I took a different path from my family’s template – Davido

Popular Nigerian musician David Adeleke, known to fans as Davido, has revealed that he broke away from his family’s traditional career expectations.

Speaking at the Career Readiness Summit 2024, organised by the Noella Foundation, the award-winning Afrobeats star opened up about taking an unconventional route in his career path, unlike other family members.

The 31-year-old musician, regarded as one of the defining figures in 21st-century Afrobeats, shared insights from his personal journey in a speech titled “Life After School.”

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“I relate a lot to this topic because I’m living proof of a successful person after school. I feel like sharing my experience can give students a new perspective on career choices.

“I went into the entertainment world after school, but I do have friends, siblings, and my father, who has companies. We also have a school, Adeleke University, where students graduate from, and we also have companies that we recruit students for after school.

“What I’m saying is that you have another life again after school; that’s really when you know life really starts.”

He spoke about the academic and professional expectations in his family, noting that the typical path involves completing school and moving directly into the workforce, often within the family’s businesses. “I come from a family where you go to school, and after school, you go directly to work – either you work for my dad or find work elsewhere. That was really the template,” he said.

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But while his siblings followed this plan, Davido took a different path, dedicating himself to music. Reflecting on his time in school, Davido acknowledged that his journey wasn’t straightforward; he did about five years in school because he took a break for music.

While he admitted that he didn’t create a Curriculum Vitae (CV) after graduation, Davido noted his awareness of how important it is for others, particularly those in his family’s companies.

“I’ve seen my brother, who works in our family business, recruiting fresh graduates from our own Adeleke University and beyond. Some students even come prepared with very detailed CVs,” he said.

Davido closed his speech by highlighting that his unconventional journey shows the importance of following one’s passions, even when they deviate from family expectations.