Popular Nigerian singer Davido recently shared that many people in Nigeria dislike him simply because he comes from a wealthy background. In his words, “They hate me cause of my father’s wealth,” expressing how his family’s riches have brought him harsh judgment over the years.
Speaking during a recent podcast, Davido talked about how being rich made things harder for him at the start of his music journey. He said that if Nigerians had known from the beginning that he came from money, his career might have been affected in a big way. According to him, he was lucky that his father’s wealth wasn’t public knowledge when he released his first few songs. By the time people found out, he had already gained a lot of fans.
Davido explained that the love he received early on helped protect him from the backlash that could have ended his dream. Even though people later discovered his background, it was already too late to stop his rise in the music industry. His success had already taken root, and nothing could break it.
Despite the hate, Davido said he was determined to follow his passion for music. He didn’t care what people thought. He mentioned that even if he had to sleep outside or face tough times, he would still have chased his dream. His love for music was stronger than any fear of judgment.
The singer revealed that once his success became bigger, the criticism grew louder. He compared it to what politicians go through. He said when someone is rising, people cheer for them. But once they reach the top, those same people begin to throw stones. That, he said, is exactly what happened to him. But he’s not surprised. He believes this happens to everyone who reaches a high level.
Davido confidently said he has always been one of the most criticized artists in Nigeria. He feels like the more successful he becomes, the more people try to find fault. He added that in the early days, people didn’t know his father was wealthy, and that gave him space to grow in peace. It was only after he had three hit songs that the truth came out.
He said, “They hate me cause of my father’s wealth,” but he doesn’t let that stop him. Instead, he keeps working hard and making hit after hit. He said when people found out about his background, they tried to use it against him. But he had already proven himself.
Davido stressed that he started doing music because he loved it—not because he wanted attention or because of family money. He just wanted to sing and be heard. He said that even if he had to struggle, he wouldn’t have given up. That kind of dedication, he said, is what has kept him going all these years.
He also pointed out that in Nigeria, many people have a mindset that a rich person can’t succeed through hard work. Once they hear someone is rich, they believe that person’s success isn’t earned. Davido said that’s the reason why people began to hate him, not for his talent, but because of what his father owns.
But despite all of this, he never gave up. He continued to focus on his music. He said, “I keep on dropping good music, and it keeps working out.” That, for him, is proof that the hate doesn’t matter. As long as he keeps creating good songs, his fans will stay with him.
Davido believes that being born into wealth shouldn’t stop someone from following their dreams. He wants people to understand that having money doesn’t mean he didn’t work hard. In fact, he said he worked even harder just to prove himself.
He said he’s not ashamed of his father or their money. Instead, he’s proud of his family but also proud of what he has built for himself. He didn’t let his father’s success become a shadow—he built his own name and made sure people respected him for his music, not just for his last name.
Davido also reminded listeners that anyone who becomes the best at something will always face hate. He gave an example, saying that during elections, people love a candidate. But once that person wins, the love fades and criticism begins. That, he said, is the same thing that happens in entertainment. Once you become number one, everyone starts looking for ways to bring you down.
Even with all the negativity, Davido has stayed strong. He hasn’t let the hate or judgment stop him. Instead, he uses it as fuel. Every bad comment, every false story, only pushes him to work harder. He believes that the best way to answer hate is with success.
Today, Davido is one of the biggest names in African music. He travels around the world, performs to huge crowds, and wins awards. But he never forgets how people used to talk about him. He still hears whispers about his background, but he’s no longer bothered by them.
He said that the phrase “They hate me cause of my father’s wealth” sums up what he’s been through. People didn’t want to believe that someone like him could be successful on his own. But he’s shown them that talent, passion, and hard work are stronger than envy.
His story is a reminder to young people everywhere that your background doesn’t have to define you. Whether you’re rich or poor, what matters most is how hard you’re willing to work for your dream. Davido’s journey proves that staying true to yourself and pushing through hate can lead to success.
Even now, he still faces judgment. But Davido doesn’t fight back with words. He fights back with music. Every new song is a message. Every performance is proof that he earned his place. His fans love him not just because he’s famous, but because he’s real.
So, when Davido says, “They hate me cause of my father’s wealth,” he’s not just talking about money. He’s talking about a deeper truth—the pain of being misunderstood, the pressure of proving yourself, and the strength it takes to keep going when the world is watching.
And still, he rises.
