Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has made a surprising revelation about his early struggles in music and how his breakout hit, Dami Duro, became the unexpected turning point in his strained relationship with his father, Deji Adeleke.
In a recent interview with Power FM in the United States, the multi-award-winning singer shared emotional insights into his early career, recounting how Dami Duro, released in 2012, not only launched him into the spotlight but also played a major role in gaining his father’s approval—thanks, in part, to a very influential fan: former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.
“Dami Duro Was the President’s Ringtone” – Davido
Reflecting on the moment things started to shift in his favor, Davido revealed that he was told by a reliable source that his smash hit Dami Duro had become President Goodluck Jonathan’s ringtone.
“My dad accepted my decision to do music after he heard my second single, ‘Dami Duro.’ The song blew up,” Davido said during the interview.
“I think it was the President’s ringtone. Someone told me. At that point, people started advising my dad to allow me to do music.”
Whether or not the former president truly had the track set as his ringtone, the buzz surrounding it was enough to change public and family perception. The nationwide success of Dami Duro made it impossible to ignore Davido’s potential, and his father began to see things differently.
From Rejection to Recognition: The Battle with His Father
Before the fame and the accolades, Davido’s journey into music was anything but easy. Coming from one of Nigeria’s wealthiest families, the pressure to follow a more traditional path, particularly in business or academics, was intense.
“Before then, my dad was using the police and army to stop my show and arrest show promoters, artistes, and everyone connected to any show I am billed to perform in,” Davido admitted.
As the son of a billionaire businessman, Deji Adeleke had different plans for his son’s future. But Dami Duro changed the narrative. The track’s wild popularity made Davido a household name across Africa and brought him admiration from unexpected places, including the presidency.
Healing the Rift: From Fear to Friendship
Despite the early clashes, Davido said he later chose to honor his father’s wishes by going back to school. The turning point in their relationship came when he stopped running from confrontation and decided to have a heart-to-heart conversation with his father.
“I went further and accepted to return to school. I said I didn’t have to run away, that I should have spoken to him. No way, I was younger then and he was unapproachable,” he shared.
“I told him I was scared of him. Then, I was a kid. Now, we are best friends. We talk about everything. He comes to all my shows. He is very involved in my business.”
From being afraid of his father’s disapproval to becoming business partners and close companions, Davido’s story is one of healing, mutual respect, and growth.
A Cultural Milestone in Afrobeats History
Dami Duro remains one of the most iconic songs in the evolution of Afrobeats, symbolizing not just a musical breakout but a personal triumph for Davido. The track’s success proved that creative careers, especially in music, can thrive even in the face of societal and family resistance.
For fans and aspiring artists alike, Davido’s story is a reminder that passion, persistence, and belief in one’s talent can break barriers—even the ones closest to home.
From a rebellious young dreamer hiding from police shutdowns to becoming a global Afrobeats ambassador with a supportive father by his side, Davido’s journey is as inspiring as his music.