Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has revealed the longstanding relationship between his family and billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote, describing the industrialist as a figure who has continued to offer him advice from childhood into adulthood.
Davido made the revelation during an interview in Lagos, where he spoke about the close ties between the Dangote and Adeleke families and the personal relationship he has maintained with the billionaire over the years.
According to the singer, Dangote’s connection with his family predates his own career in music and goes back to his childhood.
The Afrobeats star recalled that Dangote was present in his early years and even played a personal role on the day he was born.
“Aliko Dangote drove my mom home from the hospital when she gave birth to me. Anytime I see him, he still tells me, ‘David, save your money.’ He’s been saying that since I was a baby,” he said.
Davido said the advice has remained consistent despite the enormous success he has achieved in the music and entertainment industry.
Rather than viewing Dangote solely as one of Africa’s most successful businessmen, Davido described him as someone whose relationship with his family has endured for decades and whose counsel has remained relevant as he has built his own career and wealth.
The singer also pointed to Dangote’s longstanding association with his father, businessman Adedeji Adeleke, as the foundation of the relationship between the two families.
He said the connection between the families had existed long before he became a globally recognised musician, making Dangote’s advice a familiar part of his life rather than something that began after he attained fame.
Davido’s account also highlights the influence of personal relationships and mentorship behind the public lives of prominent figures.
While the singer has established himself as one of Africa’s leading Afrobeats artists, he said Dangote has continued to remind him of the importance of financial discipline.
The billionaire’s recurring message — to save his money — appears to have remained unchanged even as Davido’s career has expanded internationally and his profile has grown far beyond Nigeria.
For Davido, the relationship represents more than a connection between two prominent Nigerian families. It is also a longstanding bond that has followed him from childhood into his adult life, with Dangote continuing to offer the same practical financial counsel he has given him for years.