Davido Shares His Journey of Choosing Music Over Family Expectations
Nigerian music star David Adeleke, known as Davido, recently talked about his decision to pursue music instead of following his family’s expectations. Speaking at the 2024 Career Readiness Summit hosted by the Noella Foundation, he explained how he chose to leave behind his family’s traditional career path in business to follow his passion for music.
In his speech titled “Life After School,” Davido reflected on the academic and career goals set by his family. Coming from a prominent family with successful businesses and Adeleke University, his family typically encourages graduates to work within their enterprises. He noted, “In my family, the template is that you go to school, graduate, and then go straight into work,” highlighting the pressure he felt due to his family’s high expectations.
While his siblings adhered to this conventional route, Davido decided to take a different path. During college, he paused his studies to concentrate on his music career, which extended his college years to five. Although he never created a traditional CV, he understands the importance of career preparation from watching his brother, who recruits graduates for the family business.
Davido hopes his story will inspire others to follow their passions, even if it means stepping away from family expectations. His journey serves as a reminder that true fulfillment often comes from pursuing one’s unique path, offering encouragement to students as they consider their own career choices.
