Davido Reflects on Childhood in 16-Bedroom Mansion with Father in Exclusive Interview

Nigerian music superstar David Adeleke, known as Davido, revealed intimate details about his upbringing during an interview on the Business Untitled podcast on April 24, 2025, in Los Angeles. The Afrobeats icon shared that he lived in a 16-bedroom mansion in Lagos with only his father, Adedeji Adeleke, a prominent businessman and founder of Adeleke University. The revelation offered a glimpse into the opulent yet solitary environment that shaped Davido’s early years, contrasting with his global fame today.

Davido, the youngest of five siblings, explained that his older siblings were studying abroad during his childhood, leaving him and his father as the primary occupants of the sprawling residence. “It was just me and my dad in this big house. We had staff, of course, but it felt empty sometimes,” he said, describing the mansion’s grandeur, which included amenities like a private cinema and a swimming pool. 

He credited his father’s discipline and entrepreneurial spirit for instilling a strong work ethic, which influenced his music career. Davido also recounted how his father initially opposed his pursuit of music, preferring he focus on academics, but eventually supported his passion after seeing his determination.

The interview touched on Davido’s rise to stardom, from his breakout hit “Dami Duro” in 2012 to becoming a global ambassador for Afrobeats. He highlighted his efforts to bridge African and Western music industries, citing collaborations with artists like Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj. Fans on social media praised Davido’s humility and storytelling, with many noting how his privileged background did not deter his hustle. The podcast episode, which also featured discussions on his philanthropy through the Davido Adeleke Foundation, has garnered over 500,000 views online, underscoring his enduring influence in music and culture.