David Adedeji Adeleke, better known as Davido, is an American-born Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. We are grown to love the controversial music hit maker from amazing songs such as Aye, Skelewu, Assurance, and more.
His well sought out but rough lifestyle has presented a beautiful ‘rags to riches’ essence beneath the musical icon via the image projected, however, this might not really be the case. Davido is not of the typical low-income family that usually sees most prolific young African musicians spring from. In fact, his family is very well off. He studied Business Administration at Oakwood University before dropping out to make beats and record vocal references.
Davido is the son of Adedeji Adeleke, a Nigerian billionaire, business magnate, founder and president of Adeleke University. He is also the CEO of Pacific Holdings Limited. He was married to Dr Vero Adeleke who died on 3 March 2003.
Despite how much money Davido flaunts in his music videos, and how much he promises the lady/ies he sings about, the talented artists is actually taking a hit in his financial well being by making music. Speaking in an interview with Ebuka on Bounce Radio, the singer insisted that he is doing music because he loves the craft. He added that he will become a billionaire in dollars if he quits music and start working in his father’s company.
Davido also disclosed that all his brothers are richer than him in the interview as you can see below.
Funny enough Davido’s situation is not unique. Despite many kids from inner and urban cities looking to use music as a means to sore out of their wretched but loving homes, there is also a great number of kids from high-income homes that take to entertainment to pursue their careers. And this is the reality for various reasons.
1. They have the resource to invest in their talents and career.
2. They have more time on their hands to study, enjoy and regurgitate the craft.
3. They are automatically granted with respect and connections that might have been denied to them if they were nobodies.
4. And lastly they are immensely supported by their families’ wealth during the less financially productive times during their attempt to succeed.
All four of which are missing from that sprouting out of poverty. The one thing missing from the rich kids in entertainment that can never be fabricated is their hunger for success. This is where most of them fall short. And when it exists, it usually isn’t based on the pure aesthetic of breaking through and financially succeeding.
Davido may not be as rich as he wishes to be, but he has done a great job with maintaining himself in the public eye and an even greater job with his songs. However, it will forever be a myth if the wealth we see around his is that of his talent or of his family, even if it is sourced from his music.