Afrobeats megastar Davido has once again captured the hearts of fans—not with a new hit song this time, but with a deeply emotional revelation about one of the most painful chapters of his life. In a heartfelt conversation with ABC News’ Rocsi Diaz, the Nigerian singer spoke openly about how losing his beloved son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, in 2022 completely transformed his outlook on life, love, and music.
The tragedy occurred in October 2022, when three-year-old Ifeanyi tragically drowned in a swimming pool at Davido’s Banana Island home in Lagos. The news spread like wildfire, shocking not just Nigerians but millions of fans worldwide. At the time, Davido and his wife, Chioma Rowland, retreated from the public eye, leaving fans concerned and sending waves of sympathy across social media.
“Stepping away after losing my son and being able to look back on my career gave me a refocus on how I wanted to move forward. It changed my life,” Davido revealed.
According to him, the break from the spotlight was not just necessary—it was healing. The singer, known for electrifying performances and chart-topping hits like FIA, Fall, and Unavailable, suddenly found himself in a space where fame and music didn’t matter as much as the love and support of his family.
A New Perspective on Life and Career
Davido explained that the loss reshaped how he sees his career and personal life. The break allowed him to reflect on his journey, from being a rising star in Lagos clubs to becoming one of the biggest names in global Afrobeats.
“It’s easy to get lost in the industry,” he shared. “There’s always another show, another flight, another deal. But losing Ifeanyi made me slow down and really think about what matters.”
This new perspective didn’t just influence his personal decisions—it also began shaping his music. Davido hinted that his upcoming projects will reflect deeper emotions, gratitude, and resilience, drawing from his experiences of pain and healing.
Finding Strength with Chioma
The singer’s bond with Chioma became a pillar of strength during this dark period. Both parents were devastated, yet they chose to face their grief together. Davido revealed that their ability to “bounce back” has inspired countless people who have approached him in airports, concerts, and even random public places.
“I know how many people randomly come to me at the airport to tell me how my strength has inspired them in hard times,” he said with a smile. “I was telling my wife the other day that I’m proud of how we bounced back.”
Their comeback was nothing short of remarkable. In 2023, the couple welcomed twins, a blessing that brought joy and healing after their unimaginable loss.
“Now, we have twins. They are big and shouting everywhere,” Davido said, laughing. “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.”
A Symbol of Resilience for Nigerians
In a country where tragedy often feels overwhelming, Davido’s story has become a symbol of resilience. His openness about grief and recovery resonates with Nigerians who have faced personal losses, economic challenges, or health struggles.
The fact that one of Nigeria’s most celebrated artists could step back, face such deep pain, and return stronger sends a powerful message: healing is possible.
Fans have taken to social media to thank him for sharing his story. Many say it gives them hope to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.
From Grief to Gratitude
While the pain of losing Ifeanyi will never truly fade, Davido’s journey reflects a shift from grief to gratitude. He speaks about appreciating moments with loved ones, prioritizing mental health, and making time for family in ways he never did before.
This transformation also appears in his performances. Fans who attended his recent shows note a new depth in his stage presence—less about flashy displays and more about connecting with the audience on a human level.
Davido’s message is clear: success isn’t just about money or fame; it’s about love, resilience, and purpose.
Looking Ahead
As Davido continues to heal, his career remains unstoppable. He recently embarked on a world tour, selling out arenas from London to New York. But even amidst the flashing lights, his heart stays grounded in the lessons learned from losing Ifeanyi.
Fans eagerly await his next album, with many speculating it will contain some of his most personal work yet. Whether it’s a tribute to his late son or a celebration of his growing family, one thing is certain—Davido’s music will now carry an even deeper meaning.
Davido’s story is a reminder that life can change in an instant, but so can our capacity for strength. His courage to speak out, love openly, and keep moving forward has not only inspired Nigerians but has also cemented his place as more than just a music icon—he is a voice of hope.
