Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido has thrown his weight behind the idea of couples maintaining separate bank accounts, arguing that financial independence can provide both partners with a measure of security in marriage and relationships.
The singer made the remarks during an appearance on The Uncut Podcast, where he was asked whether women should maintain secret bank accounts outside their relationships.
Davido said he had no objection to the idea, but stressed that the principle should not be limited to women. In his view, both men and women should have personal finances they can independently access, even when they are married.
“Yeah, I think it’s good. I actually think they should; you never know. If I ever found out that my wife had a secret bank account, I’d not be angry; I think everybody should have their own,” he said.
The music star’s position centres on the importance of being financially prepared for unforeseen circumstances. He suggested that relationships, despite being built on trust and commitment, cannot guarantee what the future may bring.
For Davido, maintaining an individual bank account does not necessarily amount to a lack of trust between partners. Rather, he views it as a practical form of financial independence that can ensure each person has some personal resources available when circumstances change.
His comments also broadened the conversation beyond the traditional debate over whether married women should keep money away from their husbands. Davido argued that the same financial freedom should be available to men, making separate accounts a mutual arrangement rather than something exclusive to one gender.
The singer maintained that having individual finances can be beneficial regardless of marital status, particularly as each partner may need some degree of financial autonomy.
“I think everybody should have their own,” Davido added.
His remarks have reignited a familiar debate about money and relationships, with financial transparency, joint accounts and personal savings often forming part of discussions about how couples should manage their finances.
While some couples prefer to pool their income and operate joint accounts, others maintain separate accounts while contributing to shared household expenses. Davido’s comments favour a system in which personal financial independence can coexist with the responsibilities and commitments of a relationship.