“One Of My Rolex’s Price Tag Can Give Somebody ‘Apollo” — Davido Speaks On His Life, Career & More!
Life has not been a bed of roses for HKNKing And OBO himself, Davido. In this interview with Nigerian Tribune, he shares his experiences before fame came his way and opens up on his musical career, private life and plans for the future.
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.
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.
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.
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.
D'Banj Finally Explains Why He Always Wears 2Wristwatches At The Same Time
D'banj explained, in a very recent interview with HipTv, why he usually wears two watches at the same time,all the time.
A style Davido and Naeto C have also copied.
D'Banj said:
No time to check time.
Actually, it's cos I'm too busy, you know, always on the move, you know,
one time is on Nigeria, the other is on New York.
So that Kanye West is not calling me and I'm like 'yo, who's this?', you
know, I'm always on check!
So I leave it at 2 time zones, that what's up! They are gold anyway.
A style Davido and Naeto C have also copied.
D'Banj said:
No time to check time.
Actually, it's cos I'm too busy, you know, always on the move, you know,
one time is on Nigeria, the other is on New York.
So that Kanye West is not calling me and I'm like 'yo, who's this?', you
know, I'm always on check!
So I leave it at 2 time zones, that what's up! They are gold anyway.
Aliko Dangote loses elder brother
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote is in a mourning mood…the business mogul lost his elder brother, Garba on thursday,17th of october 2013.
Confirming the death of his brother, Dangote informed This Day that his death came very suddenly as he suffered a massive stroke on Wednesday, and gave up the ghost some hours later.
The late Garba, 80, was a businessman and the first son in the family. Dangote confirmed that his brother was buried in accordance with Muslim rites yesterday in Kano. He was survived by a wife and children.
Confirming the death of his brother, Dangote informed This Day that his death came very suddenly as he suffered a massive stroke on Wednesday, and gave up the ghost some hours later.
The late Garba, 80, was a businessman and the first son in the family. Dangote confirmed that his brother was buried in accordance with Muslim rites yesterday in Kano. He was survived by a wife and children.
Beverly Osu Heartbroken As Angelo Reconciles With His South African Girlfriend
South African dancer Angelo Collins and Beverly Osu's boo in
the BBA house is reportedly back with his South African girlfriend,
Candice Arends.
According to sources in South Africa, Angelo is trying to woo her back and the couple have been spotted hanging out in different at different spots in the country.
It remains to be seen if their reconciliation will be a permanent one.
According to report, things kinda fell apart for Beverly and Angelo while he was in Nigeria a few weeks back for her birthday. Not only did Angelo make Bev's people buy his ticket to come to Nigeria, he also refused to be intimate with her, though they shared the same hotel rooms. Angelo said he wanted to wait until things got serious between them.
Meanwhile, Beverly is quite heartbroken but she's staying strong and moving on
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/50071.html
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According to sources in South Africa, Angelo is trying to woo her back and the couple have been spotted hanging out in different at different spots in the country.
It remains to be seen if their reconciliation will be a permanent one.
According to report, things kinda fell apart for Beverly and Angelo while he was in Nigeria a few weeks back for her birthday. Not only did Angelo make Bev's people buy his ticket to come to Nigeria, he also refused to be intimate with her, though they shared the same hotel rooms. Angelo said he wanted to wait until things got serious between them.
Add caption |
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/50071.html
PHOTO: Tonto Dikeh Trying To Kiss A Lady At Event?
Stars showed up to support Jeremiah Ogbodo known as Swanky Signatures as he launched his state of the art hangout spot in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State.
Controversial Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh was among the stars who graced the occasion.
She was spotted warmly greeting one of the attendees with a hello kiss.
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/50073.html
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/50073.html
Controversial Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh was among the stars who graced the occasion.
She was spotted warmly greeting one of the attendees with a hello kiss.
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/50073.html
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/50073.html
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PHOTO: Wizkid With His Beautiful Girlfriend At Felabration
Wizkid who was one of the acts lined up to perform at the ongoing felabration festival arrived at the venue with his boo, Tania.
While at the Shrine, the couple stayed upstairs at the make-shift artiste waiting room along with other acts like Waje, Weird Mc, KaySwitch and others who had arrived earlier.
The couple were said to be whispering in each others ears while hanging with friends.
Both wore matching black tops with Tania rocking a beige-coloured pair of pants while Wizkid opted for ankara pants and a fedora hat.
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/50074.html
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Catholic Nun Kills Her Baby To Coverup Her Sexual Activities In The Seminary
The woman, 26-year-old Sosefina Amoa, gave birth to the boy Oct. 10 in her room at the Little Sisters of the Poor elderly care facility, police said. Afraid the nuns would hear the newborn's cries and discover she lied about sexual activity, police say Amoa told investigators she smothered him by placing a wool garment over the child's mouth and nose and applying pressure.
A day later she and a nun took his body, in a small black luggage bag, to a hospital, police said.
Investigators interviewed Amoa after she arrived at the hospital and say they found bloody clothing and small traces of blood during a search of the convent room where she had been staying.
Amoa was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder after the death was ruled a homicide by asphyxiation. Her attorney declined to comment on the case Friday.
The order said in a statement that they are praying for everyone involved.
"We all feel that this is a tragic situation," said Sister Constance Veit, communications director at Little Sisters of the Poor.
Amoa arrived from the island of Samoa on Oct. 5 and was considered a postulant, someone who wants to be admitted to the order.
