy lineage and declared that even his father’s money couldn’t stop him from achieving success. The song resonated with fans and catapulted him into the Afrobeats mainstream, partly because it felt more honest and confident.
“Davido has always had more success when he leans into his truth,” said Lagos-based music journalist Tunde Aina. “People respect the fact that he’s talented and hardworking, even with a silver spoon. But when he tries to fit into a narrative that isn’t his reality, it creates confusion.”
The Album ‘5ive’: A Mix of Bravado, Worship, and Personal Reflections
5ive marks Davido’s return to the spotlight after a period of relative quiet. The album features a blend of energetic Afrobeats, reflective ballads, and gospel-inspired tracks. While CFMF has garnered the most attention for its controversial lyrics, the project as a whole explores themes of gratitude, fame, personal growth, and divine favor.
On several tracks, Davido praises God for his success and survival in the music industry. Lines like “Only God dey cover me for street” and “Dem wan see me fall but Oluwa no gree” point to a spiritual undertone throughout the album.
Music critic Ada Nwankwo noted, “Davido seems to be maturing artistically. He’s experimenting with more personal content and drawing from emotional experiences. But if he wants to tell a personal story, it has to come from a place of truth. Listeners can tell when it doesn’t add up.”
Authenticity in Afrobeats: A Growing Concern
Davido’s controversial lyrics tap into a larger conversation in Nigerian music: the role of authenticity. As Afrobeats becomes increasingly global, audiences expect transparency from artists whose stories are part of their brand. While hyperbole is common in music, many fans are beginning to draw a line between creative license and misleading storytelling.
“In hip-hop and Afrobeats, artists often exaggerate or fictionalize experiences for impact,” said cultural analyst Ifeanyi Olamide. “But when the public knows your background, and the lyrics seem too far from reality, it raises eyebrows.”
Despite the backlash, Davido has not publicly addressed the controversy. He continues to promote 5ive on social media and is scheduled to embark on a global tour in support of the album later this year.
Conclusion: Truth or Artistic License?
Davido remains one of the most influential artists in Africa, and his ability to dominate headlines—whether through music, lifestyle, or controversy—is part of what has kept him relevant for over a decade. Yet his recent attempt to present a “grass-to-grace” narrative has many wondering whether authenticity is becoming a casualty in the race for relatability.
Whether CFMF will stand the test of time as a powerful personal anthem or be remembered as a misstep in storytelling remains to be seen. But for now, the buzz around it is doing what Davido likely intended—keeping the spotlight squarely on him.
