Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Davido has opened up about the emotional toll of losing his son and the unexpected impact his absence had on the Nigerian music scene.
In a candid interview with Apple Music’s Ebro Darden, the global hitmaker, born David Adeleke, reflected on the aftermath of his son Ifeanyi’s tragic passing in 2022—a heartbreak that led him to retreat from both the stage and social media.
Three-year-old Ifeanyi Adeleke drowned in a swimming pool at the artist’s Lagos residence, a devastating loss that silenced one of Afrobeats’ most influential voices at the peak of his career.
“I knew people loved me, but I didn’t realise how much until I disappeared,” Davido said. “The whole industry just went quiet. Even those who troll me were begging me to come back so they could continue bashing me.”
The viral nature of his disappearance—and the overwhelming outpouring of concern and support—was a turning point for the singer. “I was seeing tweets like, ‘It’s too quiet,’ ‘Davido come back,’” he said.
Davido’s return to music after his mourning period was marked by renewed energy and deeper emotional depth in his artistry.
His silence, though unintentional, became a moment of reflection for the entire industry, revealing just how much his presence fuels the rhythm of Nigerian entertainment.
Now back on the global stage, Davido continues to honour his late son’s memory while inspiring fans with resilience, vulnerability, and the power of healing through music.
