I was on the run when I released ‘Dami Duro’, Davido

Afrobeats sensation Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, shared that he was actively evading his family when his career-defining song "Dami Duro" was released. The hit single launched his career against his family's strong wishes for him to prioritize education and join his father's business.

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I was even on the run at the time from my family when I dropped that record.

In an interview with Vibe Magazine, Davido explained that the lyrics of "Dami Duro" reflected his personal struggles at the time, particularly his determination to pursue music despite familial resistance. "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," he recalled.

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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.

Davido, who was 17 or 18 when the song was released, noted that his family comes from an education-focused background where the expectation was for children to complete school and then work for their father. As the youngest of five siblings, all of whom had graduated, the pressure on him to conform was immense.

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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.

Despite the initial opposition, Davido's father eventually became his most ardent supporter after witnessing his son's talent and success in the music industry. The singer also revealed that he spent time learning music production and mixing before "Dami Duro," skills that enabled him to create his early records independently. He initially kept his privileged background hidden, wanting his music to be appreciated on its own merit.

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