Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has revealed how his wealthy background made him one of the most criticised figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry. In a candid interview on the Culture Knock Out podcast, the music icon explained how early concealment of his father’s wealth helped him gain musical credibility before the stigma of being a “rich kid” in the music scene caught up with him.
Speaking with raw honesty, the award-winning singer said that his early success shielded him from immediate backlash, but once his privileged upbringing became public, he became a target of criticism — not for his music, but for where he came from.
“I’m the Most Criticised Artist in Nigeria”
“I’m the biggest criticised artist in Nigeria,” Davido declared during the podcast session. “I mean, I’m on fire and I’ve been on fire for a while. In the beginning, they didn’t know that my dad was rich. So the stigma of a rich kid doing music didn’t end up as crazy as it should have been for me.”
The singer, who has consistently dominated Nigerian and global music charts for over a decade, explained that his determination to build a name for himself in music was so strong that he was willing to give up everything — even his comfort and lifestyle.
“I just wanted to do music,” he said. “I didn’t care if I had to become homeless. At that point, that was all I wanted to do. Nothing would stop me.”
How Hiding His Background Helped His Music Career
Davido explained that by the time people discovered he was the son of billionaire businessman Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, he had already released three chart-topping singles, which helped him earn a fan base independent of his family name.
“People didn’t know my father was rich,” he said. “It was too late — I already did three hit songs before they found out that my dad had money.”
The 31-year-old music star said that when the truth about his background emerged, it created an unexpected backlash, with many doubting his authenticity as an artist.
“Over time, people started hating me because my dad is rich,” Davido continued. “But I keep on dropping good music, and it keeps working out.”
A Lesson in Fame, Success and Criticism
Davido noted that criticism is often the price that comes with being at the top. Drawing a parallel with politics, he said: “It happens to everyone. Once you become the biggest in anything, you will get criticised. You are doing an election, people love you and they vote for you. But when you become president, they hate you.”
The singer’s comments shed light on the unique pressures faced by celebrities from privileged backgrounds. While fame and fortune are often celebrated in Nigerian pop culture, Davido says his personal experience is a reminder that not all success stories are embraced equally.
From Rich Kid to Global Icon
Despite the challenges, Davido’s musical career has flourished. Since his debut single “Back When” in 2011, he has built an empire of hit songs, major collaborations, and international recognition. His 2017 hit “Fall” became the longest-charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history at the time, while his albums — including A Good Time and Timeless — have garnered global acclaim.
The artist, who has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, including the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony and major global festivals, has refused to let his critics slow him down.
“I just focus on the music,” he told the podcast. “The rest will always be noise. I understand now that criticism is just part of the journey. They can hate, but they’ll keep listening.”
Staying True to His Roots
Beyond music, Davido has used his platform to promote Nigerian culture and African excellence on the world stage. Despite his affluence, the singer has consistently presented himself as down-to-earth and relatable — often engaging directly with fans on social media and giving back through philanthropic efforts.
His humanitarian work includes the Davido Foundation, through which he has supported education and provided health aid to underprivileged communities. In 2021, he made headlines by raising over ₦200 million in birthday donations, which he later added ₦50 million of his own money to and disbursed to orphanages across Nigeria.
“I may have come from money, but I know how to relate to people,” Davido once said in a separate interview. “That’s why my fans connect with me.”
Overcoming the “Silver Spoon” Stigma
Davido’s story is a compelling example of how perseverance, talent, and passion can overshadow preconceived notions. For many young Nigerians, his journey represents hope — proof that it’s possible to succeed on one’s own terms, even when privilege initially works against public perception.
“I know a lot of people thought I had it easy, and in some ways, I did,” Davido admitted. “But I still had to prove myself every step of the way. Nothing was handed to me in music — I worked, I hustled, and I earned it.”
Final Word
Davido’s latest revelations serve as a reminder that fame, wealth, and criticism often go hand-in-hand. Yet through it all, he continues to break boundaries and redefine what it means to be an African music icon.
“Let them talk,” he concluded. “The music will always speak for itself.”
