Davido Reveals the Moment Fame Began to Feel Like a Curse

Nigeria’s Afrobeats icon, Davido, has admitted that despite global success, sold-out shows, and an avalanche of hit songs, fame hasn’t always been a blessing. In fact, it sometimes feels like a curse.

In a recent podcast appearance, the singer,  born David Adeleke, spoke candidly about how his wealthy background has repeatedly been used to question his legitimacy in the music industry. “They hate me ’cause of my father’s wealth,” Davido confessed.

Before the world knew about his father, Adedeji Adeleke, a billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Davido had already released three major hits. He says that early momentum — built on talent and hustle — protected him from the kind of backlash that might have crippled his rise if people had known his background from the start.

“In the beginning, they didn’t know my dad was rich. It was too late — I already had three hit songs before they found out,” Davido explained.

While many believe wealth opens doors, Davido describes his as a burden he didn’t ask for. He said his passion for music ran so deep that he would have pursued it even without his father’s fortune.

“I just wanted to do music. I didn’t care if I had to become homeless. That was all I wanted. Nothing would stop me.”

But the moment fame truly began to feel like a curse, he said, was when his success turned public admiration into envy. For Davido, the pressure didn’t come from failure — it came from being on top.

“Over time, people started hating me because my dad is rich. But I keep dropping good music, and it keeps working.”

He likened the experience to politics — where the journey is cheered on by supporters, but the arrival at power is often met with resentment.

“It happens to everyone. Once you become the biggest in anything, you get criticised. You’re doing an election, people love you and vote for you. But when you become president, they hate you.”

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