Why My Dad Bought Me Out of My First Record Deal – Davido

Nigerian superstar Davido has shared new details about how his billionaire father, Adedeji Adeleke, supported his career by buying him out of his first record deal in 2011.

Speaking recently, the singer, fondly called OBO by fans, recalled signing a deal with Black Diamond Promotions but revealed his father intervened to ensure he owned 100% of his masters.

The turning point came after Davido played the first cut of his breakout hit Dami Duro video for his dad, who had initially opposed his music career.

Davido’s revelation followed a tweet by his former label boss, Tosin Ashafa, who shared how the deal unfolded.

Responding to a trending topic on X about random music facts, Tosin wrote:

“I signed @davido to his 1st Official contract under Black Diamond Promotions with Cecil Hammond/another silent partner, we hired @GodwinTom to manage him.”

“Dr Adeleke realized David was really serious with pushing his music without him, reached out to us and bought us out.”

Davido reposted the tweet and clarified:

“No I signed the contract in 2011 … was a good contract not bad! But daddy wanted me to have 100 percent of whatever I was doing! Especially after I played him first cut of Dami Duro video in his office! He knew it was game time!!!”

He further expressed gratitude to Tosin and the team, saying:

“So much respect to you guys for allowing me walk!! Just know U were part of something that turned out to be phenomenal!!”

After parting ways with Black Diamond, Davido and his family established the HKN Gang.

He later moved on to create his own record label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), which has become a powerhouse in the Nigerian music industry.

This latest insight highlights how Davido’s family wealth, often seen as a hurdle, played a significant role in his rise to fame.