Afrobeats star David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has reflected on the heartbreaking loss of his first son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, describing it as a life-changing experience that reshaped his outlook on life and music.
Davido and his wife, Chioma, suffered the devastating tragedy in October 2022 when their three-year-old son drowned in a swimming pool at the singer’s residence in Banana Island, Lagos. The incident sent shockwaves across Nigeria and beyond, with fans, colleagues, and world figures sending condolences to the couple.
In a recent interview with ABC News’ Rocsi Diaz, Davido spoke candidly about the pain, the healing process, and the strength he and Chioma found to move forward. The singer revealed that the experience forced him to re-evaluate his life and career path.
Read Also: Davido honours late son Ifeanyi 3 years after tragic loss
“Stepping away after losing my son and being able to look back into my career gave me a refocus of how I wanted to move going forward,” he said. “It changed my life.”
The Grammy-nominated singer noted that their ability to survive such an unimaginable loss has inspired many people. He shared how strangers often approach him in public places, including airports, to express how his resilience has given them hope during their difficult times.
“I know how many people randomly come to me at the airport to tell me how my strength has inspired them,” Davido explained. “I was telling my wife the other day that I’m proud of how we bounced back.”
The couple’s recovery from grief has been deeply personal yet remarkably public. In October 2023, a year after Ifeanyi’s passing, Davido and Chioma welcomed a set of twins, a blessing that the singer sees as a testament to their perseverance and faith.
“Now, we got twins,” Davido said with a smile. “They are big and shouting everywhere. For us to be able to go through the loss of our son and be able to bounce back in a major way is huge.”
The singer credited the support of loved ones, loyal fans, and his faith for helping them through the darkest period of their lives.
He also acknowledged that taking time away from the public eye after the tragedy allowed him to heal and return to his career with renewed focus.
Davido’s openness about his grief journey has struck a chord with many, offering a rare glimpse into the human side of a global superstar.
Beyond the fame, awards, and sold-out shows, his story is a reminder that even the brightest stars face moments of deep darkness, and that resilience can pave the way for new beginnings.
For Davido, the pain of losing Ifeanyi will always remain, but the joy of raising his twins now brings a different kind of light into his life.
Read Also: Resemblance between late son Ifeanyi, new son ‘scary’, Davido reveals
