Davido Reveals His Father Refunded $200K to Cancel His First Music Contract: “Thank God He Did”

Nigerian music icon Davido has revealed a pivotal moment in his early career when his father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, refunded $200,000 to cancel a record deal he had signed at the age of 17. In a recent interview with BET, Davido shared that after releasing his breakout hit “Dami Duro,” he was offered a lucrative contract that seemed like a major step forward.

“My Dad found out someone gave me $200K for a contract,” Davido said. “He called them, gave them back their money, and cancelled the contract.” At the time, the decision didn’t sit well with the young artist. “He didn’t want me to owe anybody, but I was feeling like, you’re a whole billionaire and you don’t want to give me money, so I had to go find my way.”

Now, Davido looks back on that moment with gratitude. “Thank God he did (cancel the contract), because I would have just been getting off the contract like two years ago,” he said. The story was also supported by businessman Tosin Ashafa, one of the original investors behind the deal, who confirmed on social media that the contract was indeed bought out by Davido’s father.

During the interview, Davido was also asked to choose between his A Good Time and Timeless tours. He selected Timeless, calling it a significant milestone that allowed him to connect with fans in sold-out arenas around the world.

As his career continues to soar, Davido is preparing to launch his 5 Alive tour. He recently announced 13 dates, including a major performance at the 60,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the UK, where he’ll headline alongside 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige. The tour will also include stops in Canada at the Scotia Bank Arena and Place Bell, and in the U.S. at venues such as the State Farm Arena in Atlanta and Barclays Center in Texas.

Fans attending the shows can look forward to performances of Davido’s greatest hits, including tracks from his fifth studio album, 5ive, which was released on April 18, 2025. The 17-track album features international collaborations and is already generating significant buzz across the global music scene.

Davido’s story is a powerful reminder of how the right decisions — even unpopular ones — can shape a superstar’s destiny. With the continued support of his family and an ever-growing global fanbase, he remains a leading force in African music and beyond.