How I Got Into Trouble for Skipping School to Perform in 2011, Confesses Davido
Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has opened up about the challenges he faced at the start of his music career, revealing how he got into serious trouble with his father after skipping school to perform in 2011.
The award-winning singer shared the story during a recent interview, explaining that his passion for music often clashed with his father’s insistence on education.
At the time, Davido was enrolled in school in the United States but frequently travelled to Nigeria to perform at shows without his father’s knowledge.
According to him, his father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, who is a respected businessman and education advocate, went to great lengths to stop his performances and ensure he returned to school.
“I was skipping school and performing at shows. My dad sent the police after me. Anytime he saw a flyer with my name on it, they would shut the show down and arrest the promoter,” Davido recalled.
The singer also revealed that after returning to Nigeria in 2011, he got into more trouble when he dropped out of university abroad, came home with tattoos and piercings, and began performing full-time.
His father, displeased with the decision, reportedly had him picked up at the airport and warned him to complete his studies before pursuing a music career.
Despite the tension, Davido said his father’s actions came from a place of love and concern. They later reached a compromise—he would continue his studies while working on music. He eventually earned a degree in Music and Business Management before fully diving into the entertainment industry.
Shortly after that period, Davido released his breakout hit “Dami Duro”, which shot him to stardom in 2011 and marked the beginning of his rise as one of Africa’s most influential artists.
Reflecting on the experience, Davido expressed gratitude to his father for keeping him grounded during those early years.
“My dad just wanted the best for me. He believed education was important, and looking back, I understand why he was so strict,” he said.
Today, Davido is celebrated globally as a multiple award-winning artist, producer, and record label executive, but his story of youthful rebellion and eventual understanding remains one of the most talked-about chapters of his journey.
His experience, he noted, serves as a reminder that while passion can drive success, discipline, family guidance, and perseverance often play a crucial role in achieving lasting greatness.
