Afrobeats superstar Davido has revealed a surprising and little-known detail about his 2012 breakthrough single, Dami Duro, which launched his career.
According to him, the 2012 hit was so widely loved that it reportedly became the ringtone of Nigeria’s then-president, Goodluck Jonathan.
In a recent interview with Power 105.1 FM in the United States, Davido — born David Adeleke — spoke about how the success of Dami Duro changed the course of his life. More importantly, it helped mend his strained relationship with his father, who had been firmly against his music career.
A father’s disapproval
Before the success of Dami Duro, Davido’s father, Dr. Deji Adeleke, made every effort to stop him from performing. He believed music wasn’t a worthy career choice for his son.
“My dad was using the police and army to shut down my shows,” Davido said. “He would have show promoters arrested. Sometimes, even the artists I worked with got into trouble.”
The opposition was intense. At the time, Davido felt he had no choice but to fight for his dream in silence, despite the growing tension at home.
The turning point: Dami duro
Then came Dami Duro. The single exploded across Nigeria. It played everywhere — on the radio, at parties, and in the streets. It became more than just a song; it became a cultural moment.
According to Davido, the track even reached the highest office in the land. “Someone told me it was the President’s ringtone,” he said with a smile. “That was the moment people started advising my dad to let me be. They told him, ‘This boy is going places.’”
From critic to supporter
Faced with public praise for his son and the song’s unstoppable success, Dr. Adeleke began to soften. He stopped sending people to interfere with Davido’s shows. Soon after, he began supporting his son’s career.
Davido recalled how they worked things out. “I told him I’d go back to school. I said, ‘Look, I didn’t have to run away. I should’ve just talked to you.’ But I was scared. He was strict. At that time, I was just a kid.”
A stronger bond today
Today, things couldn’t be more different. Davido and his father are not just on good terms — they are close.
“We’re best friends now,” he said. “He comes to all my shows. He’s very involved in my business. We talk about everything.”
Their relationship is now built on trust, understanding, and shared goals. What started as a point of conflict has turned into a bond of support and pride.
Music, family, and a bit of luck
Davido’s journey with Dami Duro is more than a success story. It’s about how music can bridge gaps, heal wounds, and bring people together. From being chased off stages to being backed by his father, Davido’s rise shows the power of belief, passion, and persistence.
Today, he stands tall as one of Africa’s biggest stars. And behind him is a father who once doubted him — now cheering the loudest.
And to think, it all started with a song that may have once played from the phone of a president.
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