-
Davido said his debut single, “Back When,” was drawn from his personal experience of struggling financially.
-
The singer recalled watching friends enjoy the privileges of wealthy families while he had no money of his own.
-
He said pursuing music meant going against his father, Chief Deji Adeleke, who wanted him to focus on his education.
-
Davido has since built a global Afrobeats career that has taken him from those early struggles to international success.
August 18, (THEWILL) — Afrobeats star Davido has revealed that he was broke during the early stages of his music career despite coming from a wealthy family.
Speaking on a recent episode of The Uncut Podcast, Davido said his debut single, “Back When,” was inspired by his personal experience of struggling financially.
The singer said he found himself without money after leaving home to pursue music against the wishes of his father, billionaire businessman Chief Deji Adeleke, who wanted him to focus on his education.
Davido said his decision to pursue music meant giving up the financial comfort that came with his family background.
“My song, ‘Back When,’ was inspired by a true experience. There was a time I was broke. I had rich friends with rich parents who lived in mansions in Ikoyi with police escorts. But I had no money.”
Davido’s experience at the time became the inspiration behind “Back When,” which went on to become his breakthrough single.
READ ALSO:
‘I Can Win Nigeria’s Presidency’ – Davido Makes Bold Claim
Released in 2011 and featuring Nigerian rapper Naeto C, the song marked the beginning of Davido’s rise in the Nigerian music scene.
Davido has previously spoken about his father’s opposition to his decision to pursue music, as his father wanted him to complete his education.
That decision would eventually lead to a career spanning more than a decade, with Davido becoming one of Africa’s biggest Afrobeats stars and earning international recognition through his music and collaborations.
Evi-Ben Ezaga is an entertainment and society writer with a passion for stories that explore culture, people, and the stories shaping society today.
