In a candid podcast interview, Nigerian music superstar David Adeleke, better known as Davido, shared how his father’s teachings about faith and trust in God have shaped his resilience through life’s challenges.
Speaking to Rollingout, Davido opened up about the powerful influence of his father’s religious guidance, particularly during difficult moments in his personal life.
“My dad is very successful, but he’s an elder in the church,” Davido said, recalling his upbringing in a devout Christian home. “I grew up as a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I attended a Christian college.”
Davido’s father, a prominent figure in both business and the church, instilled in him the importance of trusting God, even when life seemed unfair.
“You Can’t Question God”
Davido reflected on some of the most challenging times of his life, including the painful loss of his son, Ifeanyi, and how his father’s wisdom helped him cope.
“I overcame a lot of challenges because of my dad. Initially, I did not understand, but now I’ve come to the realization,” Davido shared. “I was angry. Sometimes, I was like, ‘Why do bad things happen to good people?’ And my dad told me that you can’t question God.”
The Afrobeat singer admitted that, at the time, he struggled to accept his father’s advice. He questioned the fairness of life and the role that faith played in his hardships.
But time, as Davido revealed, helped him understand the deeper meaning behind his father’s words.
A Turning Point in Faith
The tragic loss of his son Ifeanyi, he explained, was a turning point in his life and his relationship with God.
“It was a tough moment for me,” he said, reflecting on the overwhelming grief. But, as he continued, he found new strength in his faith and started seeing the wisdom in his father’s teachings.
“A year later, we had twins, the biggest album of my career came, and my first Grammy nominations came,” he said, pointing to the blessings that followed the dark period. “Then it started to make sense.”
For Davido, his father’s lesson that “you can’t question God” took on a profound new meaning after this turning point.
Faith and Perseverance Through Challenges
Davido now embraces the understanding that, although life presents challenges, perseverance and trust in divine timing can bring eventual rewards.
“People go through different challenges, but just know that God has your back,” he said, encouraging his listeners to stay hopeful and trust in the journey, no matter how difficult it may seem.
In the interview, Davido expressed gratitude for his father’s role in his spiritual upbringing. The music star credits much of his success and strength to the unwavering faith his father instilled in him.
Influence of Faith on His Career
Despite the fame, wealth, and recognition that come with being one of the world’s top Afrobeat stars, Davido has maintained his spiritual beliefs as the backbone of his success.
“The reason I am who I am today is because of my faith,” he said, explaining how his trust in God has helped him navigate not only personal pain but also the pressures of his career. “It’s not always easy, but you just have to keep going.”
His faith journey, he explained, has not only sustained him through personal struggles but has also shaped the way he views his music career.
In many ways, his music itself embodies the themes of perseverance, hope, and resilience that his father taught him.
The Impact of Faith on Life’s Obstacles
In his message, Davido reminded his listeners that everyone faces difficulties in life, but overcoming them is possible through faith.
“Life is hard, and sometimes you wonder why things happen,” he said. “But the key is to stay strong and trust that God has a plan for you.”
The lessons from his father, combined with his own personal experiences, have made Davido a strong believer in the power of faith.
He encourages others to maintain their trust in God, knowing that everything happens in divine timing, even if the reasons aren’t immediately clear.
Davido’s Message of Hope
As he closed the interview, Davido’s message was clear: trust in God, be patient, and hold onto faith through the toughest times.
“Whatever you’re going through, just know that it’s for a reason. God has a bigger plan for you,” he said, his voice filled with conviction. “Keep trusting, and you will see the blessings unfold.”
