Davido, the Afrobeats artist, recently shared a personal story on the American podcast Bagfuel Brigade about his teenage years pursuing music against his father's wishes. After his mother's passing, Davido's father, billionaire Deji Adeleke, left him alone in a 16-bedroom mansion while his siblings studied abroad in America. Davido secretly built a music studio in the mansion and spent his time making music and smoking without his father's knowledge.

When Davido couldn't hide his passion anymore, he fled to London to live with a producer friend for six months, pursuing his music career. Back in Nigeria, his family launched a massive search for him, involving immigration officers, police, army, and other security agencies. Davido's father reportedly spared no expense in looking for his son.

When Davido returned to Nigeria, he was caught at the airport by an army officer who escorted him outside, where his father was waiting. Contrary to his expectations, his father hugged him warmly, happy to see him safe and sound. This experience showcases Davido's determination to pursue his music career, even if it meant going against his family's wishes. Today, he's one of the most successful Afrobeats artists globally.

He said, “I was living alone with my dad in a 16-bedroom mansion because all my siblings were in America. I had a studio in the house and he didn’t know. A complete studio where I spent most of my time making music and smoking.

“I left the mansion for about six months. My dad was looking for me, the army, Immigration officers, Every security agency in Nigeria was looking for Dr. Deji Adeleke’s son, which is me.

“Eventually, I got caught at the airport on my way back from London, where I have been staying with a producer friend making music.

“When I returned to Nigeria, I wasn’t planning to go home. I landed at the airport with the intention to go to a friend’s place — but the moment I stepped out, an army officer walked up to me and escorted me outside.

“Waiting there were uniformed men and my dad. I thought my would scold me but instead he hugged me. He was happy to see me.”