Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has described himself as the most criticised celebrity in Nigeria, attributing the scrutiny to his privileged upbringing.
Speaking on the Culture Knock Out podcast, Davido said public backlash over his wealthy background intensified only after he had already established himself in the music industry with several hit songs.
“I’m the most criticised artist in Nigeria,” he said. “In the beginning, people didn’t know my dad was rich. I already had three hit songs before they found out.”
The artist, whose father is billionaire businessman Adedeji Adeleke, said he initially concealed his family’s wealth to avoid stigma and insisted his passion for music drove him, regardless of his background.
“I didn’t care if I had to become homeless. I just wanted to do music,” he said. “Over time, people started hating me because my dad is rich. But I keep dropping good music, and it keeps working.”
Davido added that criticism is inevitable with fame, comparing his experience to public figures in politics. “It happens to everyone. Once you become the biggest in anything, you will get criticised.”
