Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido has opened up about the profound personal and professional transformation he experienced following the tragic loss of his three-year-old son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, in 2022. During a recent interview with ABC News’ Rocsi Diaz, the musician, whose real name is David Adeleke, reflected on how the incident reshaped his outlook, relationships, and career trajectory.
The tragedy occurred in October 2022 when Ifeanyi drowned in a swimming pool at the family’s residence in Lagos, Nigeria’s affluent Banana Island neighborhood. Davido and his partner, celebrity chef Chioma Rowland, later received widespread public support from fans and colleagues across the globe. Nearly two years after the loss, the singer revealed the couple’s resilience has not only helped them rebuild their lives but has also inspired others navigating adversity.
“Stepping away after losing my son and being able to look back at my career gave me a refocused vision for how I wanted to move forward,” Davido told ABC News. He described the tragedy as a pivotal moment that altered his priorities, emphasizing the importance of family and purposeful creativity. The singer shared anecdotes about strangers approaching him at airports and public spaces to express how his strength during grief motivated them through their own challenges.
Davido and Chioma, who welcomed twins in late 2023, expressed pride in their ability to navigate profound loss while rebuilding joy. “I told my wife recently how proud I am of how we bounced back. Our twins are thriving now—loud, energetic, and full of life,” he said. The couple’s journey, marked by both heartbreak and renewal, has resonated deeply with fans, reinforcing Davido’s status not just as an artist but as a figure of personal resilience.
The 31-year-old Grammy-nominated artist, known for global hits like “Fall” and “Unavailable,” acknowledged that the experience influenced his recent work, though he declined to specify how. Industry observers note that his latest projects have incorporated more introspective themes, contrasting with his earlier party-oriented tracks.
As Afrobeats continues to expand its global influence, Davido’s candidness about loss and recovery offers a humanizing counterpoint to his meteoric career. The interview has sparked conversations about grief, parenthood, and cultural attitudes toward mental health in the public eye. For many supporters, the singer’s transparency underscores the universality of loss and the quiet power of perseverance.
