Jayne Augoye of punch engages rave of the moment,
Davido, on fame, family and music
Davido is one artiste who sure knows how to
blow his own trumpet. But, who won’t, when
one has certain things going on well for
oneself or when ‘the lines have fallen unto
pleasant places’ as the Psalmist says. A rich
father, a successful career which is barely
three years old, a multi-million naira
endorsement deal, sold-out concerts, a string
of hits, a personal home, an enviable fleet of
cars and a growing fan base – Davido boast all
at the moment.
At 20, he has no doubt garnered what has
taken many artistes years to achieve, that is, if
God and mother-luck shines generously on
them.
Ever since he drew the attention of millions of
music fans to himself when he introduced
himself as ‘Omo baba olowo’ in his 2011 hit
song titled ‘Dami duro’, there has been no
looking back for the singer, who says he is
currently a part time student at Babcock
University, Ilishan Remo.
“Everything is just God because I just wanted
to do music, be happy and comfortable but
He just turned my fortunes around and I
thank Him for that,” he quips.
For some established artistes, fame and
wealth can be a tad difficult to manage. But
for Davido, it’s been a tough call especially
since he has achieved both at a young age.
“Even though I have fame, money and other
things working for me, I didn’t expect to be
this big. I find it sometimes overwhelming
that I am immediately recognised wherever I
go and it is such a great feeling, that
sometimes I feel like the president. I miss
partying at the club with my friends, but at
the same time I am happy because this is
what I have always wanted to do,” he says.
No stranger to controversies and online
scandals, Davido, admits that despite being a
celebrity, he isn’t immune to general life
issues.
“No doubt I have made some mistakes and I
am not perfect. You know, sometimes I get
overwhelmed or annoyed. I am a human
being too, people have to understand that
before they are quick to judge my actions,” he
admits.
The Nigerian music scene has become a lot
more competitive with various artistes
emerging and others bowing out of the scene
after a hit. Davido considers himself an
authority in his own right. His reason? “I’m
not afraid of competition or the fact that
some person will just appear on the scene and
take the shine. After all, I did it to some
people, so I expect that it is something that
must happen to everyone because you can’t
be shining forever. But once you are good to
others, make good music, have loyal fans,
that’s all that matters.”
Not one to throw in the towel so soon, the
20-year old singer appears to have his future
plans all sorted out, already. “I have plans to
go into oil and gas business with my elder
brother next year. I want to do music for 10
years. By that time, I will be 30, and free to
rest. Some people are just starting out at 30
but I am already a success and threat at 20.
Fame at a young age is a plus because I still
have like 10 years to ball while some people
are just starting at 27 and 30.”
So, is Wizkid not a threat or music rival? To
this, he says, “Not at all. The rumour is cool.
But I see nobody as competition or threat.
God is behind me, so I just go into the studio,
do my music and everything is fine. I develop
and write most of my songs in the studio.”
It is almost impossible to have a chat with
Davido and not ask about how much influence
his father has had on his career. After all, he
says it for all who care to listen that he is a
rich kid.
In an unapologetic tone, he says, “Yes my
father is rich, but the truth is some people
only knew who he was after I released my
song, ‘Omo Baba Olowo’. I want people to
know that the song was not a hit because of
my father but because it was dope. I didn’t
sing ‘OBO’ because of my father’s wealth –
contrary to what people think.”
The singer, who developed an interest in
music at age 13, also admits that he enjoys a
very cordial relationship with his father,
despite his busy nature.
Amidst laughter, he says, “My father and
family always keep me grounded. They call me
from time to time to ask about my welfare.
My father actually visits all these blogs to
read and see all my nonsense. Just like the
typical Yoruba father, he scolds me and
whenever he does that, I will say, ‘Daddy cool
down, what’s going on, relax.’ Although he is
also very proud of me, he is scared and happy
for me at the same time.”
A few weeks back, the video for his hit song,
Skelewu, was met with mixed reactions and
this did not go down well with the singer. He
says, “The song is big already; so whatever we
do people are still going to talk anyway. I shot
the video like a movie and there are three
videos, so people can watch whichever one
they want.
“If you don’t like the instructional video, you
can watch Sesan’s, if you don’t like that one;
you can watch Moe Musa’s. If people want, I
will shoot one more video, it’s not easy.”
Although the lad admits that he has taken the
criticisms in good faith, his countenance
betrays him, so does his response, he says,
“When the first video leaked they said they
didn’t like it. Everyone knew that we were
about to shoot, and he (Sesan), had the video.
So it may not be him that leaked it. But we
have since apologised to his camp and
everybody.
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