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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Culture & Society

Why I no longer move with a large entourage, Davido

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • Afrobeats star Davido has reduced his entourage due to lifestyle changes, family responsibilities, and a desire for a more productive environment.
  • He now prefers a smaller circle, focusing on his marriage and career, but continues to support friends financially and by helping them establish businesses.
  • Davido's approach to his inner circle has also influenced his music production, leading to a more focused creative process with fewer people involved.

Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has explained his decision to significantly reduce the size of his entourage. He attributes this change to evolving lifestyle choices, increased family responsibilities following his marriage, and a conscious effort to cultivate a more productive atmosphere around him.

Now I live with the kids and my wife. I canโ€™t have 100 people in my house like before.

โ€” DavidoExplaining his reduced entourage due to family life.

Davido stated that unlike in his earlier career days when he was often surrounded by a large group of people, he now prioritizes a more intimate circle. "Now I live with the kids and my wife. I canโ€™t have 100 people in my house like before," he shared in an interview with Vibe Magazine on Thursday, discussing the creative process behind his upcoming album.

However, the singer emphasized that this reduction in his immediate circle does not signify an end to his friendships. He affirmed his commitment to supporting his friends, stating, "Itโ€™s not like everybody that used to be around me are not still friends and notโ€ฆ you know. Iโ€™ve set everybody up financially." Davido encourages those close to him to develop skills and contribute meaningfully, offering financial assistance for their business ventures.

Itโ€™s not like everybody that used to be around me are not still friends and notโ€ฆ you know. Iโ€™ve set everybody up financially.

โ€” DavidoClarifying that he still supports his friends financially and professionally.

This shift in his personal life has also impacted his professional endeavors, particularly his music production. Davido revealed that his latest project involved fewer collaborators compared to his earlier works. "Normally, recorded 10 people in the studio. Weโ€™re drinking. You know how it is, like party vibe. But with this record, because of my situation, like I canโ€™t be having 100 people at the crib," he explained. He now prefers working with individuals who directly contribute to his career and creative process, stating, "When itโ€™s time to work, we got to get to it."

If youโ€™re around me, get something to do. What business do you want to do? Oh, you want to open a shop for your wifeโ€™s spot? Okay. How much? You take this.

โ€” DavidoDescribing his approach to helping friends establish businesses.

Respect remains a non-negotiable requirement for anyone in Davido's inner circle. He stressed the importance of treating others, particularly women, with respect, citing his upbringing as a foundation for his values of sharing and caring for others.

Normally, recorded 10 people in the studio. Weโ€™re drinking. You know how it is, like party vibe. But with this record, because of my situation, like I canโ€™t be having 100 people at the crib.

โ€” DavidoContrasting his past studio environment with his current, more focused approach.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.