She initially told investigators that she did not know she was pregnant but that she experienced significant bleeding just prior to delivering the baby, whom she named Joseph.
She later said she had not told the convent about her past sexual activity and that after the child stopped breathing, she contemplated putting it in the trash but decided against it, police said.
Police say they interviewed a nun at the convent who said Amoa showed her the child and initially told her that she had found the body outside. The nun says Amoa later told her that she had given birth to the child, and police say the two of them together took the body to the hospital.
A day later she and a nun took his body, in a small black luggage bag, to a hospital, police said.
Investigators interviewed Amoa after she arrived at the hospital and say they found bloody clothing and small traces of blood during a search of the convent room where she had been staying.
Amoa was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder after the death was ruled a homicide by asphyxiation. Her attorney declined to comment on the case Friday.
The order said in a statement that they are praying for everyone involved.
"We all feel that this is a tragic situation," said Sister Constance Veit, communications director at Little Sisters of the Poor.
Amoa arrived from the island of Samoa on Oct. 5 and was considered a postulant, someone who wants to be admitted to the order.
She initially told investigators that she did not know she was pregnant but that she experienced significant bleeding just prior to delivering the baby, whom she named Joseph.
She later said she had not told the convent about her past sexual activity and that after the child stopped breathing, she contemplated putting it in the trash but decided against it, police said.
Police say they interviewed a nun at the convent who said Amoa showed her the child and initially told her that she had found the body outside. The nun says Amoa later told her that she had given birth to the child, and police say the two of them together took the body to the hospital.
Prostitutes & Youths With Crazy Haircuts Arrested By Shariah Police In Kano
I was a little bit worried when I saw this hairstyle, as in how can a normal human being do such on his/her head.
To me it's even scary! The Public Relations Officer of the Shariah Police, Malam Yusuf Yola, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano that the defaulters had been charged to court.
He said that members of the Hisbah corps also arrested deviant youths with crazy haircuts during the festivities.
Yola said that apart from those arrested for prostitution, more than 40 male and female youths were also picked up during the festive period for “misconduct’’ at places of leisure across the state.
According to him, the parents of some of those arrested were invited to the board for discussions and advice and most of the youth were later released. “For those who had mischievous haircuts, the board made sure that they had clean haircuts before they were released.
To me it's even scary! The Public Relations Officer of the Shariah Police, Malam Yusuf Yola, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano that the defaulters had been charged to court.
He said that members of the Hisbah corps also arrested deviant youths with crazy haircuts during the festivities.
Yola said that apart from those arrested for prostitution, more than 40 male and female youths were also picked up during the festive period for “misconduct’’ at places of leisure across the state.
According to him, the parents of some of those arrested were invited to the board for discussions and advice and most of the youth were later released. “For those who had mischievous haircuts, the board made sure that they had clean haircuts before they were released.
They called Me a Rejected Musician; Now I've Taken Over- kcee
Nobody knows tomorrow, that is the testimony of Kcee, the Limpopo master.
KCee, is making waves at the moment but the young man will not forget how he was seen and in fact, labelled a ‘rejected and dejected’ artiste before his fortune later changed. No wonder he is still amazed at the height he has achieved since he went solo a couple of years ago.
In his words: “God, the industry, and my fans suddenly made me a super attraction of the industry. Every single I drop got me more fans, made me more loved, and ranked me a level higher than where the last track stopped. It’s simply amazing.”
Having released a number hit singles that have received massive airplay, Kcee said he is all set to launch his debut album - Take Over.
“It’s amazing how things have turned out so sweetly and successfully for me, my brand, and my record label. Releasing a debut album is definitely a major career milestone,” the Limpopo master said.
KCee, is making waves at the moment but the young man will not forget how he was seen and in fact, labelled a ‘rejected and dejected’ artiste before his fortune later changed. No wonder he is still amazed at the height he has achieved since he went solo a couple of years ago.
In his words: “God, the industry, and my fans suddenly made me a super attraction of the industry. Every single I drop got me more fans, made me more loved, and ranked me a level higher than where the last track stopped. It’s simply amazing.”
Having released a number hit singles that have received massive airplay, Kcee said he is all set to launch his debut album - Take Over.
“It’s amazing how things have turned out so sweetly and successfully for me, my brand, and my record label. Releasing a debut album is definitely a major career milestone,” the Limpopo master said.
Master P’s Wife Files for Divorce after 24 Years of Marriage
After years of separation, New Orleans Hip-Hop mogul Master P’s wife, Sonya Miller has filed for divorce from him citing irreconcilable differences after 24 years of marriage.
According to TMZ, Sonya is seeking full custody of their minor children and spousal support. Sonya is also the mother of popular actor and rapper Romeo Miller.
Two years ago Sonya tried unsuccessfully to sue Master P for an increase in child support after they separated but ended up with only $271.00 a month for all four of their minor children. Now that she’s finally divorcing him, he’ll definitely be ordered to pay more. Master P used to be worth about $200million based off of the success of his defunct Hip-Hop label, No Limit Records.
According to TMZ, Sonya is seeking full custody of their minor children and spousal support. Sonya is also the mother of popular actor and rapper Romeo Miller.
Two years ago Sonya tried unsuccessfully to sue Master P for an increase in child support after they separated but ended up with only $271.00 a month for all four of their minor children. Now that she’s finally divorcing him, he’ll definitely be ordered to pay more. Master P used to be worth about $200million based off of the success of his defunct Hip-Hop label, No Limit Records.