Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido has stirred controversy online after claiming he once lived in a one-room public housing unit, popularly known in Nigeria as “face-me-I-face-you.”
The surprising claim comes from “CFMF,” a track off his newly released fifth studio album, 5ive, which dropped on Friday. In the song, Davido attributes his rise to wealth and stardom to divine intervention, singing:
“Started all the way from face me I face you…
And now, I am living real large all thanks to Jesu.”
The lyrics have triggered a wave of skepticism on social media, with many questioning the validity of his “grass-to-grace” narrative. Critics were quick to point out that Davido is the son of billionaire businessman Deji Adeleke, and has never been known to struggle financially.
This isn’t the first time the ‘Dami Duro’ hitmaker has attempted to portray a humble origin in his music. His 2011 debut single ‘Back When’ also faced public doubt for similar claims, as many believed his privileged background contradicted the story he was trying to tell.
While ‘Back When’ failed to make a big splash, Davido found his footing with 2012’s ‘Dami Duro’, where he leaned into his affluent upbringing with bold confidence. Now, more than a decade later, fans are once again debating whether Davido is rewriting his origin story for clout or creative expression?
Regardless of the truth, one thing is clear, the streets are talking, and Davido’s name is trending, again.
