Davido Recalls Skipping School in 2011 to Perform in Ibadan as 5ive Alive Tour Thrills Fans
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido, born David Adeleke, has opened up about a defining moment in his early career when he skipped school in 2011 to perform in Ibadan, Oyo State. The Grammy-nominated singer reflected on this bold step during a nostalgic post on X (formerly Twitter), sharing how his passion for music often pushed him to take risks at a young age.
Davido recalled being picked up from Babcock University by friends Asa, Peju, B-Red, and Sina to join the Lynxxx and Friends Tour. “I had no idea it was going to air on Soundcity, and when my pops saw it, I got in so much trouble,” he said, showing how his early enthusiasm for music often clashed with parental expectations.
The artist’s daring move paid off, as it laid the groundwork for his meteoric rise in the Nigerian music scene. Years later, Davido has returned to Ibadan, performing to sold-out crowds as part of his 5ive Alive tour, a celebration of his journey and influence in Afrobeats. The tour has been widely praised for bringing together fans and top artists, creating unforgettable performances across multiple Nigerian cities.
Reflecting on the tour, Davido wrote: “14 years later, we destroyed the stadium. The 5ive Alive run across Nigeria has been one for the books.” The tour not only highlights his musical evolution but also serves as a platform to showcase the vibrancy and global appeal of Nigerian music.
Beyond the performances, Davido used the tour to encourage his peers to invest in Nigeria and contribute to national development. “To my peers, let’s build back home and give back to our roots. Big love to all our sponsors for backing this historic tour,” he said, emphasizing the importance of supporting local talent and cultural growth.
The 5ive Alive tour is set to continue with upcoming concerts in Abuja and Lagos, giving fans nationwide the chance to experience Davido’s high-energy performances. His international journey continues as well, with a scheduled show at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, USA, on November 20th, ahead of his birthday on November 21st.
From skipping school to performing on some of the world’s biggest stages, Davido’s story exemplifies the rise of an ambitious talent into a global Afrobeats icon. His journey inspires young artists to follow their passion, embrace opportunities, and work hard to achieve their dreams.
As the tour continues to captivate audiences, Davido’s reflection on his early days reminds fans that even the smallest risks can lead to extraordinary milestones. His career trajectory underscores the transformative power of dedication, talent, and persistence in shaping Nigeria’s music industry.
