Afrobeats superstar Davido has revealed that pursuing education overseas has been a long-standing tradition in his family, saying the practice dates back to his grandfather’s generation.
Speaking in a recent interview that has since attracted attention on social media, the award-winning singer said his grandfather believed strongly in international education and ensured that many of his children studied in the United States.
According to Davido, the family tradition continued with his father, who attended university in Kentucky, making overseas education a defining part of the family’s history.
“My grandfather was a senator, and most of his children were sent to America for their education. My dad went to university in Kentucky,” he said.
The singer noted that sending children abroad for higher education is a common practice among many affluent African families, adding that his own family has maintained the tradition across generations.
Davido also reflected on his multicultural heritage, explaining that his parents first met in London. He said his mother was from Edo State, while his father is Yoruba with Igbo ancestry through his grandmother.
He added that his mother later travelled to the United States to pursue a master’s degree, further strengthening the family’s longstanding ties to the country.
Looking back on his childhood, Davido said growing up between Nigeria and the United States broadened his perspective and played a significant role in shaping both his personal life and professional journey.
According to the singer, the exposure to different cultures helped him develop a global mindset that has contributed to his success as one of Africa’s biggest music exports.
Over the years, Davido has frequently spoken about the influence of his upbringing on his career, with the singer crediting his international experiences for helping him connect with audiences across different parts of the world while remaining rooted in his Nigerian identity.