Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has shared the backstory of his breakthrough hit, ‘Dami Duro’, revealing that his family opposed his music career and even chased him away after the song’s release.

Speaking in an interview with Vibe Magazine, he recounted how he was still a teenager when the record dropped and was under immense pressure from his family.

The ‘Unavailable’ crooner explained that his family expected him to follow the traditional path of completing his education and working in his father’s business. As the youngest of five children, he faced added pressure, as all his siblings had already graduated.

He recalled that while his father initially saw him as a stubborn last child, he later became his biggest supporter after recognizing his talent and success.

Before releasing Dami Duro, Davido had spent time learning music production and mixing, skills that helped him create his early records. He also revealed that he initially hid his wealthy background because he wanted people to appreciate his music rather than his privilege.

He said:
“I was even on the run at the time from my family when I dropped that record.”

“If you listen to the record, like, ‘You stop trying to stop me, I’m the son of a rich man.’ So that was what I was going through at the time.”

“I come from a family which is education-based. The rule is that you go to school, after you go to school, you go and work for daddy. That’s how it is.”

“I’m the last kid of five. So imagine the pressure on me having all my siblings have graduated.”

“My daddy was like, ‘Ah, why is he this last one? Why is he this stubborn last boy that does not want to…’ But now, that’s my biggest fan.”

“I didn’t want them to know that I was well off because I just felt like they wouldn’t treat me the same.”