“Wizkid Is Not a Threat To Me’ – Davido
He’s 20 years old, from a wealthy family, has a successful music career which is barely three years old, a string of hits, multi-million naira endorsement deals, sold-out concerts, a personal home, an enviable fleet of cars and an ever-growing fan base; its hard to expect humility from the lucky chap who has all these.
It, therefore, doesn’t come as much of a surprise when Nigerian Pop Crooner, David Oyeleke, popularly known as Davido, blows his own trumpet or does things in the social eye that most people can’t understand or see as unnecessary.
Davido’s first step into limelight was his hit single ‘Dami Duro’, featuring rapper Naeto C, in 2011. One of the reasons the song struck most people was his consistent self-appraisal, calling himself ‘Omo Baba Olowo’ -meaning ‘Child of a Rich Father’- a term which would later on in 2012 be the title of his first album.
Since 2011,its been success galore for the 20-year-old who says he is currently a part time student at Babcock University, Ilishan Remo. Regarding his fast paced success, he says,“Everything is just God because I just wanted to do music, be happy and comfortable but He just turned my fortunes around and I thank Him for that.”
“Even though I have fame, money and other things working for me, I didn’t expect to be this big. I find it sometimes overwhelming that I am immediately recognised wherever I go and it is such a great feeling, that sometimes I feel like the president. I miss partying at the club with my friends, but at the same time I am happy because this is what I have always wanted to do.”
As usually seen with celebrities, his success and large following are also closely followed by controversies and online scandals. Davido admits that despite being a celebrity, he isn’t immune to general life issues.
“No doubt I have made some mistakes and I am not perfect. You know, sometimes I get overwhelmed or annoyed. I am a human being too, people have to understand that before they are quick to judge my actions,” he says.
The Nigerian music scene has become a lot more competitive with many artistes turning out to be ‘one-hit-wonders’. Davido,who has broken those bounds for himself however, considers himself an authority in his own right.
When asked what he thought of the comparisons on social media between Wizkid and himself, whether he regards Wizkid a threat or a Competition, he replies,“Not at all. The rumour is cool. But I see nobody as competition or threat. God is behind me, so I just go into the studio, do my music and everything is fine. I develop and write most of my songs in the studio.”
Away from music, Davido also gives an insight into his relationship with his family, how much influence his father has had on his career, and his plans for the future outside entertainment.
Amidst laughter, he says, “My father and family always keep me grounded. They call me from time to time to ask about my welfare. My father actually visits all these blogs to read and see all my nonsense. Just like the typical Yoruba father, he scolds me and whenever he does that, I will say, ‘Daddy cool down, what’s going on, relax.’ Although he is also very proud of me, he is scared and happy for me at the same time.”
“Yes my father is rich, but the truth is some people only knew who he was after I released my song, ‘Omo Baba Olowo’. I want people to know that the song was not a hit because of my father but because it was dope. I didn’t sing ‘OBO’ because of my father’s wealth – contrary to what people think.”
“I have plans to go into oil and gas business with my elder brother next year. I want to do music for 10 years. By that time, I will be 30, and free to rest. Some people are just starting out at 30 but I am already a success and threat at 20. Fame at a young age is a plus because I still have like 10 years to ball while some people are just starting at 27 and 30.”
Concerning the latest controversy to hit him when after a video for his hit song, Skelewu, was leaked, and another was realeased about 2 days later, both videos were met with mixed reactions and this did not go down well with the singer.
He says, “The song is big already; so whatever we do people are still going to talk anyway. I shot the video like a movie and there are three videos, so people can watch whichever one they want.
“If you don’t like the instructional video, you can watch Sesan’s, if you don’t like that one; you can watch Moe Musa’s. If people want, I will shoot one more video, it’s not easy.”
“When the first video leaked they said they didn’t like it. Everyone knew that we were about to shoot, and he (Sesan), had the video. So it may not be him that leaked it. But we have since apologised to his camp and everybody.”
