Afrobeat superstar and globally celebrated Nigerian artist, Davido, has once again reflected on a significant turning point in his music career while sharing an interesting story about his breakthrough hit “Dami Duro” and the unexpected influence it had on his family, particularly his father.
Speaking in a recent interview with Power 105.1 FM in the United States, the multiple award-winning singer revealed how the massive success of “Dami Duro” not only transformed his life but also won the attention of Nigeria’s then-president, Goodluck Jonathan, who allegedly set the hit song as his personal ringtone.
According to Davido, this incredible moment was a major catalyst that eventually earned him his father’s approval to pursue a career in music. He disclosed that prior to that, his father was staunchly against his decision to venture into entertainment, going as far as involving law enforcement to disrupt his shows and arrest anyone associated with him whenever he tried to perform.
“My dad accepted my decision to do music after he heard my second single, ‘Dami Duro.’ The song blew up everywhere,” Davido said while recalling the experience. “Before then, he would use police and army to shut down my shows, arrest the show promoters, artists, and everyone connected to any event I was billed to perform in.”
He continued, “But when ‘Dami Duro’ became a huge national success, someone told me it was even the President’s ringtone. That was when people around my dad started advising him to let me be and allow me do my music. It was a big deal then.”
Davido further recounted how the new-found support from his father also came with a personal compromise. “I agreed to return to school. I told myself there was no need running away anymore. I should have spoken to him, but I was young then and honestly, I was scared of him. Back then, he was unapproachable.”
Today, things have completely changed for the better between Davido and his father. The singer proudly noted, “Now, we’re best friends. We talk about everything. He comes to all my shows and is very involved in my business. He supports everything I do.”
The revelation further highlights Davido’s resilience and the importance of persistence in chasing one’s passion despite initial opposition, showing how one big moment of success can turn even the strongest critics into loyal supporters.