"I Did Not Drop Out Of School" - Davido

* The Skelewu crooner In this interview with Joan
Omionawele, Davido shares his experiences
before fame came his way and opens up on his
musical career, private life and plans for the
future.
Read more below
You recently returned from your first musical tour.
What was the experience like?
It was a great experience. I had to fly, land,
perform, fly again, land, and perform. Singing in
front of different crowds in different countries was
a serious thing but it was a lot of fun. I met so
many people. Generally, the tour was a lot of fun.
You’ve achieved fame within such a short period
of time. How were you able to do that?
God has had my back, always. It’s all God’s doing.
From my single back then, He had said it was my
time; and so I kept doing my thing, working hard,
spending more time working on the music and
sampling all kinds of sounds. That’s how it came
about.
Before you became a big shot, what were those
days of humble beginnings in the industry like?
They weren’t easy – having to prove that you
could do this, or that you could be big and sell
records, and then not having people believe you
or want to take a chance. I had some rough
periods of even hungry days in the studio.
Sometimes you got broke, but still just found one
way or the other to pull through. I had plenty
rough times.
What were your childhood days like?
I had a regular childhood. A whole lot of play and
school, sometimes the play would just centre
around music.
How did your dad feel about your decision to
become a recording artiste?
He didn’t like it at first; but eventually a man
understands a man’s need to do his thing and
make a name for himself.
Did you drop out of school because you wanted to
pursue your musical career?
Who says I dropped out? I’m in my third year in
school.
How do you combine your music with your studies
successfully? Has building a profession in music
affected your studies in anyway?
It’s not been easy, but it’s working one way or the
other. Being madly busy is not easy to cope with
when you are studying; but it has no choice but to
work out.
Why did you decide to go into music?
I was always going to do music as soon as I
discovered my flair for it and I was working on
sounds too in a studio and some of my friends
used to say that I should just try doing my own
thing. So, I took it up when I realised that I could
actually make some decent sounds. I’ve always
nurtured dreams of performing live, so it just had
to be done.
Which musicians inspire you?
TuFace, PSquare and the Koko Master (Dbanj).
Those guys are really something. The big things
they’ve done in this industry are unforgettable.
So, that’s my drive as well – to (make) a serious
impact.
You travel a lot. Does your girlfriend not
complain?
(Laughs) If you know say I get, and you sabi am,
go ask am.
You mean you are not dating anyone now?
No.
You must have a lot of ladies trying to get your
attention. How has the reception from your
female fans been like?
It’s crazy, coupled with the fact that I am young,
and with girls in my age group too. Here in Africa
and in Europe, the female fan base is wild. I really
appreciate it. When guys are feeling you while you
perform and also the girls are gingered and
sometimes crazier about you, it’s cool.
We have had pictures of you in bed with various
kinds of ladies. How has that affected your career?
If it has had any big effect on my career, I’m not
sure I know about it, because I am still doing my
thing and God still has my back. God did not allow
some random act of one person who felt like
fooling around to now spoil my career or ruin my
image. Sebi they wanted to snap me (take my
photograph)? They ‘snapped me’ and went their
way…and my life goes on. That’s it.
What deals, endorsements, shows or recognition
have you got that were quite memorable for you?
MTN of course. My first advert for MTN Pulse was
a big deal for me. It was a great thing to be part
of. Also, my shows all over Nigeria and performing
in different states make me unable to decide
which one is my favourite, seriously. You perform
in a state and get mad love from the crowd; and
then the next state is even crazier. And that’s how
it just keeps going. So, my high points are those
moments when my fans show dedication, and
show me love like ‘Ah, you be our guy; you be our
man, you know?
Which musicians do you dream of working with
internationally?
It won’t be bad working with Pitbul, David Guetta,
Sean Paul, and Nicki Minaj.
Your dad is wealthy and influential. Would you say
his wealth has been a propelling factor in your
career?
My father is wealthy, yes, and I am thankful to
God for that. One way or the other, in my music
career, there’s always a point where the gratitude
goes to my father and always a point where my
father’s wealth has been a useful factor. As for
opening doors, well, maybe. But money is not
everything and every part of it, behind the scenes
of success is a lot of blood, sweat and tears.
If you were not a musician, what other career path
would you have chosen?
Maybe a producer; but if you mean totally out of
music, maybe one big businessman.
Reports say you were caught abroad spending
fake money. How did that happen?
Go and ask the so called reporters whether na
dem put fake currency for my hand. How does
that even make sense? We were in Europe and
spending good hard-earned money, even when
the person we had a deal with was defaulting, and
didn’t want to pay us. So it was just some rubbish
they cooked up to spoil our names, and get away
with breaking our contract. But of course, we don
pass that one, so na dem sabi.
What’s the most expensive thing you have ever
pampered yourself with?
My house! But if that doesn’t count as pampering,
then maybe one of my Rolexes that the price tag
can give somebody ‘Apollo’.
You have so many tattoos. Are you just following
the trend or you’re doing your own thing?
I feel the need to ink my skin, so I do it. Simple.
It’s my desire and that’s all.
What’s the craziest thing you have ever done on
stage?
(Laughs) Nothing too wild; I just kissed a girl from
the stage.
Some of your fans complain that you don’t have
strong lyrics but only project the elitist life?
It’s what we need to drive the sounds; those kinds
of lyrics are what the industry, as it is, is moved
by. I can decide now to bring out the deepest of
my emotions through lyrics. And you know, they
will say Davido is boring.
In your dull moments, what do you do to get back
in line?
I just make a mad beat, or take a trip to
somewhere of interest.
How do you relax?
I go to the most exotic resorts and lounges in any
country I’m currently in. Then sometimes I like to
just (relax) with my headphones and just jam for
hours, undisturbed.