Renowned singer Davido has reflected on a turbulent period in his teenage years, revealing how he pursued his music ambitions despite strong opposition from his father.
During an interview on the American podcast Bagfuel Brigade, Davido explained that he secretly installed a recording studio inside his family’s 16-bedroom mansion, spending most of his time working on music away from his father’s eyes. Eventually, he left Nigeria for London, where he stayed for six months to focus fully on his craft.
According to him, his disappearance prompted his father, Dr. Deji Adeleke, to involve security forces, including the Nigerian army and immigration officials, in a search effort.
Upon his return to Nigeria, Davido said he was intercepted by an army officer at the airport and escorted to meet his father. However, instead of anger, he was met with relief and a warm embrace.
While speaking, he said:
“I was living alone with my dad in a 16-bedroom mansion because all my siblings were in America. I had a studio in the house and he didn’t know. A complete studio where I spent most of my time making music and smoking.“I left the mansion for about six months. My dad was looking for me, the army, Immigration officers, Every security agency in Nigeria was looking for Dr. Deji Adeleke’s son, which is me.
“Eventually, I got caught at the airport on my way back from London where I have been staying with a producer friend making music.
“When I returned to Nigeria, I wasn’t planning to go home. I landed at the airport with the intention to go to a friend’s place — but the moment I stepped out, an army officer walked up to me and escorted me outside.
“The whole army was outside, like 20 of them and then I saw my dad, hugged him. He was like why did you run away, I said I wanted to do music. I just didn’t know how to tell you.”
