Afrobeats megastar Davido has opened up about the backlash he continues to receive over his privileged background, saying he is the most criticised celebrity in Nigeria simply because his father is wealthy. The singer made the revelation during a candid interview on the Culture Knock Out podcast, aired this week.
Davido, born David Adeleke, explained that his rise to stardom began before people discovered he came from money. According to him, the early anonymity of his family’s wealth helped him escape what he calls the “rich kid stigma” that many believed would ruin his credibility in Nigeria’s highly competitive music scene.
“I’m the most criticised artist in Nigeria. When I started, no one knew my dad was rich. By the time it came out, I already had three hit songs,” he said. “So it was too late for that stigma to stop me.”
He stressed that music wasn’t a backup plan or hobby—it was his life’s calling. “I didn’t care if I had to be homeless. I just wanted to do music. That was all I needed. Nothing could’ve stopped me at that point,” the singer added.
Despite the constant criticism tied to his affluent background, Davido has remained one of the most consistent hitmakers in Africa. “Over time, people started hating me because my dad is rich. But I keep dropping good music, and it keeps working out. The success is my answer,” he said confidently.
He also likened his situation to that of public figures and politicians. “It happens to everyone who becomes the biggest at something. During campaigns, they love you. But when you win, they hate you. That’s how society works,” he concluded.
Davido’s remarks have sparked fresh debates online about class, fame, and merit in the entertainment industry. For many fans, his transparency only reinforces his authenticity—proof that passion, not privilege, has kept him at the top for over a decade.
